Aquinas Mark Nichols

Father Aquinas Mark Nichols, Pastor Emeritus of the Basilica of St. John where he served for 26 years, passed to God peacefully fortified by the Sacraments on Saturday, February 28, 2026, after a private battle with cancer. He was a priest for 46 years. Memorial contributions may be made to the Basilica of St. John Foundation.

Born in Duluth, Minnesota on May 27, 1952, he moved with his family to Las Vegas in 1963 and entered the Verona Fathers' minor seminary in San Diego in 1969, graduating from USD High School in 1970. Afterward he went to Conception, Missouri as a postulant, entering the novitiate on August 14, 1972, and professing simple vows on the Solemnity of Mary's Assumption in 1973, receiving the name Aquinas after St. Thomas Aquinas. He completed a BA in theology in 1975, while serving the abbey in several roles including assistant guest master, assistant Master of Ceremonies, and newsletter editor.

In 1975, he was assigned to the abbey parish in Chillicothe, Missouri for pastoral experience, then recalled in May 1976 to help establish what became Prince of Peace Abbey in Oceanside, California. He made solemn profession in 1978 and continued as Master of Ceremonies and newsletter editor. From 1977-1981, he studied theology at St. Meinrad Seminary, was ordained a deacon in 1979, and ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on June 29, 1980, by Bishop Leo T. Maher.

Sent to Rome in 1983 to study liturgy at Sant' Anselmo, he completed his studies in 1985 and returned to Oceanside, serving as novice and junior master, Master of Ceremonies, Sacristan, Choirmaster, Organist, Vocation Director, and editor of abbey publications. In March 1991, he began pastoral work in the Diocese of Reno‑Las Vegas, serving at St. Peter's in Henderson and St. Theresa of Avila in Carson City, and as pontifical Master of Ceremonies for Bishop Daniel F. Walsh.

After a brief return to the abbey in 1995, he was assigned to the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy Foundation in Rome. In September 1996, he became secretary to the Abbot Primate, head of the Order's Curia at Sant' Anselmo, and the Primate's pontifical MC. From 1996-2000, he encountered Benedictines worldwide and frequently met Pope Saint John Paul II, Cardinal Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI), Cardinal Mayer, and Cardinal Monterisi. In the fall of 2000, he was sent to Des Moines to form St. Gabriel Benedictine Priory, serving until its closure in 2008.

He continued as pastor of the Basilica of St. John until retiring in December 2025 and was incardinated into the Diocese of Des Moines with the permission of Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. He will be remembered for creating the Basilica Foundation and completing major projects including the Memorial Garden, interior beautification, and installation of the elevator. In his final year he secured surrounding properties to ensure the parish's future. Above all, he was known for his reverence in the liturgy and steadfast defense of Catholic teaching, especially regarding the Most Holy Eucharist.

Father Aquinas was preceded in death by his brother Fred, his stepfather Fred, his sister Cathy, his mother Sheila, and his sister Beverly. He is survived by cousins, friends, and the parishioners of the Basilica of St. John. He was 73 years old at the time of his death.

A visitation will be held at the Basilica of St. John in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Basilica of St. John. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at St. Columba Cemetery in Conception Junction, Missouri.

The family extends special thanks to the doctors who cared for him in recent years, especially Dr. Ernesto Vasquez, Dr. Andrew Bishop, Dr. Michael O'Brien, Dr. Eric Donels, and Dr. Amy Hughes.

Please pray for the repose of his soul. Requiescat in pace.