My Genealogy Hound

REV. FINTAN MUNDWILER, the present Abbot of St. Meinrad, came to America from Einsiedeln in 1860, with Rev. Martin Marty, and took charge of the classical departments of the college. In 1866 he appeared as Prefect of the college. In September of the same year the Benedictine Fathers were given charge of seminaries of the diocese of Vincennes, and Father Fintan’s name is among the first professors. In 1871 when Prior Martin was elevated to the rank of Abbot at St. Meinrad, he chose Father Fintan as Prior. On the 23d of May, 1880, St. Meinrad received its second Abbot in the person of Rev. Fintan Mundwiler. The solemn benediction took place on the above date, and was pronounced by Bishop Chatard. Abbot Fintan was born July 12, 1835, at Dietikon, Canton Zurich, Switzerland. He was the Prior, and had full charge of the affairs of the monastery during the absence of Abbot Martin in Dakota Territory. Abbot Fintan is much beloved by his own, and all who come in contact with him. He is noted for his learning and piety, and his correct judgment and quiet, undisturbed mind, never losing his mental poise. He has done a vast benefit for his abbey, church and college, and is now engaged in the construction of a magnificent temple of worship, an addition to the abbey. A fine portrait of Father Mundwiler appears elsewhere in this volume, also a three-page cut of the abbey and church.