Father Hugh Henry Baumann

Father Hugh Henry Baumann, O.S.B., monk of Saint Joseph Abbey in Saint Benedict, Louisiana, died peacefully at the abbey on Sunday, January 15 at 9:20 P.M. following a lengthy illness. He was 88 years old. Son of the late Henry Baumann and Anetta Jeanne Haughery, Fr. Hugh was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on January 12, 1918. He made his profession as a Benedictine monk of Saint Joseph Abbey on September 15, 1936and was ordained priest on June 2, 1941. He is preceded in death by his sister, Jeanne Baumann of Baton Rouge, LA. Father Hugh served the monastic community and the Archdiocese on New Orleans in many capacities. He was a professor in Saint Joseph Seminary, teaching English and served as Prefect. He was Brother Instructor and Master of Brother Novices and later served as Kitchen Manager. He served in St. Peter's Church, Covington, St. Margaret Mary and St. Genevieve in Slidell and Annunciation Parish in Bogalusa. He also ministered to the Eucharistic Missionaries of St. Dominic, St. Scholastica Convent and Sister of Mt. Carmel in Lacombe. His stories of some of his earlier days in the abbey were shared with several generations of young monks. His priestly ministry was with gentleness and understanding. His Body will be received on Wednesday, January 18 at 5:15 P.M. at SaintJoseph Abbey followed by Vespers. A Vigil Service will be held at the Abbey at 7:15 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, January 19 at 11:15 A.M at St. Joseph Abbey with burial in the Abbey cemetery. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Offer condolences online at www.ejfieldingfh.com.