Robert W. Hovda Papers

Fonds

Identifier: HOV

Staff Only

Scope and Content

Papers and books representing the life and liturgical interests of Robert W. Hovda; with collected material on Gothic and Chaldean medieval liturgies and translations or adaptations of these liturgies for modern use by English speakers; specifically the Gallican Liturgy of the Beloved Disciple and the Liturgy of the Holy Apostles Addai and Mari. Also financial ledgers, 1986-1992, high school and college yearbooks, a directory of the Diocese of Fargo, children's liturgies dating from the 1970s, and anniversary publications of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and of Fordham University.

Dates

Creation: 1938-1992.

Creator

Hovda, Robert W. (Person)

Language of Materials

English.

Legal Status

Private

Background

Robert W. Hovda (born 10 April 1920, died 5 February 1992) graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis, attended Hamlin University, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1938-1941. As a conscientious objector furing World War II, he served in a Civilian Public Service Camp. He attended St. John's University and seminary in Collegeville, Minnesota.

Ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1949, he served at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fargo, North Dakota until 1954, and St. John's Church in Berlin, North Dakota until 1959. He earned a Licentiate in Sacred Theology, taught at the Catholic University of America, and in the early 1960s became chaplain of St. paul's Student Center at North Dakota State University.

Fr. Hovda became well known and widely published as a liturgist, author of many books and articles, speaker at liturgical conferences, editor of Liturgy, and a director and editor for the national Catholic Liturgical Conference. He was also active in the Catholic peace movement.