A private funeral Mass was celebrated for Benedictine Father Adrian W. Harmening, Friday, May 22, at the Mary Mother of the Church Abbey, Richmond. He died Monday morning, May 18, at the age of 92. A public memorial service for him will be announced at a later date.
A native of Defiance, Ohio, and raised in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, he entered the armed forces at 17. He served in the U.S. Navy Armed Guard’s Pacific Theatre of Operations. Upon his return to the states, he enrolled at St. Vincent College in Latrobe and completed his seminary studies at Belmont Abbey. He later earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia.
Father Adrian made his profession as a Benedictine monk in 1949 and was ordained a priest in 1955. Following ordination, he received a one-year assignment to Benedictine High School, Richmond. He never left. He taught chemistry, Latin and theology, and served as disciplinarian and principal for a total of 25 years.
In the monastery, Father Adrian served his brother monks in various capacities including novice master, prior and canonical administrator.
Father Adrian served for 20 years as pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Richmond, for 28 years as Catholic chaplain for the Boy Scouts in Virginia, and as chaplain for Knights of Columbus Councils 12525 and 395 and the Navy League Richmond Council.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Monastery Fund for Mary Mother of the Church Abbey at 12829 River Road, Richmond, VA 23238.