Benedictine Archabbot Kurt Stasiak celebrates 50 years of monastic life

Benedictine Archabbot Kurt Stasiak, the leader of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, observed the 50th anniversary of his profession of vows during Mass on May 25.

He was elected the 10th abbot and seventh archabbot on June 2, 2016. Archabbot Kurt, 72, served as Saint Meinrad’s prior, second in leadership in the monastery, from July 9, 2010, until his election as abbot.

Born in Rüdesheim, Germany, on Oct. 9, 1952, Archabbot Kurt professed vows as a Benedictine monk on Aug. 15, 1975, and was ordained a priest on April 27, 1980. He earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from the former Saint Meinrad College in 1974 and a Master of Divinity in 1980 from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology.

Archabbot Kurt later earned a licentiate (1986) and a doctorate (1993) in sacramental theology from Pontifical Anthenaeum of Sant’ Anselmo in Rome.

From 1978-81, Archabbot Kurt served as administrative assistant to the president-rector of Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. In 1980, he was appointed the seminary’s associate spiritual director.

From 1986-90, Archabbot Kurt taught sacramental theology in the seminary and was assistant to the novice/junior master in the monastery. Also during that time, he served as secretary to the archabbot (1986-89) and as vocation director for the monastery (1986-90 and 1992-98).

Archabbot Kurt taught sacramental and liturgical theology in the seminary from 1986-2016. For 10 years, he also served as its director of spiritual formation. Other assignments have included provost-vice rector of the seminary (2005-08) and chair of the Archabbey Church Renovation Committee (1993-97).

Archabbot Kurt is the author of several books, including A Confessor’s Handbook (a revised and expanded edition was published in 2010); Sacramental Theology: Means of Grace, Ways of Life; Return to Grace: A Theology for Infant Baptism; and his most recent, From Sinners to Saints: A Guide to Understanding the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He has written numerous articles and book reviews for a variety of publications.

Archabbot Kurt has also given days of retreat and recollection for clergy and laity and served as the monastery’s master of ceremonies. †