Fr. Ignatius Smith (1926-2013)

Father Ignatius was born on August 31, 1926, in Wilmore, Pa., the son of Peter Joseph and Florence Smith.  The oldest of three children he grew up in the heart of Benedictine territory in Pennsylvania, a short distance from Carroltown, where Father Henry Lemke, the first Benedictine monk to come to Kansas is buried.  Six first cousins went on to the priesthood, including several who became monks at St. Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, Pa.  Father Ignatius followed them and professed vows at the Archabbey on September 23, 1946.  He was ordained to the priesthood as a monk of St. Vincent Archabbey on December 18, 1954.

Later, Father Ignatius transferred his vows to Holy Cross Abbey, Cañon City, Colo., a foundation of St. Vincent.  While a monk there he was faithful to duties in parishes throughout Colorado, as well as serving at various times as Prior at the monastery in Cañon City.  In July, 2002, when the monks of Holy Cross voted to close the monastery, Father Ignatius was appointed administrator in the period of transition.  He later came to Atchison, transferring his vows here.

Throughout his life Father Ignatius he saw much change:  growing up in the Great Depression, moving to Colorado, and then witnessing the closing of that monastic community.  Through it all he remained faithful to his commitment as a monk and priest.

Father Ignatius Smith passed away April 27, 2013.