Father Donald Francis Talafous, OSB

Monk of Saint John's Abbey
Collegeville, Minnesota

Born: January 4, 1926

Professed: July 11, 1947

Ordained:  June 7, 1952

Died: April 11, 2025

Donald Francis Talafous was the oldest of four children born to Frank and Camilla (O’Brien) Talafous of Duluth, Minnesota, on January 4, 1926. His father was a factory superintendent and his mother a homemaker. Donald attended Ely Elementary School (1931-1939) and then enrolled at Duluth Denfeld High School (1939-1943) where he developed an interest in literature and writing. During this period, he worked in a variety of summer jobs including in an ice cream factory and as a bell boy in a local hotel. 

A chance meeting in 1943 with Father Walter Reger, OSB, (1894-1971), at a Sunday Mass, lead him to visit Saint John’s University and experience the Benedictines. He began his undergraduate studies at the University in the fall. In July 1946, he entered the novitiate at Saint John’s Abbey and was given the name Camillus (returning to Don in 1968). The following July 11 he professed his simple vows and continued his undergraduate studies, earning a B.A. in philosophy in 1948. He then pursued priesthood studies at Saint John’s Seminary and was ordained on June 7, 1952.

Father Don had several early assignments: instructor in Latin and theology (1950-1952); missionary/teacher at Saint Augustine’s Monastery, Nassau, Bahamas (1952-1954), and associate pastor at Saint Anselm’s Parish, Bronx, New York (1954-1956).  Father Don returned to Saint John’s in 1956 as university chaplain and professor of theology. During summer months, he studied for an M.A. in theology at the Catholic University of America (1963).

From 1966-1970, Father Don was enrolled at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, where he earned his Ph.D. in systematic theology (1972) with his dissertation “The Theological Anthropology of Hermann Hesse's Novels.”  Father Don continued teaching theology, serving as a faculty resident, and was again appointed university chaplain. 

As chaplain, he made a point of getting to know all the students by name, celebrated daily mass, and engaged in advising.  His weekly “Chaplain’s Letter,” which he personally distributed to the students’ rooms, was filled with reflections on scripture and theology, advice, and bad jokes. In an interview in 2013, Father Don remarked, “Being chaplain for the college was probably my favorite activity. It meant teaching part-time, having an office, and offering whatever direction and assistance about religion that I could to students.” 

Father Don taught theology for thirty-seven years, was a faculty resident for thirty-two years, and served as university chaplain for sixteen years. His many years of teaching were only interrupted by sabbaticals for writing books.  He was awarded the Father Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus Award from Saint John’s University in 1989 and the President’s Medal in 2015.  From 1996-2019, Father Don served as alumni association chaplain of Saint John’s University.  As part of the position, Father Don sent out quarterly letters to thousands of alumni. 

About his role as chaplain to the alumni, Father Don noted: “I tell people that it is fun, fattening, or funerals. Sometimes all three come together: you go to the funeral and a lot of alumni are there, and it’s like a reunion. It is very satisfying. I love seeing alumni.”  Alumni were amazed at his ability for continued name recognition that he demonstrated over the years on campus.  He cultivated many solid friendships with students and alums. “If I meet someone a few times and we talk about something interesting or odd, it is easier. I think we all know how great it is when people remember your name. When it does work, it is always nice to see, and you run into the person and remember their name and the person is surprised.  I would be, too!”  He also had a presence on the internet with his daily Fr. Don's Daily Reflections. 

Father Don authored several books: Readings in Science and Spirit(1966); The Risk in Believing (1982); A Word for the Day: Reflections(1992); Homilies for Weekdays (2006); Musings: a Benedictine on Christian Life (2019).

Father Don was an icon of the Abbey and University both on campus and off!  Visitors enjoyed his friendly smile, personal attention and daily reflections through email.  As a member of the monastic community he especially represented the Benedictine value of welcoming.

Father Don died on April 11, 2025, in the Abbey Health Center. He is survived a sister, Diane Seaman, Duluth, Minnesota, and by the community of Saint John’s Abbey. The monastic community along with his family and friends will receive the body at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 15 and celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial for Father Don at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, April 16 in Saint John’s Abbey and University Church, with interment in the abbey cemetery. The service will be live-streamed (https://www.youtube.com/saintjohnsabbey).