Fr. Augustine Ludwig, 1930 - 2007

      Father Augustine Ludwig died at Saint Francis Hospital, Richmond, Virginia,on December 30, 2007, following a long and difficult illness, . He had been fortified with the Sacraments of the Anointing and Viaticum.

      August William Ludwig was born in Rock Island, Illinois, on September 5, 1930.  He was the eldest child of three born to August and Mildred (Minnehan) Ludwig.  He received his early education in Rock Island.  After High School he entered the religious life and became a Marianist brother in Wisconsin in 1949.  He remained with Marianists for 40 years.  During that time he held numerous positions including teaching and administration in Texas, Missouri, Washington State and Honolulu, Hawaii.  In 1981 he left the Marianists seeking a more monastic way of life and joined the Benedictine monastery of Saint Mark’s Priory in South Union, Kentucky where he professed vows as a Benedictine monk on February 22, 1983 and received the name of Augustine.  In 1986 he moved to the Benedictine Abbey in Newark, New Jersey.While there he attended Seton Hall Seminary and was ordained a priest on June 5, 1987.  In 1988 he transferred to Saint Benedict’s Priory in Richmond which at the time was a dependent monastery of Belmont Abbey, North Carolina.  Saint Benedict’s Priory became an independent abbey in June, 1989. 

 

In 1988 he transferred to Saint Benedict’s Priory in Richmond which at the time was a dependent monastery of Belmont Abbey, North Carolina.  Saint Benedict’s Priory became an independent abbey in June, 1989.      In Richmond he held several positions. He was Associate Pastor of Saint Benedict’s Parish for a brief period in 1988-89 and at the same time taught religious studies at Benedictine High School.  In June of 1989 he was appointed Headmaster of Benedictine High School.      When the Abbey moved to its present site in Goochland County in 1994 Father was named Subprior and Master of Novices.  His health began to deteriorate and in December of 2001 he became a resident at an assisted living facility in Tampa, Florida. He returned to the Abbey in Richmond in 2005 so his brothers in the monastery could care for him which they did until his death.      Father Augustine has many devoted friends throughout the country. He worked at forming lasting human relationships. They were lasting because he had a way of making one feel cared for and respected. He was articulate and did not hesitate to express his opinion or make demands or ask for information. He will be missed by many people.      In addition to his monastic family, Father Augustine is survived by one brother, James, of Taylor Ridge, Illinois, a niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death of his parents and a sister.      A wake service was held on Thursday, January 23, 2008 at Mary Mother of The Church Abbey.      A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on January 4th  in the Abbey Church followed by internment in the Abbey Cemetery.

In 1988 he transferred to Saint Benedict’s Priory in Richmond which at the time was a dependent monastery of Belmont Abbey, North Carolina.  Saint Benedict’s Priory became an independent abbey in June, 1989.      In Richmond he held several positions. He was Associate Pastor of Saint Benedict’s Parish for a brief period in 1988-89 and at the same time taught religious studies at Benedictine High School.  In June of 1989 he was appointed Headmaster of Benedictine High School.      When the Abbey moved to its present site in Goochland County in 1994 Father was named Subprior and Master of Novices.  His health began to deteriorate and in December of 2001 he became a resident at an assisted living facility in Tampa, Florida. He returned to the Abbey in Richmond in 2005 so his brothers in the monastery could care for him which they did until his death.      Father Augustine has many devoted friends throughout the country. He worked at forming lasting human relationships. They were lasting because he had a way of making one feel cared for and respected. He was articulate and did not hesitate to express his opinion or make demands or ask for information. He will be missed by many people.      In addition to his monastic family, Father Augustine is survived by one brother, James, of Taylor Ridge, Illinois, a niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death of his parents and a sister.      A wake service was held on Thursday, January 23, 2008 at Mary Mother of The Church Abbey.      A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on January 4th  in the Abbey Church followed by internment in the Abbey Cemetery.

  In 1988 he transferred to Saint Benedict’s Priory in Richmond which at the time was a dependent monastery of Belmont Abbey, North Carolina.  Saint Benedict’s Priory became an independent
abbey in June, 1989.

     In Richmond he held several positions. He was Associate Pastor of Saint
Benedict’s Parish for a brief period in 1988-89 and at the same time taught religious studies at Benedictine High School.  In June of 1989 he was appointed Headmaster of Benedictine High School.

      When the Abbey moved to its present site in Goochland County in 1994 Father was named Subprior and Master of Novices.  His health began to deteriorate and in December of 2001 he became a resident at an assisted living facility in Tampa, Florida. He returned to the Abbey in Richmond in 2005 so his brothers in the monastery could care for him which they did until his death.

