This Month in History

1-Sep

1880	The Foundation of Holy Redeemer was begun in Detroit. The first actual foundation in Detroit was at St. Mary's, accepted in 1847, and abandoned in 1872. Bishop Borgess invited the Redemptorists to return to the diocese in 1879, offering a foundation in the "Springwells" district which embraced a twelve mile area. There were only forty-five English-speaking families in the district. Rev. Aegidius Smulders was the first superior. The parish was returned to the Archdiocese of Detroit on July 1, 1999.

1881	The Status of St. Alphonsus "Rock" Church, St. Louis was changed from a mission to a church.

1956	REV. FREDERICK DILLENBECK died at the age of 39 at St. Mary's Assumption, New Orleans. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, April 4, 1917; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1938; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 29, 1943. He served as parish priest during his short life. He died of leukemia. 18 years professed; 13 years ordained.

1967	The Theologates of the St. Louis Province, Oconomowoc, and the Baltimore Province, Esopus, were merged at Esopus. This merger ceased on May 26, 1984.

1968	Immaculate Conception Seminary at Oconomowoc was established as a novitiate for the St. Louis and Oakland Provinces. The Baltimore Province joined in 1973. The Novitiate was transferred to Ferguson, Missouri, in August, 1987.

1974	Queen of Peace Retreat House, Fargo, North Dakota, was begun. It was located in the Fargo diocese. Rev. Joseph Ostrander was the first superior. It was returned to the diocese on September 30, 1988.

1987	REV. LOUIS BROWN died at the age of 74 at St. Alphonsus, Grand Rapids. Born in Grand Rapids, January 6, 1913; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1934; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 29, 1939. He was a parish priest all his active life. He was a man who was always available to the needs of the people of the parish as well as those of his confreres. He served for seventeen years as minister at St. Michael's, Chicago. 53 years professed; 48 years ordained.

2-Sep

1702	BLESSED GENNARO SARNELLI was born in Naples.

1848	REV. PETER CZACKERT died at the age of 39 at St. Mary's Assumption, New Orleans. Born in Tetschen, Bohemia, December 12, 1808; professed at Vienna, August 4, 1829; ordained at Mautern, January 17, 1834. He came to America in 1835 and served in Norwalk, Ohio. He began an Alsatian colony in Indiana in 1838, before moving to New Orleans in 1842, where he became its first superior in October, 1847. He died of Yellow Fever while administering to the plague stricken. His remains were found incorrupt in 1860. 19 years professed; 14 years ordained.

1871	REV. RUDOLPH VON SMETANA, died at Gars, Germany. He was appointed as Transalpine Vicar General, July 1, 1850, remaining in that position for six years. On September 6, 1853, Pope Pius IX ordered him to establish his residence and the general house of the Congregation in Rome and to convoke a general chapter. He resigned his office at this chapter in 1855 upon the election of Most Rev. Nicholas Mauron as superior general and rector major.

1962	REV. PETER FORBES died at the age of 64 at Mount St. Clement's College, DeSoto. Born in Detroit, August 26, 1898; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1921; ordained at Oconomowoc, July 2, 1926. He was a zealous promoter of devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, giving many novenas in her honor and directing devotions during its prime at the "Rock" Church, St. Louis. He was rector at Glenview, Detroit, and DeSoto and novice master for two terms. He was a representative to General Chapter XV, 1955. He was small in stature but big in spirit; he was a truly honest man, never one to shirk his responsibilities. He was never hesitant to express his ideas, but humble enough to admit when he was wrong. Died suddenly. 41 years professed; 36 years ordained.

1983	REV. WALTER HALBERSTADT died at the age of 48 at Liguori. Born in Festus, Missouri, November 8, 1934; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1956; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 29, 1961. He served as teacher at Edgerton and Waterford, retreat master at Glenview, in the Bursar's Office at Glenview, and in publications at Liguori. Besides this, he devoted all available time to the preaching apostolate. He was one who would give himself completely to any task assigned or assumed. The descriptions "plodding," "unassuming," and "excellent religious" give a good idea of his Redemptorist life. Died suddenly. 27 years professed; 22 years ordained.

3-Sep

1764	General Chapter II, at Pagani opened and lasted until October 15. This Chapter was to revise and approve the Rule and Constitutions. It has been called "the great legislative chapter."

1984	REV. RAYMOND NOWAK died at the age of 70 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Corpus Christi. Born in Detroit, November 11, 1913; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1935; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 29, 1940. He worked for years among the Spanish-speaking people in San Antonio and was rector there from 1956 to 1958. He also served as New Orleans Viceprovincial procurator. He was a parish assistant most of his life. The effects of a stroke affected him in his last years. 49 years professed; 44 years ordained.

1991	MOST REV. JUAN MANUEL LASSO DE LA VEGA Y MIRANDA was re-elected superior general of the Congregation at the General Chapter XXI held at Itiaci, São Paolo, Brazil.

