St Norbert High School - Argos Yearbook (De Pere, WI)

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1. The Old Timers of St. Norbert ' s 2. Receiving the Knight of the Order of the Crown from the Belgium Government 3. Conferring degrees at the end of the Summer School 4. Speaking on the occasion of his 90th birthday. 5. Abbot Pennings with Abbot Killeen (left) and Abbot General Noots (center)

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1861 1955 In Memory of THE RIGHT REVEREND BERNARD H. PENNINGS, O.PRAEM ABBOT Founder of St. Norbert Abbey WEST DE PERE, WISCONSIN June 6, 1861 October 26, 1879 June 5, 1881 June 6, 1884 June 19, 1886 October 31, 1893 November 1, 1893 November 13, 1893 November 26, 1893 September 28, 1898 October 10, 1898 July 1, 1900 November 5, 1905 June 19, 191 1 February 10, 1925 May 27, 1925 June 6, 1934 June 18, 1936 May 12, 1937 March 19, 1951 June 9, 1951 March 17, March 23, 1955 1955 Born atGemert, North Brabant, Holland. Henry Pennings vested with the white habit of St. Norbert at Berne Abbey, Holland. He took the name of Frater Bernard. Frater Bernard Pennings professed his simple vows. He pronounced his Solemn vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience. Ordained a Priest. Appointed superior of American venture. Father Pennings and two companions sailed for America. They arrive at Hoboken, New Jersey. Offered First Mass at first mission, Delwiche, now Fairland. Father Pennings assumed charge of St. Joseph ' s Parish, W. De Pere. First Norber- tine Priory in America established. Frank Van Dyke received first Latin lesson. St. Norbert High School and College founded. Father Pennings officially assumed pastorate of St. Joseph Church. Pope Leo XIII designated St. Norbert Priory an independent Priory officially separated from Berne Abbey. Silver Anniversary of the ordination of Father Pennings. Blessed by Pope Pius X (now St. Pius). Pope Pius XI raised St. Norbert Priory to the rank of an Abbey and appointed Father Pennings as first Norbertine Abbot in America. Blessed as Abbot. Received Cappa Magna and purple pileolus (Pope Pius XI). He received the purple biretta. Marquette University awards him an honorary doctor of laws degree. Belgium government awards him Knight of the Order of the Crown. On his 90th birthday. Pope Pius XII named him a Knight Commander of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Died at 7:35 A.M., St. Vincent Hospital, Green Bay. Buried, Abbey lot. Calvary Cemetery, W. De Pere.

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MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE The following are just a few of the many messages of condolence which were receivecJ at St. Norbert Abbey. They are the final tribute which was paid by the hundred of friends of our beloved founder. Grieved by sad news of death of Abbot Pennings. I express heartfelt sympathy to Norbertine Fathers and give assurance of remembrances in my Masses and prayers for the noble soul of your beloved Abbot. + Amieto Giovanni Cicognani, Apostolic Delegate. I thanl you for your telegram informing me of the death of Abbot Pennings. I offer you and the members of the Community my heartfelt sympathy in this bereavement and assure you of a remembrance of his soul in my prayers. + Francis Cardinal Spellman, Archbishop of New York. My very deep sympathy. + Samuel Cardinal Stritch, Archbishop of Chicago. I write to thank you for your telegram and to express sincerest sympathy and condol- ences for the death of Abbot Pennings. What a magnificent man he was! I renew my participation in your grief. I shall remember the Abbot at Mass and in my prayers. + Leo Binz, Archbishop of Dubuque. This letter is to assure you that I have made the necessary arrangements which will permit me to be present at the funeral of Abbot Pennings, next Wednesday morning. Again assuring you of a remembrance in Mass and prayer for the soul of the dear de- parted, I remain. + Albert G. Meyer, Archbishop of Milwaukee. The diocese of Green Bay mourns the passing of a great priest who came to this diocese more than 60 years ago. He has spent these many years in this diocese laboring as a missionary, a pastor, and an educator. His outstanding work for the Church, both as a member of the Norbertine Order and a priest in the diocese of Green Bay, will long be remembered. The works that remain after him are the monuments to his zealous labors. + Stanislaus V. Bona, Bishop of Green Bay. In the death of Abbot Pennings we have lost a man of God whose life bears witness to the great things which can be accomplished by sincere dedication to God ' s service. While 1 extend to you and the members of your Order my sympathy, I thank God for the influence of Father Abbot ' s life upon the religious formation of our diocese and beyond. + John B. Grellinger, Aux. Bishop of Green Bay. The death of Abbot Pennings brings to an end a life of great achievement for the Church. A landmark has been removed from the Church in the middle west. At the same time we reflect with consolation of the fact that he has educated and formed many stalwart sons who will continue the great work under your (Abbot Killeen who is Abbot Pennings successor) able leadership. It is my fervent prayer that God will give you guidance and strength in the task that is yours. -f Thomas L. Noa, Bishop of Marquette.