In Memoriam: Joseph Jensen, O.S.B.
CBA mourns the passing of long-time member and dear friend Joseph Jensen, O.S.B. (November 11, 1924-July 14, 2026), who has died at the age of 101. He was a member of the CBA for 69 years and served as the executive secretary from 1970 until his retirement in 2012.
After serving time in the Army Air Corps in World War II, Joseph entered St. Anselm's Abbey and became an ordained priest in 1954. He received his B.A. from The Catholic University of America (CUA) in 1951, then was off for four years for the S.T.L. in 1951-1955 from Collegio di Saint’ Anselmo and then back to CUA to study Scripture and Semitics in 1957-1959 and 1961-1963; back again to Rome for the S.S.L. from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in 1967 and finally returning home to Washington, receiving the S.T.D. from CUA in 1971. With the knowledge gained over his various degrees, he then dedicated 56 years of his life to the education of others. He devoted over a decade to teaching Scripture at Saint Anselm's Abbey Seminary and teaching at Saint Anselm's Priory School. The abbey was home to Joe, and he served as prior to the abbey in both the 1970s and 80s. He also served on the Abbot's Council whenever he could. While teaching there, he also accepted a position to teach at his alma mater, CUA, in the Religion and Religious Education department. He maintained his position at the university until his retirement.
On top of his teaching, Joseph Jensen, O.S.B. was one of the most storied modern contributors to publications in biblical studies. His life's work shows a true love and passion for the Scriptures. He published 4 books of his own, including Ethical Dimensions of the Prophets (2006), God's Word to Israel (1968), and Isaiah 1-39. Joe was a collaborator on biblical translations as well, as he was one of the largest contributors to the New American Bible. Joe had a hand in the creation of the Revised Psalms of the New American Bible when he served on the New American Bible Committee. Joseph served as chair of both the New American Bible Psalter Revision and New American Bible Old Testament contributor to CBA's Catholic Biblical Quarterly, writing 5 articles for the publication and publishing 3 volumes of Supplements in 1987, 1992, and 1997. He provided invaluable work to the CBA during his tenure as Executive Secretary. He established Old Testament Abstracts and helped the association's relationship with the USCCB flourish.
As well as all these incredible accomplishments in a lifetime devoted to the faith, scripture, and biblical study: we will above all else remember Joe as a friend, mentor, scholar, and an avid fan of the Washington football team.
The reception of Joe's body will be Friday, July 17 at 4:00 pm at Saint Anselm's Abbey, 4501 South Dakota Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, July 18 at 10:00 am, also at Saint Anselm's Abbey.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Please remember and pray for those who have gone before us.
If you are aware of the recent passing of a CBA member please inform the CBA office:
cba-office@cua.edu or 202-319-5519.