2005	REV. BERNARD MULLIGAN died at the age of 89 at St. Clements Health Care Center. Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, November 27, 1915; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1937; ordained at Oconomowoc, September 2, 1940. "Bernie" was a man who looked like he came from the Northern Territory, devoted to hard work and industry. His rough-looking exterior hid a very gentle and compassionate nature. He was devoted to ministry and worked in many capacities as Parish Priest, Rector, Seminary Director, Vocation Director, Missionary, and Retreat Master. His last 35 years of ministry were spent on the West Coast. He combined a practicality about life with a strong sprit of service. Wherever he was needed, there he was. When he finally could serve no longer, he willingly went to Saint Clements in Liguori and peacefully passed away there. 68 years professed; 63 years ordained.?

5-Sep

1960	REV. LIGUORI NUGENT died at the age of 66 at Villa Redeemer, Glenview. Born in Cannonsburg, Michigan, August 14, 1894; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1916; ordained at Oconomowoc, May 29, 1921. He was a mission preacher on the West Coast and Midwest; his list of apostolic works totaled 303 missions, 263 retreats (45 to priests), 143 novenas and 184 shorter works. He had a great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Mother and always carried her rosary; he was found dead with it in his hands. Spent last twenty-four years of his life at Glenview. 44 years professed; 39 years ordained.

1970	REV. DONALD SCHUMAKER died at the age of 57 while stationed at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Kansas City. Born in Burnips Corners, Michigan, August 12, 1913; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1935; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 29, 1940. He was a parish priest most of his life. He put his heart and soul into whatever work he was given. He had a saying: "life is short, let's enjoy it; the priesthood is important, let's work at it;" he did both. Died of a stroke at St. Mary's Hospital, Kansas City. 35 years professed; 30 years ordained.

1997	REV. JAMES J. SULLIVAN, died at the age of 83 at St. Clement's, Liguori. He was born in Detroit, January 11, 1914; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1934; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 29, 1939. He began studies for the priesthood for the Detroit Archdiocese before entering Kirkwood. He served twice in the New Orleans Viceprovince as a parish priest, but spent most of his active life as a mission preacher, continuing this work until his retirement emphasizing the "traditional mission." He is remembered as a zealous and strong-willed confrere. 62 years professed, 57 years ordained.

6-Sep

1853	The Congregation was Divided by Pope Pius IX in Rome: the houses in the Kingdom of Naples formed one part; all the other provinces, to which the Province of Rome was added in 1854, comprised the other part. Each section was independent of the other. The Neapolitan houses were at first placed under the jurisdiction of His Eminence, Cardinal Cosenza, as Apostolic Visitor; the Transalpine Provinces were made immediately subject to the Holy See.

1977	BRO. JOSEPH (RAYMOND) HAERTLE died at the age of 81 at Holy Redeemer, Detroit. Born in Milwaukee, June 1, 1896; professed at DeSoto, March 18, 1921. He served in World War I in the Rainbow Division under General Douglas MacArthur. He was stationed in Portland for six years and later served in Detroit for thirty-six years, training thousands of altar boys. He was a beloved individual. At the time of his golden jubilee of profession the Mayor of Detroit declared March 18, 1971, as "Brother Joseph Haertle Day," a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. 56 years professed.

1994	BRO. CORNELIUS (CLEMENT) RYAN died at the age of 79 at St. Clement's, Pattaya, Thailand. Born in Omaha, July 1, 1915, professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1934. Always called "Brother Corny," he first served in the U. S., mainly at Kirkwood. In 1943 he went to Brazil where for a decade he constructed churches, rectories, and a seminary, revealing a genius for architectural design. After a year in the U. S., he went to Thailand where his skills resulted in buildings, many of which are works of art, built often of left-over material from other construction jobs and built by local people he trained. He never "learned" Portuguese or Thai, but could converse with anyone. A saintly, humble man, he hid whenever a camera appeared. His tombstone is in Pattaya, his monuments are worldwide. 60 years professed.

7-Sep

1814	REV. FRANCIS DE PAOLA died at Frosinone, Italy. He was the former superior general and rector major who resigned his office in 1793 to facilitate the reunion of the Neapolitans with the rest of the Congregation.

1912	REV. JOSEPH WISSEL died at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He served on the missions for fifty-nine years. He was author of The Redemptorist on the American Missions, a three-volume work on missions, retreats and renewals.

1975	REV. JULIAN GREHAN died at the age of 66 at St. Anthony, Okmulgee. Born in new Orleans, April 20, 1909; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1930; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 28, 1935. He attended The Catholic University and was a teacher in minor seminary for ten years. Early in his priesthood, when his hearing began to fail, he became interested in the apostolate to the deaf; he worked as a missionary to the deaf especially in the St. Louis, Detroit, and New Orleans, traveling thousands of miles each year in this ministry. He was rector in Okmulgee. Died of cancer. 45 years professed; 39 years ordained.

