Six Monks Celebrate Jubilees

The Benedictine monks of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, St. Meinrad, IN, celebrated the 60-year priesthood jubilees of Fr. Harold Hammerstein, Fr. Simeon Daly and Fr. Rupert Ostdick; the 50-year jubilees of Fr. Damian Schmelz and Fr. Columba Kelly; and the 25-year jubilee of Fr. Mark O’Keefe on May 25.

Fr. Harold was born October 13, 1923, in Evansville, IN. He professed vows on August 10, 1944, and was ordained on July 10, 1948.

A teacher of physical education in the former minor seminary at Saint Meinrad for many years, Fr. Harold also served for a time as chaplain at the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, IN. From 1975-78, he was pastor at St. Augustine Parish, Leopold, IN. Since 1978, Fr. Harold has been residing in Evansville and assisting at St. Benedict Cathedral.

Fr. Simeon was born May 9, 1922, in Detroit, MI. He professed vows on August 10, 1944, and was ordained May 18, 1948. He attended high school, college and seminary at Saint Meinrad. Fr. Simeon has a licentiate in sacred theology and a master’s degree in library science, both from The Catholic University of America.

Fr. Simeon taught religion and liturgy at Saint Meinrad and served as assistant librarian for two years. In 1951, he was appointed head librarian. He also served as monastery subprior (third in leadership) for three years, 1975-78. He served the American Theological Library Association as a board member (1973-76), president (1979-81) and executive secretary (1985-90).

After almost 50 years, he retired as librarian on August 1, 2000. Fr. Simeon helps out in the Development Office.

Fr. Rupert was born November 14, 1921, in Elgin, IL. He professed vows on August 10, 1944, and was ordained on May 18, 1948. Fr. Rupert completed his college and seminary studies at Saint Meinrad.

Fr. Rupert served for a year as assistant treasurer of the Archabbey and from 1948-79 as treasurer. During those years, he also served as assistant spiritual director, spiritual director, and master of novices and instructor of clerics. In 1972, Fr. Rupert assumed the role of the Archabbey’s business manager/treasurer.

In 1979, Fr. Rupert was appointed general manager of Abbey Press. In 1991, he began working with employees’ health claims in the Human Resources Department. He now is the co-worker pastoral liaison. Fr. Rupert served the monastic community as subprior from 1986-96.

Fr. Damian was born May 7, 1932, in Georgetown, IN. He professed vows on July 31, 1953, and was ordained on May 3, 1958. Fr. Damian received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Meinrad College, a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from The Catholic University of America, and master’s and doctorate degrees from Purdue University.

He began his teaching career as a biology instructor at Saint Meinrad in 1959, became Saint Meinrad College assistant dean of students in 1971, College trustee in 1974, and College academic dean in 1975—positions he held until the College closed in 1998.

Fr. Damian has served as pastor of St. Henry Parish, St. Henry, IN, since 2001.

Fr. Columba was born October 30, 1930, in Williamsburg, IA. He professed vows on July 31, 1953, and was ordained to the priesthood July 5, 1958. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Meinrad College and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology and an MsSacD degree from the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music, Rome.

Fr. Columba was the Archabbey choirmaster for many years, beginning in 1964. During that time, he began composing English-language chants based on the principles used to create original chant repertory.

He taught summer sessions at St. Joseph College Liturgical Music Program in Rensselear, from 1964-72. Fr. Columba was prior (second in leadership) of the monastery from 1978-84. From 1984-89, he was a professor at Saint Meinrad College.

In addition to composing, he gives workshops and publishes extensively in scholarly journals. Fr. Columba is a commuting chaplain for Monastery Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand, IN, and a member of the adjunct faculty at Saint Meinrad School of Theology.

Fr. Mark was born August 2, 1956, in Shirley, MA. He made his profession of vows on August 6, 1979, and was ordained to the priesthood on May 1, 1983. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Meinrad College, a Master of Arts from Indiana University and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from The Catholic University of America.

On June 1, he will complete a 12-year tenure as president-rector of Saint Meinrad School of Theology. Previously, he served as associate academic dean and academic dean. He teaches moral theology in the School of Theology.

Fr. Mark is the author of seven books and his articles have appeared in academic and popular journals. He is a frequent speaker at gatherings of bishops, priests, seminarians and parish groups. Effective August 1, he will be pastor of St. Mary Parish, Huntingburg, IN.

Photo from left are Fr. Columba, Fr. Harold, Fr. Simeon, Fr. Rupert and Fr. Damian. Fr. Mark was absent when the photo was taken.