Born in Chicago in 1923, Archbishop Daniel W. Kucera, OSB, began a journey which prepared him well to serve in leadership both in Church and civic arenas. He professed as a Benedictine monk of St. Procopius Abbey, Lisle, Illinois, in 1944 and was ordained a priest in 1949. He received his doctorate degree in Education from the Catholic University of America in 1954.Returning to the Abbey, he began a career in college administration at St. Procopius College (now Benedictine University), serving as president for twelve years. Upon being elected Abbot of St. Procopius in 1964, one of his greatest contributions was the building of the new monastery and Abbey Church. Pope Paul VI appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Joliet in 1977. In 1980, he was Bishop of Salina, Kansas, and in 1983 Archbishop of Dubuque. It was during this time that Archbishop Kucera served as Treasurer for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference, and Chairman of the Committee on Budget and Finance.Archbishop Kucera’s nearly forty years of work and experience in the areas of leadership and philanthropic development have made him a sought after counsel, so much so, that in his 89th year while still recovering from surgery, he served on the Steering Committee for the Stonehill Franciscan Services Capital Campiagn to solicit major gifts. His entire life has been a series of opportunities to hone and refine his philosophy and skills through leadership, organization and philanthropic development. Archbishop Daniel Kucera is a powerful illustration of St. Benedict’s motto, “Ora et Labora”, Pray and Work!