1993	REV. HENRY COSTELLO died at the age of 97 at St. Clement's Health Care Center, Liguori. Born in Streator, Illinois, April 15, 1896; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1922; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 12, 1927. He served on the West Coast until 1952 as a parish priest or missionary in almost every community; he was part of the Hawaiian mission band for a time. Returning to the Midwest, he again served in both capacities in many communities, as well as two terms as a hospital chaplain, once in St. Louis, and once in Denver; this was an apostolate in which he always had great interest. He spent his last fifteen years in retirement. A rather fiery individual, he mellowed in later years, and gave great example of prayerfulness. 71 years professed; 66years ordained.

8-Sep

1874	REV. JOHN DUFFY, died at the age of 48 at Chatawa. Born in Kill, County Cavan, Ireland, February 28, 1826; professed at Pittsburg, September 24, 1848; ordained at New York, July 20, 1849. He was the first person whose mother tongue was English to enter the Congregation in the U. S.. In 1855, he continued to attend victims of the Yellow Fever epidemic even though he was stricken himself and died of it. 25 years professed; 25 years ordained

1879	The First Class of Clerical Novices in the St. Louis Province began their novitiate at St. Alphonsus, St. Louis. There were five in the class: Thomas Brown, Edward Gallagher, Daniel Mullane, James Meyers, and Joseph Pregel. Three of them persevered.

1916	The Burses (Scholarships) were established for the support of the students at Kirkwood and Oconomowoc by Very Rev. Thomas Brown, the St. Louis provincial. Rev. John Diederich initiated burses for DeSoto, Brazil, and Thailand.

1967	General Chapter XVII opened in Rome. Its purpose was the rewriting of the Constitutions. Superior General and Rector Major Gaudreau resigned at the chapter; Most Rev. Tarsicius A. Amaral was elected on the tenth ballot as his replacement on November 7. The first session of this chapter closed on November 25, 1967; the second session opened on April 14, 1969, and closed on May 28, 1969. Joseph Martucci (provincial) and Mark McInerney represented the Oakland Province. Raymond Schmitt (provincial), Daniel Lowery, and William Coyle represented the St. Louis Province.

1997	MOST REV. JOSEPH W. TOBIN of the Denver Province was elected Superior General of the Congregation at the General Chapter XXII held in West End, NJ, USA. He is the second superior general from the United States in the history of the Congregation.

9-Sep

1899	BRO. CHRISTOPHER FROEHLICH died at the age of 73 at St. Joseph's College, Kirkwood. Born in Emsdorf, Hesse, Germany, February 22, 1826; professed at Annapolis, March 2, 1857. He was a tailor by trade and was generous in his service to the community. 42 years professed.

1922	A Minor Seminary was opened in Portland for the students from the Viceprovince of Portland. There were four in the first class; one of them was professed, but quit later and joined the diocesan clergy. The seminary was transferred to Oakland in 1925.

1948	REV. JOHN BAUER died at the age of 42 at Holy Ghost, Houston. Born in Cepin, Yugoslavia, June 4, 1906; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1926; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 29, 1931. He was pioneer and first superior in Bellaire, now called Houston. He showed foresight in purchasing thirteen acres for future development of the parish. He was especially devoted to the sick of the parish. Died suddenly. 22 years professed; 17 years ordained.

1949	REV. ALPHONSE ZELLER died at the age of 61 at St. Joseph's, Wichita. Born in Chicago, July 2, 1888; professed at Kansas City, August 15, 1907; ordained at Oconomowoc, July 2, 1912. His was the first class ordained at Oconomowoc; a teacher in the minor seminary at Kirkwood for eleven years, he taught Latin, Greek, and German: he not only knew the material but he was able to communicate it. He was a good community man with a sense of humor and a fine parish priest. He was superior at Coeur d'Alene. 42 years professed; 37 years ordained.

1978	REV. GEORGE STRASS died at the age of 74 at Oconomowoc. Born in Chicago, April 23, 1904; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1927; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 29, 1932. He was teacher in the major seminary for twelve years, superior in Carlisle and Grand Rapids, and a mission preacher for many years. In 1964, he undertook the apostolate to the German-speaking people at St. Alphonsus, Chicago. 51 years professed; 46 years ordained.

10-Sep

1912	REV. EDWARD KENNEDY died at the age of 45 at St. Alphonsus, St. Louis. Born in New Orleans, August 3, 1867; professed at Kansas City, August 2, 1887; ordained there, August 24, 1892. He was socius in the Kirkwood minor seminary. He served as rector in St. Louis and Denver, but resigned as rector in Denver because of the rigorous climate there. He was an active missionary, giving many missions throughout the province. 25 years professed; 20 years ordained.