     Father Augustine has many devoted friends throughout the country. He worked at forming lasting human relationships. They were lasting because he had a way of making one feel cared for and respected. He was articulate and did not hesitate to express his opinion or make demands or ask for information. He will be missed by many people.

     In addition to his monastic family, Father Augustine is survived by one brother, James, of Taylor Ridge, Illinois, a niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death of his parents and a sister.

     A wake service was held on Thursday, January 23, 2008 at Mary Mother of The Church Abbey.

     A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on January 4th  in the Abbey Church followed by internment in the Abbey Cemetery.

 

In 1988 he transferred to Saint Benedict’s Priory in Richmond which at the time was a dependent monastery of Belmont Abbey, North Carolina.  Saint Benedict’s Priory became an independent abbey in June, 1989.      In Richmond he held several positions. He was Associate Pastor of Saint Benedict’s Parish for a brief period in 1988-89 and at the same time taught religious studies at Benedictine High School.  In June of 1989 he was appointed Headmaster of Benedictine High School.      When the Abbey moved to its present site in Goochland County in 1994 Father was named Subprior and Master of Novices.  His health began to deteriorate and in December of 2001 he became a resident at an assisted living facility in Tampa, Florida. He returned to the Abbey in Richmond in 2005 so his brothers in the monastery could care for him which they did until his death.      Father Augustine has many devoted friends throughout the country. He worked at forming lasting human relationships. They were lasting because he had a way of making one feel cared for and respected. He was articulate and did not hesitate to express his opinion or make demands or ask for information. He will be missed by many people.      In addition to his monastic family, Father Augustine is survived by one brother, James, of Taylor Ridge, Illinois, a niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death of his parents and a sister.      A wake service was held on Thursday, January 23, 2008 at Mary Mother of The Church Abbey.      A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on January 4th  in the Abbey Church followed by internment in the Abbey Cemetery.

In 1988 he transferred to Saint Benedict’s Priory in Richmond which at the time was a dependent monastery of Belmont Abbey, North Carolina.  Saint Benedict’s Priory became an independent abbey in June, 1989.      In Richmond he held several positions. He was Associate Pastor of Saint Benedict’s Parish for a brief period in 1988-89 and at the same time taught religious studies at Benedictine High School.  In June of 1989 he was appointed Headmaster of Benedictine High School.      When the Abbey moved to its present site in Goochland County in 1994 Father was named Subprior and Master of Novices.  His health began to deteriorate and in December of 2001 he became a resident at an assisted living facility in Tampa, Florida. He returned to the Abbey in Richmond in 2005 so his brothers in the monastery could care for him which they did until his death.      Father Augustine has many devoted friends throughout the country. He worked at forming lasting human relationships. They were lasting because he had a way of making one feel cared for and respected. He was articulate and did not hesitate to express his opinion or make demands or ask for information. He will be missed by many people.      In addition to his monastic family, Father Augustine is survived by one brother, James, of Taylor Ridge, Illinois, a niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death of his parents and a sister.      A wake service was held on Thursday, January 23, 2008 at Mary Mother of The Church Abbey.      A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on January 4th  in the Abbey Church followed by internment in the Abbey Cemetery.

In 1988 he transferred to Saint Benedict’s Priory in Richmond which at the time was a dependent monastery of Belmont Abbey, North Carolina.  Saint Benedict’s Priory became an independent abbey in June, 1989.      In Richmond he held several positions. He was Associate Pastor of Saint Benedict’s Parish for a brief period in 1988-89 and at the same time taught religious studies at Benedictine High School.  In June of 1989 he was appointed Headmaster of Benedictine High School.      When the Abbey moved to its present site in Goochland County in 1994 Father was named Subprior and Master of Novices.  His health began to deteriorate and in December of 2001 he became a resident at an assisted living facility in Tampa, Florida. He returned to the Abbey in Richmond in 2005 so his brothers in the monastery could care for him which they did until his death.      Father Augustine has many devoted friends throughout the country. He worked at forming lasting human relationships. They were lasting because he had a way of making one feel cared for and respected. He was articulate and did not hesitate to express his opinion or make demands or ask for information. He will be missed by many people.      In addition to his monastic family, Father Augustine is survived by one brother, James, of Taylor Ridge, Illinois, a niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death of his parents and a sister.      A wake service was held on Thursday, January 23, 2008 at Mary Mother of The Church Abbey.      A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on January 4th  in the Abbey Church followed by internment in the Abbey Cemetery.

