Fr. Simeon is a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey. He is in his 80's and in semi-retirement. He was the Archabbey librarian for 49 years. Although many of the stories and essays included here were written over the years, it is only now in these days since leaving library work, that he has taken the time to gather them together. Initially, he was hesitant to share these stories on a wider basis than his immediate friends and family. After encouragement, he decided that they might not only bring some pleasure to others, but the stories may occasion moments of grace to readers who might search their own souls for similar graces. Such, he says, is his hope and prayer.

He was born in Detroit , MI , and grew up in Wyandotte , MI . At age 14, he enrolled in what was then Saint Meinrad High School Seminary. He followed the course of studies there through college and seminary, a 12-year program. Midway through those studies, he entered the novitiate of the monastery and eventually made his solemn vows in 1947 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1948, with the equivalent degree of Master of Divinity.

He spent a year of studies at The Catholic University in Washington , DC , leading to the degree of Licentiate in Sacred Theology. Further studies at The Catholic University led to his degree in Library Science.

He was appointed to the library in 1949 and head librarian in 1951, an office which he kept until August 2000.

During his tenure, the library was cataloged. All libraries on campus were merged into one library. A new library building was constructed. Automation was introduced. While he was very active at Saint Meinrad, Fr. Simeon also became involved on a much broader front. At his retirement, he had been voted into life membership in the Catholic Library Association, the American Library Association, the Benedictine Academy and the American Theological Library Association. He had been active in each of them and held offices in all but the American Library Association. He had served as president and as executive secretary for the American Theological Library Association.

In Indiana , he was a founding member of the Indiana Cooperative Library Services Authority (InCOLSA) and played an active role in its development. He was the first president of the Four Rivers Area Library Services Authority (Four Rivers ALSA), a local nine county cooperative. He was also active in the Private Academic Library Network of Indiana (PALNI) from its formation and eventually entered into contract with them for their automation system.

As of this writing Fr. Simeon is able to do some part-time work in the Development Office, and is in fairly good health. He is able to follow the full monastic schedule.

When asked what he considered his most fruitful contribution, he cited both the Archabbey library building and its ongoing programs, and his ecumenical friendships developed while serving the American Theological Library Association.

Saint Meinrad Archabbey website: http://www.saintmeinrad.edu .