11-Sep

1893	REV. FRIDOLIN LUETTE died at the age of 70 at St. Michael's, Chicago. Born in Murg, Baden, Germany, February 17, 1823; professed in Europe, February 2, 1844; ordained at Passau, Germany, March 20, 1847. He came to the U. S. in 1848. He taught in the major seminary. Kind and compassionate, he was a man with a sense of duty. 49 years professed; 46 years ordained.

1951	REV. HENRY SCHUBERT died at the age of 69 at St. Joseph's, Wichita. Born in St. Louis, March 21, 1882; professed at Kansas City, August 15, 1902; ordained at St. Louis, July 3, 1907. He was a man of study all his life, especially of church history. A punctual man: for any appointment he would arrive at least ten minutes ahead of time. Frankness and sincerity marked his life. He was active until the end of his life. 49 years professed; 44 years ordained.

1959	REV. DANIEL HIGGINS died at the age of 83 at Mount St. Clement's College, DeSoto. Born in Michigan City, Indiana, April 13, 1876; professed at Kansas City, August 15, 1901; ordained at St. Louis, July 4, 1906. He devoted his life to the apostolate of the deaf and traveled throughout the country in their behalf. He edited a book: How to Talk to the Deaf. The International Catholic Deaf Association can trace its origin to his efforts and zeal. He was rector at Oconomowoc, Detroit, and New Orleans. A tough-minded individual, his only concern in life was the glory of God and the salvation of souls. 58 years professed; 53 years ordained.

1984	The Redemptorist Retreat Center in Pattaya, Thailand, under the patronage of St. Clement Hofbauer, was canonically established. It is located in the Chanthaburi Diocese. Rev. Raymond Brennan was the first superior.

1996	REV. CLEMENT WEIRICH died at the age of 84 at St. Clement's Health Care Center, Liguori. Born in Milwaukee, November 3, 1911; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1938; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 29, 1943. He went to Brazil in 1945 on a ship which was part of a World War II fleet, attacked twice by Nazi submarines. First stationed in Manacapuru, he later became superior in Coari and in Belem. He served in the minor seminary in Belem, then as superior in Manaus and again in Manacapuru. He worked for six years in Juazeiro, and then returned to Belem until the Redemptorists left the parish, when he returned to Manaus. In 1994 his failing health required him to return to the U. S., but his heart was in Brazil and he wished to die there, but God had other plans. Regarded as a truly holy man, a man of the people, whom all felt they could approach. 58 years professed; 53 years ordained.

12-Sep

1893	BRO. GREGORY (JOSEPH) KISSNER died at the age of 67 at St. Mary's Assumption, New Orleans. Born in Frommersbach, Bavaria, Germany, December 18, 1825; professed in the U. S., July 24, 1853. He was adept at carpet weaving and carpentry. 40 years professed.

1944	REV. HENRY BEINE died at the age of 63 at St. Alphonsus, Chicago. Born in Essen, Prussia, Germany, December 11, 1880; professed at Kirkwood, August 15, 1899; ordained at St. Louis, June 24, 1904. He was a teacher in the minor seminary; then he became a mission preacher, fluent in both German and English. He was always willing to give of his time and talents to others. 45 years professed; 40 years ordained.

1984	REV. BENEDICT REAGAN died at the age of 60 while stationed at Our Lady of the Olympics, Quinalt. Born in Sturgis, Saskatchewan, Canada, October 9, 1923; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1945; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 29, 1950. He was raised in Coeur d'Alene. He was a quiet man who was very well liked and had a great sense of humor. He was rector and pastor in Portland and pastor in Quinalt. He died suddenly in Portland while on his way home from vacation. 39 years professed; 34 years ordained.

1985	BRO. PATRICK (JOSEPH) FRAZIER died at the age of 72 at Sacred Heart, Seattle. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on February 15, 1913; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1961. He was a quiet man who was conscientious about all his duties. His favorite pastime was going to the race track; he usually won. 24 years professed.

13-Sep

1985	REV. LOUIS KEMMER died at the age of 94 at St. Mary's Assumption, New Orleans. Born in Garrettsburg, Missouri, April 5, 1891; professed at DeSoto, February 2, 1933; ordained at St. Joseph, Missouri, June 7, 1925. He served as a diocesan priest in the St. Joseph Diocese for seven years before joining the Redemptorists. He was rector in Wichita; most of his active life was spent as parish assistant in the New Orleans Viceprovince. He was known as "Pops" among the brethren. 52 years professed; 60 years ordained.

14-Sep

1755	Venerable Sister Marie Celeste Crostarosa died at the age of 58 at Foggia. Born in Naples, October 31, 1696. She entered the Carmelite Monastery in 1716. Along with Bishop Falcoia and St. Alphonsus, she began the Redemptoristine Nuns on May 13, 1731, at Scala. Two years later she was forced to leave the convent. In 1738, she succeeded in starting another foundation of the Nuns in Foggia.

