Abbot Ivo (Josef) Auf der Maur OSB<\/strong><\/p>\n Missionary Benedictine of St. Otmarsberg was relieved of his age-related difficulties. He was in the 97th year of his life, the 76th year of his monastic profession and in the 72nd year of his priesthood.<\/p>\n Abbot Ivo was born on 14 August 1924 in Steinen, Canton Schwyz, and baptized on 17 August in the parish church with the name Josef Maria. With his parents, Josef and Rosa Auf der Maur-Sutter, and along with his five siblings, he grew up in the environment of his parents\u2019 carpentry business. After primary school in Steinen, Josef attended the gymnasium in Einsiedeln from 1937 to 1944. Before joining the monastery on 7 November 1944, he graduated from the military training school. After novitiate and temporary profession on 11 November 1945, he studied theology at the University of Fribourg. On 10 July 1949 he was ordained a priest by Bishop Fran\u00e7ois Charri\u00e8re in Saint Michel church in Fribourg. Soon he was able to experience the life of a missionary in present-day Tanzania. From 1951 to 1956, Father Ivo served at the Minor Seminary in Kigonsera where he taught philosophy and was responsible for the provisions of the students. After his return, Prior Notker sent him to Rome for doctoral studies which he completed with the thesis \u201cMonasticism and the Proclamation of the Faith in the writings of St. John Chrysostom.\u201d<\/p>\n From then on Father Ivo was completely at the service of mission work in Fribourg and later at St. Otmarsberg in Uznach. All these years he was a genuine monk who was faithful to the Rule of St. Benedict into old age, not sparing his energy and available with great dedication to the message of the Gospel. His creative energy was particularly evident in his years as superior, from 1981 as conventual prior and, after the elevation to an abbey on 6 January 1982, as abbot. He lived this willingness to serve, his deep roots as a Missionary Benedictine, his fidelity to the Church and to the community even after his resignation as abbot on 11 July 1999.<\/p>\n We commend our confrere to your remembrance in prayer.
\nI Abbot of St. Otmarsberg from 1982 to 1999<\/p>\n
\nSt. Otmarsberg Abbey, 8730 Uznach
\n15 January 2021
\nAbbot Emmanuel Rutz and Community
\nBrothers, Sisters and relatives<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>