Hasty Comment

Published by Saint Vincent Archabbey Public Relations on

Wimmer Wednesday. How young Boniface Wimmer ended up at Metten.

“In June 1830 Metten was officially declared a Benedictine Priory.8 The two venerable monastics started their holy work in great poverty. As small and insignificant as this planting may have appeared, there nevertheless was a lot of talk about it, partially in its favor, partially against it. One day, it was the summer of 1832, the conversation among the priests of Altötting also turned to Metten, when the young vicar, Sebastian Wimmer, commented that he might like to go there himself. However, when his superior immediately replied, “Well, then just go,” Wimmer felt a little harshly treated, since it seemed to him that his superior must not appreciate him sufficiently, being so quickly ready to let him go. Yes, for a moment he even regretted this statement that he had not given a great deal of thought to. However, he soon regained his composure. Resolved not to take his words back again, he replied, “Then that’s what I will do.”

“After seeking the counsel of his greatly valued teacher and fatherly mentor, Bishop Wittmann, and obtaining his agreement, he applied for admission at Metten with the following reference, and was accepted without any hesitation.”In June 1830 Metten was officially declared a Benedictine Priory.8 The two venerable monastics started their holy work in great poverty. As small and insignificant as this planting may have appeared, there nevertheless was a lot of talk about it, partially in its favor, partially against it. One day, it was the summer of 1832, the conversation among the priests of Altötting also turned to Metten, when the young vicar, Sebastian Wimmer, commented that he might like to go there himself. However, when his superior immediately replied, ‘Well, then just go,’ Wimmer felt a little harshly treated, since it seemed to him that his superior must not appreciate him sufficiently, being so quickly ready to let him go. Yes, for a moment he even regretted this statement that he had not given a great deal of thought to. However, he soon regained his composure. Resolved not to take his words back again, he replied, ‘Then that’s what I will do.’

“After seeking the counsel of his greatly valued teacher and fatherly mentor, Bishop Wittmann, and obtaining his agreement, he applied for admission at Metten with the following reference, and was accepted without any hesitation.”

—From Boniface Wimmer, Abbot of Saint Vincent in Pennsylvania, translated by Dr. Maria Von Mickwitz and Father Warren Murrman, O.S.B., editor.