The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University mourn the passing of Fr. Rene McGraw, OSB, ’58, SOT ’62, who died in the retirement center at Saint John’s Abbey Nov. 20 at age 87.
As Provost Richard Ice noted, “For six decades Fr. Rene was a dedicated teacher, advisor and mentor. His profound commitment to his students and his strong service to CSB and SJU are legendary. He has been an inspiration and mentor to countless students, serving as a faculty resident and as a faculty member in philosophy and peace studies. His dedication to social justice was evident in his work and his service.”
McGraw joined Saint John’s Abbey in 1956 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1962. He received a master’s in philosophy from Duquesne University and a doctorate from the University of Paris.
McGraw was instrumental in the founding of the peace studies program, served as chair of both the philosophy and peace studies departments and on numerous standing academic committees. He served five terms on the Saint John’s Board of Regents and Trustees.
Reception of his body with community prayer will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, in the Abbey and University Church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, in the Abbey and University Church, with interment in the Abbey cemetery.
The complete obituary can be found on the Saint John’s Abbey website at: https://saintjohnsabbey.org/obituaries