Page:Czecho-Slovak Student Life, Volume 18.djvu/369

MSGR. ALOIS J. KLEIN

ONSIGNOR Alois J. Klein, Chamberlain to the Holy Father, former Vicar General of the Lincoln diocese, founder of four parishes, organizer of a dozen branches of different benefit organizations, builder of five churches and one magnificent school, author of a book of poems, translator of English and German classics, and contributor to a host of periodicals, is widely known and much revered throughout and beyond Nebraska for his broad views and sympathies. At present he is pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Brainard, Nebr, and his linguistic accomplishments, edifying zeal and straightforwardness made him an efficient worker in his chosen field. While yet in Bohemia he decided to become a missionary priest among his people living in America.

Msgr. A. J. Klein was born in the village of Frantoly (near Prachatice), Bohemia, on Febr. 6, 1866. His father, John Klein, was the proprietor of the waterwheeled linseed factory, shingle mill and flour mill, “Parada”, on the banks of “Golden Brook”.

Msgr. A. J. Klein acquired an excellent knowledge of the common branches and German in the public schools of Frantoly and Prachatice. Disclosing marked abilities he attended the Bohemian gymnasia at Budějovice for eight years where he held first place in his class and passed his final examinations with special distinction.

In 1886 he enrolled in the clerical seminary in Budějovice and devoted