Fr. Bernard celebrated his 90th birthday on January 13, 2021.
A familiar figure on the Marmion property in recent years has been Father Bernard. Whether heading out on one of his many bike rides, filling the bird feeders around the abbey, or mowing abbey grass, many people recognize Fr. Bernard and his infectious smile.
Fr. Bernard was raised on the East Side of Aurora and entered Marmion Abbey in 1950. Last year Fr. Bernard celebrated the 60th anniversary of his monastic profession. After ordination to the priesthood in 1956, Fr. Bernard taught Latin at Marmion Military Academy on Lake Street. He began to train as a chaplain in the United States Army in 1969, serving in Vietnam until 1971. He had a break in active duty until 1976, when he entered Officer Training and then served in places as varied as South Korea, Germany, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Upon retirement from the military in 1995, Fr. Bernard returned to the abbey. He served for several years as Faculty Chaplain at the Academy, was active in parish work, and began to conduct A.A. retreats and do spiritual direction. For some years he has served as chaplain for the Fox Valley Notre Dame Club. In January, Fr. Bernard observes two milestones. On January 11, 2020 he marked 47 years of sobriety. It was in 1973 that he entered Alcoholic Anonymous. Since that time the twelve-step program has been an instrumental part of Fr. Bernard’s spiritual growth and ministry. On January 13 Fr. Bernard observed his 89th birthday. Father Bernard continues to attend Mass, Divine Office and community meals. All of Fr. Bernard’s confreres at the abbey and friends throughout the Fox Valley and the world hope that his priestly zeal and monastic witness will continue for many more years.