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C.S.C. Banas Obituary
Banas, C.S.C.
Nov. 6, 1926 - August 22, 2018
NOTRE DAME, IN - Rev. Leonard Norbert Banas, C.S.C., 91, died at Notre Dame, IN on August 22.
He was born on Nov. 6, 1926, to Stanley and Julia (Purchla) Banas in Chicago, IL. After graduating from Holy Trinity High School in 1944, he entered Holy Cross Seminary. The next year he made his novitiate in Rolling Prairie and professed First Vows Aug. 16, 1946. After three years at Moreau Seminary, he graduated from Notre Dame with a degree in philosophy in 1949 and professed Final Vows on Aug. 16, 1949. Fr. Banas went to Rome, where he studied theology at the Gregorian and received a licentiate in 1953.
Fr. Banas was ordained on Dec. 20, 1952, in the church of San Marcello in Rome, Italy. After an additional year of studies at the University of Rome, when he was also Chaplain at Notre Dame High School, Fr. Banas was assigned to teach at Holy Cross Seminary (1954-1956) and Moreau Seminary (1956-1957).
Fr. Banas studied at Princeton from 1957 to 1960. He earned a Master's degree in classics from Princeton in 1961. He was assigned to St. Joseph's Hall at Notre Dame, while continuing to teach at Moreau and Holy Cross Seminary from 1961 to 1962. He was Assistant Superior at St. Joseph Hall from 1962 to 1967, and Superior from 1967 to 1973. Fr. Banas taught at Notre Dame from 1973 to 1980 and was Rector at Pangborn Hall. He was chair of the Classical Languages department as well. He served as the Superior at Corby Hall from 1980 to 1985 and Assisted at Notre Dame starting in 1986. He was Assistant Superior at Corby Hall from 1997 to 2012 and served as an Assistant Dean in the College of Arts and Letters.
Fr. Banas also assisted for more than 25 years at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Elkhart, IN.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Stanley and Julia; and his brothers, Edward, Chester, Valerian, and Rev. James T. Banas, C.S.C. He is survived by his sisters, Ann (Alfred) Parme and Elizabeth Cella.
Visitation will be from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at Moreau Seminary, Notre Dame, IN, where there will be a Wake Service at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the Notre Dame campus on Monday, August 27, 2018 at 3:30 p.m. Burial will be in the community cemetery at Notre Dame. Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorial contributions in support of the mission and ministries of the Congregation of Holy Cross may be made to: United States Province of Priests and Brothers, Office of Development, P.O. Box 765, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0765 or online at donate.holycrossusa.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for C.S.C. Banas
Sponsored by Kaniewski Funeral Home - South Bend.
Alex Watt, 71
August 18, 2024
I think of you often, Father, and remain grateful for your friendship and guidance.
Millie Shaw
August 18, 2019
Fr. Len is so missed here at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Elkhart In. but I know he is in a far better place now and God Bless.
I feel so privileged to have known this wonderful priest.
Alexander Watt
September 9, 2018
I resided in St. Joseph Hall as a ND Sophomore and Junior in 1969 and 1970 and I enjoyed my encounters and conversations with Father Banas, even when he was providing me with "corrective" counseling, which I needed occasionally. One day I remember he told me that I was "predictably unpredictable." I was not the ideal resident, but to this day I fondly remember and appreciate his patience and caring attitude. Lately, I've been experiencing some very vivid memories of him and St. Joe Hall, so I decided to check online. Rest in peace my dear friend, and thank you for your guidance and friendship. Sincerely, Alex Watt Captain, USN (Retired)
Millie Shaw
August 27, 2018
Father Banas was so kind and caring He Blessed a special bracelet for me just two weeks ago.My husband bought me this beautiful rosary type bracelet so now it has double the memories.
God's Blessings for Father Banas Banas
August 26, 2018
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Laura Humphrey
August 25, 2018
Fr. Len was a humble servant to the parishioners of St. Thomas the Apostle church for over 25 years. Fr. Len would travel from Notre Dame to St. Thomas on icy roads and through stormy weather to celebrate Mass with us every weekend and hear confessions when needed. He taught us how to preserver through the tough times and to do it with a smile. He was dedicated to our parish and helped several pastors over the years. We will miss his smile, his quiet humor and his humble heart. Thank you Father Len and may you rest now in the arms of our heavenly Father.
John Riley
August 25, 2018
We loved you Father.
August 25, 2018
The Riley family will miss Father Len. We always looked forward to seeing Father when we returned for Notre Dame games or to visi
t campus for many other reasons. A true gentlemen and a kind soul.
John Riley '74
August 25, 2018
We at St. Thomas loved Father Banas. He inspired us tremendously and was such a compassionate lovely man. We will miss him every Sunday.
Dan & Ann Wierzbicki
Ted Ricks
August 25, 2018
I was a high school seminarian in his 1954-56 Greek class at Holy Cross Seminary and remember his recitation of the Iliad especially the onomatopoeic verses of Achilles drawing his bow and releasing his arrows that sounded like the act itself...a marvelous teacher who made the epic come alive for a teenager. He will be always remembered as a warm and caring person.
Ben & Cherie Leazenby
August 24, 2018
We will miss his weekend sermons at St. Thomas. We could always count on a great scripture lesson. Such a nice and caring man. May he rest in peace.
Mike & Stephanie Person
August 24, 2018
A great man, a wonderful and inspirational priest especially in his weekly sermons.
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