Rev. Bernard A. Fiekers S.J., Papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: SC057-FIEK

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains personal, religious, and educational records of Fr. Fiekers. Diaries make up the bulk of the collection and they date from 1925 to 1937 with additional diaries from 1955 and 1962. The Shadowbrook and Weston diaries document his formation as a Jesuit in Massachusetts, while the Valkenburg diaries concern his time spent at the Jesuit house in Valkenburg, Holland. Additionally, there is correspondence from Valkenburg as well as correspondence with his family. The collection holds family newsletters, which he authored. Also included are Fr. Fiekers' high school and college records as well as material relating to his teaching at Holy Cross. Finally, the collection includes some of his writings such as the obituary for the Rev. Albert F. McGuinn, S.J. and a translation of "The Atom Bomb on Hiroshima" John B. Siemes, S.J., an eye witness account of the 1945 bombing of the city.

Dates

1924-1970

Conditions Governing Access

No Restrictions

Conditions Governing Use

Materials believed to be under copyright or other restrictions are available for limited noncommercial, educational and personal use only, or for fair use as defined by United States copyright law and with proper citation. Please note that the College of the Holy Cross may not hold the rights to all items in this collection. Users assume responsibility for identifying all copyright holders and for determining whether permission is needed to make any use of the content. For permission under rights held by the College, please contact archives@holycross.edu

Biographical / Historical

Bernard Fiekers was born on January 19, 1906 to Anton R. and Mary H. (Schmitt) Kuner Fiekers, in Cambridge, MA. He attended Boston College High School and graduated from Boston College in 1927. Later that year, he joined the Society of Jesus. He received his Master of Arts in philosophy from Boston College in 1933 and his Master of Science in chemistry from Boston College in 1934. Fr. Fiekers was ordained on August 27, 1938. He received a doctorate in chemistry from Clark University in 1942 and became a professor of chemistry at Holy Cross. Fr. Fiekers served as department chair from 1942 to 1962 and helped design the science building at Holy Cross. At the time of his death, he was professor emeritus of Chemistry at Holy Cross. Rev. Fiekers served as president of the Worcester Chemists Club and Central Massachusetts Section of American Chemical Society, and served as president of the American Association of Jesuit Scientists, Eastern Division. He was editor of the Jesuit Science Bulletin. Fr. Fiekers died on January 9, 1973.