1817	General Chapter VI opened at Pagani. Convoked by Very Rev. Nicholas Mansione, Vicar General of the Congregation, to elect a successor to Most Rev. Peter Paul Blasucci. Father Mansione was elected superior general and rector major, on September 26, 1817.

15-Sep

1816	ST. ALPHONSUS was solemnly beatified in Rome.

1935	REV. CHARLES KENNEDY died at the age of 53 at St. Alphonsus, Grand Rapids. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, September 15, 1882; professed at Kansas City, August 15, 1910; ordained at Oconomowoc, July 1, 1915. He served as a Christian Brother before receiving permission to join the Redemptorists. He founded the Perpetual Help magazine in Seattle in 1931 to foster vocations on the West Coast. He was an easy-going individual, well liked by all. When he was called to the deathbed of his brother in Knoxville, he died there of a heart attack. 25 years professed; 20 years ordained.

16-Sep

1971	BRO. ANSELM (HENRY) SCHMUESER died at the age of 84 at Immaculate Conception, Oconomowoc. Born in Coshocton, Ohio, October 28, 1886; professed at DeSoto, August 15, 1918. He served as sacristan at St. Alphonsus, Chicago, for nearly forty-three years. He was a quiet, saintly confrere, a true copy of St. Gerard. 53 years professed.

1986	REV. AUGUST PETERS died at the age of 79 at St. Alphonsus, Grand Rapids. Born in Grand Rapids, December 29, 1906; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1928; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 29, 1933. He served two tours of duty in the Army Air Force (1943-1947; 1948-1957) in many remote sections of the world. On his return from service, he served as a parish missionary and parish assistant. He was never one to sit still, and remained active until his death. 58 years professed; 53 years ordained.

17-Sep

1869	Reunion of the Neapolitan Houses with the rest of the Congregation in Rome. Most Rev. Nicholas Mauron was recognized as the sole head of the entire Congregation. Very Rev. Celestine Berruti hitherto rector major of the Neapolitan Houses, became provincial of those houses.

1952	REV. MATTHIAS JUSTEN died at the age of 57 at Saint George's, Cooperstown. Born in Chicago, December 18, 1894; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1915; ordained at Oconomowoc, July 4, 1920. He served on the Spanish missions in San Antonio. He was a teacher and rector in the minor seminary in Oakland, 1925-1936. He served for eleven years as chaplain at Denver General Hospital. He was a very methodical man. 37 years professed; 32 years ordained.

1973	MOST REV. JOSEPH PFAB was elected fourteenth superior general at the General Chapter XVIII in Rome.

1981	REV. GERARD BOUCHER died at the age of 66 at Perpetual Help Retreat House, Oconomowoc. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, November 10, 1914; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1936; ordained at Oconomowoc, July 2, 1941. Most of his active life was dedicated to preaching missions, from 1946 until shortly before his death. He was a fine preacher and retreat master. His two brothers, Robert and John, were also Redemptorists. Cancer cut short his productive life. 45 years professed; 40 years ordained.

18-Sep

1745	BRO. VITO CURZIO, first coadjutor brother in the Congregation, died at Iliceto, Italy. His date of birth unknown. He entered the Congregation 1732 and took the vow of perseverance in 1740. When the others abandoned St. Alphonsus in 1733, he alone remained. St. Alphonsus sang his funeral Mass and later wrote a short account of his life and virtues.

1910	REV. JAMES KARICHER died at the age of 78 at St. Michael's, Chicago. Born in Roodt, Luxemburg, January 9, 1832; professed at Treves, November 13, 1863; ordained at Treves, August 27, 1859. He had been a diocesan priest before entering the Congregation. He came to America in 1874. After serving as a teacher in the minor seminary at Kansas City, he spent thirty-five years in New Orleans and Chicago. He became a regular contributor to several German language newspapers. 46 years professed; 51 years ordained.

1920	REV. WILLIAM O'SHEA died at the age of 77 at St. Mary's Assumption, New Orleans. Born in Charleville, County Cork, Ireland, September 13, 1843; professed at St. Louis, August 2, 1879; ordained at Limerick, Ireland, June 7, 1873. He studied at Mungret College in Ireland. He was a parish assistant in the St. Louis Archdiocese when he entered the Congregation. He made his novitiate at the "Rock" Church, and a week after his profession, began his first mission. In the next twenty years he gave over 400 missions and retreats. He was the soul of charity and cordiality in his dealings with others. Died suddenly during a meal. 41 years professed; 47 years ordained.

1949	BRO. BERNARD (PETER) ROLLINGER died at the age of 51 at St. Michael's, Chicago. Born in Detroit, January 20, 1898; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1927. He served as a baker for many years in the novitiate. 22 years professed.

