Priest, 105, credits God for his positive outlook

Published: 2006-10-09

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. (CNS) -- With a twinkle in his eyes, a spring in his gestures and a cheerful, calming smile, Benedictine Father Angelo Zankl shines with his sunny perspective on life. "It is a great, great thing!" said the monk of St. John's Abbey in Collegeville about his long life in an interview with the St. Cloud Visitor, newspaper of the Diocese of St. Cloud. He turned 105 in April, so his perspective comes with much experience. In his lifetime there have been many changes. For example, he was 20 months old when Wilbur and Orville Wright made their historic Kitty Hawk, N.C., airplane flight. And through life's changes, he has kept going with great energy. He celebrated the 80th jubilee of his ordination as a priest in June. One object of his enthusiasm is God, whom Father Zankl credits as the one who provides a positive outlook on life.

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