COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. (CNS) — A funeral Mass was celebrated June 25 for Benedictine Abbot John Eidenschink, 89, who was abbot of St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville from 1971 to 1979. The abbot died June 19 at St. John’s Abbey Health Center after a lengthy period of declining health.
His funeral Mass was celebrated at the Abbey Church of St. John the Baptist, followed by burial in the abbey cemetery. He was seventh abbot of the abbey. He was president of the American-Cassinese Congregation of Benedictine Men from 1983 to 1989. After resigning as abbot at age 65, Abbot Eidenschink was pastor, in 1979-87, and then associate pastor, 1987-88, of Seven Dolors Parish in Albany. He was chaplain of what is now called Mother of Mercy Campus of Care in Albany, 1988-98, before retiring. Abbot Eidenschink’s life of service was tempered by allegations of sexual abuse made against him by two former monks. The first incidents of abuse occurred in the 1960s when Abbot Eidenschink was subprior, the abbey’s third in rank, and the second incidents occurred during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Benedictine Abbot Eidenschink, retired head of Minnesota abbey, dies
Published: 2004-06-28
