Father Severin (Franz) Nowak was born in 1948, in Kleinsierning, in the Diocese of St. Pölten. He attended elementary school in St. Margarethen and later graduated from the Melk Abbey Gymnasium in 1967, where he also lived in the episcopal seminary. On September 15, 1967, he entered Melk Abbey and took the religious name Severin. He made his temporary vows in 1968 and solemn vows in 1972. He studied theology and the subjects of Latin and mathematics for teaching at the University of Salzburg and then taught Latin at the Abbey Gymnasium from 1979 until 2007.
Father Severin was known as a quiet, intelligent, and deeply humble monk who avoided attention and lived simply. He disliked asking for help and once remarked that Jesus, too, came not to be served but to serve. His dedication to teaching was remarkable: he not only taught but also offered countless tutoring sessions in Latin and mathematics. He was genuinely interested in his students’ work and cared deeply about their success—grading caused him great emotional strain, especially when he had to give negative marks. Despite his reserved nature, he often surprised his students with acts of kindness, such as appearing unannounced after graduation balls to help clean up, and he regularly attended reunions.
In retirement, Father Severin continued to tutor students and remained fondly remembered as “Sevo” by many who credited him for their academic success. He had a passion for languages, speaking Latin fluently and understanding Russian and Chinese. His technical curiosity led him to build radio antennas to listen to broadcasts from around the world. He was also an aquarium enthusiast with detailed knowledge of fish species. In his final years, he quietly served his community by delivering dinner to elderly and sick brothers, a service that gave him renewed connection and purpose. After a fall and brief illness, he passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025. May he rest in eternal peace.