1979	BRO. BENEDICT (FRANCIS) ROSSE died at the age of 70 at St. Mary's Assumption, New Orleans. Born in Omaha, November 4, 1908; professed at DeSoto, February 2, 1932. He spent forty years in the New Orleans Viceprovince. A quiet, pleasant, efficient man, he served especially well in the parish office and sacristy. 47 years professed.

2002	REV. NORBERT DELORT died at the age of 75 at St. Clement's Health Care Center, Liguori. Born in Chicago, October 30, 1926; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1957; ordained at Oconomowoc, July 2, 1962. Affectionately known as "Knobby", Fr. Delort joined the Redemptorists as a more mature man. He had been in the Navy in WWII, and after his discharge, worked as a payroll clerk and paymaster. This background served him well in his many assignments as the house minister. Fr. Delort's first assignment was to the parish in Omaha and he later came back as the superior. Throughout his life, he served at many of our parishes in the Midwest and in his later years, as the minister of Saint Clement's. He was a man of service, always placing the needs of the Redemptorists above his own. He loved all things Redemptorist, but his greatest love was playing cards. You could always find him in the common room with a deck in his hands. He died at Saint Clement's Health Care Center. 45 years professed; 40 years ordained.

19-Sep

1999	REV. GEORGE JOLY died at the age of 80 at St. Clement's Health Care Center, Liguori. Born in Detroit, November 6, 1918; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1941; ordained at Oconomowoc, July 2, 1945. He went to Brazil in 1948 where he served as a parish priest in various communities until his return to the US in 1974. In 1980 he returned to Brazil where he stayed until 1987 when he returned to the U.S. for good. He was stationed at Liguori Mission House until he joined the mission team for a year before retiring at Holy Redeemer, Detroit in 1988. He spent his last years in Liguori because of failing health and memory. He was a case of a man whose name said it all: jol(l)y. He was the life of the community with endless stories. His personality spontaneously drew people to him. 58 yrs. professed; 54 yrs. ordained.

20-Sep

1947	REV. ALEXIS DITTRICH died at the age of 51 while stationed at St. Alphonsus, Fresno. Born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, January 16, 1896; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1917; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 10, 1922. He spent most of his active life in the Oakland Viceprovince. He was superior of Coeur d'Alene and Portland. An excellent parish priest, he was always available to the people and in much demand for weddings and baptisms. He was found dead in his room while making a retreat in Coeur d'Alene. 30 years professed; 25 years ordained.

1962	BRO. ANGELO SALERNO died at the age of 68 at Immaculate Conception, Oconomowoc. Born in Mandarino, Italy, November 20, 1893; professed at DeSoto, August 15, 1918. He came to this country in 1912 and worked as a machinist in New Rochelle, New York, for a while. He became acquainted with the Redemptorists in Detroit. Ever good-natured and cheerful, he was an excellent maintenance man. A heart attack ended his fruitful life. 44 years professed.

1966	REV. PETER FOERSTER died at the age of 86 while stationed at St. Alphonsus, St. Louis. Born in Chicago, January 17, 1880; professed at Kirkwood, August 15, 1899; ordained at St. Louis, June 24, 1904. He served in many areas: prefect and teacher in the major seminary in DeSoto, superior in several communities, director of second novitiate, parish missionary. He was viceprovincial of the Oakland Viceprovince (1933-1942). He spent the last five years of his life in St. Mary's Hospital, St. Louis, where he died. 67 years professed; 62 years ordained.

1996	REV. JOHN BOUCHER died at the age of 70 while stationed at Villa Redeemer, Glenview. Born in Grand Rapids, March 6, 1926; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1947; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 26, 1952. He was the youngest of three brothers who joined the province. Going to Thailand in 1954, he found the first years quite difficult. A sensitive man, he had to deal with times of depression, but worked over thirty years in the viceprovince, mainly in the Bangkok parish. In 1988, he returned to the U. S. and was stationed at Perpetual Help Retreat, and later for a short time at Minneapolis before being appointed director of the St. Louis Province Mission Office at Glenview in 1991. Died suddenly covering a preaching date in Grand Rapids. Buried in Glenview. 49 years professed; 44 years ordained.

21-Sep

1951	REV. DONALD STEWART died at the age of 30 at Oconomowoc. Born in Kansas City, May 14, 1921; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1941; ordained at Oconomowoc, January 12, 1947. He did graduate work at the Angelicum in Rome, receiving a doctorate in Canon Law. He was a teacher for about a year after his return to the U. S. He was a good community man, always willing to give of himself, but his ill health would not sustain him. 10 years professed; 4 years ordained.

