A Mass of Christian Burial for Father Quentin Hakenewerth, SM, was celebrated on March 23 in Assumption Chapel at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. Father Quentin died on March 4 in San Antonio. He was 96 years old with 77 years of religious profession.
Father Quentin was a beloved spiritual director, author, administrator, formator, missionary, parish priest, teacher and chaplain, who also served as the 12th Superior General of the Society of Mary (1991-96). He often expressed deep gratitude for his Marianist vocation, noting that his most rewarding life experience was “to discover the tremendous grace that God has given us through Blessed Chaminade in the Marianist Charism, and to have the privilege of living that charism – even so poorly – and to share it with others.”
Quentin Hakenewerth was born on Jan. 9, 1930, in Old Monroe. He was one of four sons in the family of Andrew and Wilhemina “Minnie” (Burkemper) Hakenewerth. Baptized at Immaculate Conception Parish in Old Monroe, Quentin attended school there through third grade before moving to St. Theodore Parish in Flint Hill and graduating from its school in 1944. At the urging of the Precious Blood nuns who taught there, Quentin then enrolled as a boarding student at Chaminade College Preparatory School, where he first encountered the Marianists.
After a year at Chaminade, Quentin decided to devote himself to the Society of Mary. He entered the postulate at Maryhurst in Kirkwood in 1945, and two years later, began novitiate at Marynook in Galesville, Wisconsin. Brother Quentin professed first vows at Marynook on Aug. 15, 1948.
Beginning scholasticate studies at Maryhurst, Brother Quentin earned a bachelor’s in education from the University of Dayton in 1951. He then served at two St. Louis area high schools – St. Mary’s and Coyle – where he taught religion, English and social studies. He professed final vows on July 19, 1952.
Brother Quentin entered seminary studies at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. He was ordained there on July 17, 1960, and then returned to the United States, serving as a teacher and chaplain at Don Bosco High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and St. Michael High School in Chicago.
After earning a Master of Arts in clinical psychology from Loyola University (Chicago) in 1965, Father Quentin entered formation work for the Marianists, serving first as chaplain for the scholasticate at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and then as the provincial assistant for the Office of Religious Life until 1969. Over the next 10 years, Father Quentin served mostly in leadership roles, including two terms (1971-79) as provincial of the former St. Louis Province, and as vocation director (1980-81).
When the Society of Mary gathered for its General Chapter in 1981, Father Quentin was elected to his first of two terms (1981-91) as assistant for religious life, and at the 1991 General Chapter, Father Quentin was chosen as the Marianists’ 12th superior general.
Father Quentin’s writing provided a particularly fruitful channel for exploring and spreading Marianist Charism throughout his ministerial career. His articles appeared in many national and Marianist publications, and he also authored several books.
Upon his return from Rome, Father Quentin began an extended period of ministry in Mexico. His first posting was in Querétaro, where he served five years as novice master, director of pre-novices and assistant pastor of the parish. He then moved to the house of studies in Puebla, serving as assistant pastor from 2011-17. Returning to Querétaro, he served as chaplain, assistant formation director and assistant pastor, remaining active in ministry well into his 90s.