In 1988 he transferred to Saint Benedict’s Priory in Richmond which at the time was a dependent monastery of Belmont Abbey, North Carolina.  Saint Benedict’s Priory became an independent abbey in June, 1989.      In Richmond he held several positions. He was Associate Pastor of Saint Benedict’s Parish for a brief period in 1988-89 and at the same time taught religious studies at Benedictine High School.  In June of 1989 he was appointed Headmaster of Benedictine High School.      When the Abbey moved to its present site in Goochland County in 1994 Father was named Subprior and Master of Novices.  His health began to deteriorate and in December of 2001 he became a resident at an assisted living facility in Tampa, Florida. He returned to the Abbey in Richmond in 2005 so his brothers in the monastery could care for him which they did until his death.      Father Augustine has many devoted friends throughout the country. He worked at forming lasting human relationships. They were lasting because he had a way of making one feel cared for and respected. He was articulate and did not hesitate to express his opinion or make demands or ask for information. He will be missed by many people.      In addition to his monastic family, Father Augustine is survived by one brother, James, of Taylor Ridge, Illinois, a niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death of his parents and a sister.      A wake service was held on Thursday, January 23, 2008 at Mary Mother of The Church Abbey.      A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on January 4th  in the Abbey Church followed by internment in the Abbey Cemetery.

In 1988 he transferred to Saint Benedict’s Priory in Richmond which at the time was a dependent monastery of Belmont Abbey, North Carolina.  Saint Benedict’s Priory became an independent abbey in June, 1989.      In Richmond he held several positions. He was Associate Pastor of Saint Benedict’s Parish for a brief period in 1988-89 and at the same time taught religious studies at Benedictine High School.  In June of 1989 he was appointed Headmaster of Benedictine High School.      When the Abbey moved to its present site in Goochland County in 1994 Father was named Subprior and Master of Novices.  His health began to deteriorate and in December of 2001 he became a resident at an assisted living facility in Tampa, Florida. He returned to the Abbey in Richmond in 2005 so his brothers in the monastery could care for him which they did until his death.      Father Augustine has many devoted friends throughout the country. He worked at forming lasting human relationships. They were lasting because he had a way of making one feel cared for and respected. He was articulate and did not hesitate to express his opinion or make demands or ask for information. He will be missed by many people.      In addition to his monastic family, Father Augustine is survived by one brother, James, of Taylor Ridge, Illinois, a niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death of his parents and a sister.      A wake service was held on Thursday, January 23, 2008 at Mary Mother of The Church Abbey.      A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on January 4th  in the Abbey Church followed by internment in the Abbey Cemetery.

In 1988 he transferred to Saint Benedict’s Priory in Richmond which at the time was a dependent monastery of Belmont Abbey, North Carolina.  Saint Benedict’s Priory became an independent abbey in June, 1989.      In Richmond he held several positions. He was Associate Pastor of Saint Benedict’s Parish for a brief period in 1988-89 and at the same time taught religious studies at Benedictine High School.  In June of 1989 he was appointed Headmaster of Benedictine High School.      When the Abbey moved to its present site in Goochland County in 1994 Father was named Subprior and Master of Novices.  His health began to deteriorate and in December of 2001 he became a resident at an assisted living facility in Tampa, Florida. He returned to the Abbey in Richmond in 2005 so his brothers in the monastery could care for him which they did until his death.      Father Augustine has many devoted friends throughout the country. He worked at forming lasting human relationships. They were lasting because he had a way of making one feel cared for and respected. He was articulate and did not hesitate to express his opinion or make demands or ask for information. He will be missed by many people.      In addition to his monastic family, Father Augustine is survived by one brother, James, of Taylor Ridge, Illinois, a niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death of his parents and a sister.      A wake service was held on Thursday, January 23, 2008 at Mary Mother of The Church Abbey.      A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on January 4th  in the Abbey Church followed by internment in the Abbey Cemetery.