1953	REV. PATRICK BARRETT died at the age of 77 at Holy Name, Omaha. Born in Lame, County Mayo, Ireland, November 7, 1875; professed at Kansas City, August 15, 1904; ordained at St. Louis, June 23, 1909. He came to the U. S. when he was seven; his family settled in Minneapolis. He worked for six years as a printer before joining the Congregation as a result of a mission. He served as a chaplain in World War I, as rector in Davenport, and as a pioneer at Carlisle. He was stationed in Detroit for twenty-two years where he founded the Holy Redeemer Weekly. 49 years professed; 44 years ordained.

1966	BRO. HENRY (JOHN) BAECHLE died at the age of 98 at St. Clement's, DeSoto. Born in Canton, Ohio, October 4, 1867; professed at Kirkwood, August 15, 1899. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living Redemptorist in the world. He spent a short time in the Seattle community 1909-1911. He was known for his eccentric ways and short quips. Having been sent to Portland, he wrote a card while on the way: "On to Portland and perfection." Reading the appointments on the board, one day he reflected aloud: "Lots of changes, not many improvements." 67 years professed.

1973	REV. JOHN TREINEN died at the age of 67 at St. Alphonsus, St. Louis. Born in Kayl, Luxemburg, May 6, 1906; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1925; ordained at Oconomowoc, July 2, 1930. He was a teacher in the minor seminary. His one devotion was to the preaching apostolate, and he was a forceful and imaginative speaker. As Director of the Tirocinium in St. Louis, he imparted his preaching experience to young Redemptorists. He remained active to his death. 48 years professed; 43 years ordained.

1998	MOST REV. CLARENCE JAMES DUHART, retired Ordinary of the Diocese of Udon Thani, Thailand, died at the age of 86 at Holy Redeemer, Bangkok. Born in New Orleans, March 28, 1912; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1932; ordained to presbyterate, June 29, 1937; ordained bishop, April 21, 1964. He entered the Congregation from Detroit where he had been raised. He attended The Catholic University before teaching in Kirkwood. He then served as a chaplain in the South Pacific during World War II. He was the founding superior of the first community in Thailand (1948). Made Apostolic Prefect of Udon Thani on December 4, 1953, he later became its first bishop. He resigned the See on June 20, 1975 and continued to minister in the diocese until his health demanded he move to the Bangkok community. Though handicapped by a stroke and blindness in his last years, his courage, which served him well in his earler leaderhip roles, helped him to bear this suffering. A man of prayer and zeal, he was a bearer of the Congregation to a new land. 64 yrs professed; 60 yrs ordained.

22-Sep

1780	A Provisional Decree of the Holy See declared the houses in the Kingdom of Naples ceased to belong to the Congregation and that only the houses in the Papal States constituted the Congregation. As a result, St. Alphonsus was excluded from the Congregation that he had founded. Rev. Francis de Paola was named President with the powers of rector major. This decree was made final by a decree on August 24, 1781.

1894	BRO. RAPHAEL (MARTIN) ZIMMERMANN died at the age of 73 at St. Alphonsus, St. Louis. Born in Kappsweiler, Bavaria, March 29, 1821; professed at St. Louis, September 18, 1872. Political problems prevented him from following his vocation in his homeland. He came to America and married; he and his wife separated by mutual consent: he joined the Congregation; and she became a Sister of St. Joseph. On his deathbed, he asked for his habit, saying: "I must be dressed to meet the brethren over there." 22 years professed.

1921	BRO. BENNO (ANDREW) FROECH died at the age of 61 at St. Alphonsus, Chicago. Born in Sils, Austrian Tyrol, February 10, 1860; professed at Kansas City, August 15, 1910. He served in the Austrian Army before coming to America in 1900. He served most of his religious life as cook at St. Alphonsus, Chicago. He was killed by an ice truck as he was alighting from a streetcar. 11 years professed.

1970	BRO. LEO (CHARLES) WEGSCHEIDER died at the age of 77 at Immaculate Conception, Oconomowoc. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, February 13, 1893; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1914. Because he was subject to epilepsy, his postulancy lasted four years. Except for one year, he spent all of his religious life in Oconomowoc. For most of his life, he suffered seizures, during which he would cry out German prayers. 56 years professed.

23-Sep

1967	St. Mary's, Fresno was formed from part of the territory of the Redemptorist parish of St. Alphonsus. George Dawson was the first superior and Leo Kulleck was the associate. The parish was returned to the Diocese of Fresno August 1, 1984.

26-Sep

1817	VERY REV. NICHOLAS MANSIONE elected superior general at Pagani at the General Chapter VI , succeeding Very Rev. Peter Paul Blasucci.

1832	MOST REV. EDWARD FENWICK, O.P., first Bishop of Cincinnati, died of cholera in Wooster, Ohio. He had introduced the Congregation into the U. S.

