The world's oldest Benedictine monk, Fr Theodore Heck, has died aged 108 at St Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana.
Fr Heck died in the monastery's infirmary.
Born January 16, 1901 in Chariton, Iowa, Fr Heck was ordained to the priesthood on May 21, 1929. He earned a PhD in education at The Catholic University of America in 1935, and for more than 50 years taught in St Meinrad's minor and major seminaries and held various administrative positions in the St Meinrad schools.
Fr Heck was a jubilarian in profession and priesthood, the senior member of the Swiss-American Congregation in profession, priesthood and age, and the senior in age of the entire confederation of Benedictine monks throughout the world. He was also a participant in the Rush Religious Study on Aging and Alzheimer's.
He was subprior (the third highest leader) at the monastery for 17 years and served as prior (second highest leader) for three years. He was a founding member of the American Benedictine Academy, serving as its first president from 1947-1957.
At age 70, he began 17 years of pastoral service as vicar of St John Chrysostom Catholic Church in New Boston, Indiana. During these years, he continued to teach on the college faculty.
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World's oldest Benedictine monk, 108, dies at St. Meinrad Archabbey (Courier-Press)
World’s oldest Benedictine monk dies at Saint Meinrad Archabbey (St Meinrad Archabbey News)
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