Father Sebastian Kuenrath OSB

On February 7, 2025, Fr. Sebastian (Siegfried) Kuenrath OSB passed away at the age of 89. Born in Burgeis in 1935, he entered Marienberg Abbey in 1952, made his solemn profession in 1957, and was ordained a priest in 1959. He served in St. Martin in Passeier before becoming parish priest of Schlinig, where he worked as both a pastor and teacher for 16 years. In 1986, he continued his ministry in Platt, where he remained until 1995. That year, he was appointed Prior of Marienberg Abbey, also taking on the role of Cellarer, overseeing the monastery’s wine cellar until 2024.

Outside his religious duties, Fr. Sebastian was a passionate gardener and a dedicated meteorologist, maintaining weather records at the monastery. His greatest passion was mineralogy, and he spent decades exploring the Alps, collecting rare minerals and climbing over 65 peaks above 3,000 meters. His love for nature and science remained strong throughout his life.

In his later years, he faced a serious illness but endured it with patience and humor, always placing his trust in God’s guidance. He was deeply grateful for the care and support of his fellow monks, and the medical professionals who looked after him. His legacy of faith, service, and love for creation will be remembered by his monastic community and all who knew him. May God reward him abundantly.