In 1988 he transferred to Saint Benedict’s Priory in Richmond which at the time was a dependent monastery of Belmont Abbey, North Carolina.  Saint Benedict’s Priory became an independent abbey in June, 1989.      In Richmond he held several positions. He was Associate Pastor of Saint Benedict’s Parish for a brief period in 1988-89 and at the same time taught religious studies at Benedictine High School.  In June of 1989 he was appointed Headmaster of Benedictine High School.      When the Abbey moved to its present site in Goochland County in 1994 Father was named Subprior and Master of Novices.  His health began to deteriorate and in December of 2001 he became a resident at an assisted living facility in Tampa, Florida. He returned to the Abbey in Richmond in 2005 so his brothers in the monastery could care for him which they did until his death.      Father Augustine has many devoted friends throughout the country. He worked at forming lasting human relationships. They were lasting because he had a way of making one feel cared for and respected. He was articulate and did not hesitate to express his opinion or make demands or ask for information. He will be missed by many people.      In addition to his monastic family, Father Augustine is survived by one brother, James, of Taylor Ridge, Illinois, a niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death of his parents and a sister.      A wake service was held on Thursday, January 23, 2008 at Mary Mother of The Church Abbey.      A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on January 4th  in the Abbey Church followed by internment in the Abbey Cemetery.

In 1988 he transferred to Saint Benedict’s Priory in Richmond which at the time was a dependent monastery of Belmont Abbey, North Carolina.  Saint Benedict’s Priory became an independent abbey in June, 1989.      In Richmond he held several positions. He was Associate Pastor of Saint Benedict’s Parish for a brief period in 1988-89 and at the same time taught religious studies at Benedictine High School.  In June of 1989 he was appointed Headmaster of Benedictine High School.      When the Abbey moved to its present site in Goochland County in 1994 Father was named Subprior and Master of Novices.  His health began to deteriorate and in December of 2001 he became a resident at an assisted living facility in Tampa, Florida. He returned to the Abbey in Richmond in 2005 so his brothers in the monastery could care for him which they did until his death.      Father Augustine has many devoted friends throughout the country. He worked at forming lasting human relationships. They were lasting because he had a way of making one feel cared for and respected. He was articulate and did not hesitate to express his opinion or make demands or ask for information. He will be missed by many people.      In addition to his monastic family, Father Augustine is survived by one brother, James, of Taylor Ridge, Illinois, a niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death of his parents and a sister.      A wake service was held on Thursday, January 23, 2008 at Mary Mother of The Church Abbey.      A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on January 4th  in the Abbey Church followed by internment in the Abbey Cemetery.

In 1988 he transferred to Saint Benedict’s Priory in Richmond which at the time was a dependent monastery of Belmont Abbey, North Carolina.  Saint Benedict’s Priory became an independent abbey in June, 1989.      In Richmond he held several positions. He was Associate Pastor of Saint Benedict’s Parish for a brief period in 1988-89 and at the same time taught religious studies at Benedictine High School.  In June of 1989 he was appointed Headmaster of Benedictine High School.      When the Abbey moved to its present site in Goochland County in 1994 Father was named Subprior and Master of Novices.  His health began to deteriorate and in December of 2001 he became a resident at an assisted living facility in Tampa, Florida. He returned to the Abbey in Richmond in 2005 so his brothers in the monastery could care for him which they did until his death.      Father Augustine has many devoted friends throughout the country. He worked at forming lasting human relationships. They were lasting because he had a way of making one feel cared for and respected. He was articulate and did not hesitate to express his opinion or make demands or ask for information. He will be missed by many people.      In addition to his monastic family, Father Augustine is survived by one brother, James, of Taylor Ridge, Illinois, a niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death of his parents and a sister.      A wake service was held on Thursday, January 23, 2008 at Mary Mother of The Church Abbey.      A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on January 4th  in the Abbey Church followed by internment in the Abbey Cemetery.

In 1988 he transferred to Saint Benedict’s Priory in Richmond which at the time was a dependent monastery of Belmont Abbey, North Carolina.  Saint Benedict’s Priory became an independent abbey in June, 1989.      In Richmond he held several positions. He was Associate Pastor of Saint Benedict’s Parish for a brief period in 1988-89 and at the same time taught religious studies at Benedictine High School.  In June of 1989 he was appointed Headmaster of Benedictine High School.      When the Abbey moved to its present site in Goochland County in 1994 Father was named Subprior and Master of Novices.  His health began to deteriorate and in December of 2001 he became a resident at an assisted living facility in Tampa, Florida. He returned to the Abbey in Richmond in 2005 so his brothers in the monastery could care for him which they did until his death.      Father Augustine has many devoted friends throughout the country. He worked at forming lasting human relationships. They were lasting because he had a way of making one feel cared for and respected. He was articulate and did not hesitate to express his opinion or make demands or ask for information. He will be missed by many people.      In addition to his monastic family, Father Augustine is survived by one brother, James, of Taylor Ridge, Illinois, a niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death of his parents and a sister.      A wake service was held on Thursday, January 23, 2008 at Mary Mother of The Church Abbey.      A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on January 4th  in the Abbey Church followed by internment in the Abbey Cemetery.