1899	BLESSED GASPAR STANGGASSINGER died at the age of 28 at Gars, Germany. Born in Berchtegaden, Bavaria, January 12, 1871; professed in 1893; ordained in 1895. He was a member of the Munich Province. He had a special charism for young people and had just been appointed director of the minor seminary at the time of his death. He was beatified on April 24, 1988, by Pope John Paul II.

1946	REV. JOSEPH GIRVEN died at the age of 60 at St. Mary's Assumption, New Orleans. Born in New Orleans, August 23, 1886; professed at Kansas City, August 15, 1905; ordained at St. Louis, June 30, 1910. He gave missions on the West Coast and Midwest and worked on Chapel Car, St. Paul, in the South. He was considered by many of his confreres as one of the best preachers of his time. Always a gentleman, he was a much beloved confrere. 41 years professed; 36 years ordained.

1964	REV. GERARD JOLY died at the age of 55 while stationed at Glenview. Born in Detroit, March 25, 1909; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1934; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 29, 1939. He was chaplain in the Air Force and retired as a lieutenant colonel. He was the pioneer superior at Odessa, Texas; he also served as a missionary and retreat director at Glenview. Died suddenly while giving a mission at Parnell, Iowa. 30 year professed; 25 years ordained.

1985	REV. THOMAS LANDERS died at the age of 82 at Immaculate Conception, Oconomowoc. Born in Kansas City, February 7, 1903; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1923; ordained at Oconomowoc, July 2, 1928. He was always willing to serve when asked. He filled many capacities during his long life: business manager of the Liguorian magazine, parish priest, superior in five communities, provincial consultor, and novice master. Part of his leg was amputated in 1977. During this time he made it his apostolate to contact shut-ins by phone. He always had a ready smile. 62 years professed; 57 years ordained.

2002	REV. JOHN BROKER died at the age of 83 while visiting family in Minnesota. Born in Minneapolis, November 19, 1918; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1939; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 22, 1944. Fr. John was the older brother of Fr. Bill Broker. The first thirteen years of John's priesthood was as a missionary along the Amazon River. Following his time in Brazil, John worked at Liguori Publications as the Director of the Pamphlet Office. After Liguori, John spent the rest of his life as a Retreat Director and Preacher at four of the Province Retreat Centers (Glenview, Fargo, Wichita, and Oconomowoc). From 1989 - 2002, John spread his laughter and deep spirituality at the Redemptorist Retreat Center in Oconomowoc. He died gently at Saint Clement's Health Care Center. John always had a jovial manner about him and never complained in the face of failing health. His deep love for the Most Holy Redeemer was the foundation of his life. 63 years professed; 58 years ordained.

2003	REV. JOSEPH W. TOBIN was re-elected Superior General at the XXIII General Chapter in Rome. The sexennium will run from 2003-2009.

27-Sep

1696	ST. ALPHONSUS was born in Marianella, Italy near Naples.

1958	REV. EDWARD MEADE died at the age of 60 at Holy Redeemer, Detroit. Born in Belding, Michigan, November 18, 1897; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1920; ordained at Oconomowoc, July 2, 1925. He was teacher at the Oakland minor seminary for nine years, and superior at Okmulgee. He was very devoted to the care of the sick. Died of heart attack while helping in Belding. 38 years professed; 33 years ordained.

1963	REV. JAMES DREIS died at the age of 78 at St. Mary's Assumption, New Orleans. Born in Chicago, November 2, 1884; professed at Kansas City, August 15, 1906; ordained at St. Louis, June 28, 1911. He was a mission preacher most of his life and worked on the Chapel Car, St. Paul, in Louisiana (1916-1918); he gave about 370 missions. Paralysis ended his missionary career. 57 years professed; 52 years ordained.

1964	REV. EDWIN SMITH died at the age of 73 at St. Alphonsus, St. Louis. Born in St. Louis, August 4, 1891; professed at Kansas City, August 15, 1910; ordained at Oconomowoc, July 1, 1915. He was teacher in the minor seminary, superior in Davenport, and army chaplain in World War II. He exemplified the fine Redemptorist family spirit. 54 years professed; 49 years ordained.

28-Sep

1867	BRO. GERARD FLEDDERMANN died at the age of 45 at St. Mary's Assumption, New Orleans. Born in Ankum, Hannover, Germany, November 11, 1821; professed at Pittsburg, December 25, 1849. He had been a tailor by trade. He escaped the Yellow Fever epidemic in 1865 and nursed the fever-stricken again in 1867 when he offered his life that Father Seelos might be spared. It pleased God to take them both to himself. 17 years professed.

1971	REV. PETER THOMAS died at the age of 82 at Oconomowoc. Born in Chicago, November 27, 1888; professed at Kansas City, August 15, 1910; ordained at Oconomowoc, July 1, 1915. His family name was originally Thommes. He taught German and history at the minor seminary for eight years. Then he served as a parish priest the rest of his active life in Grand Rapids, Detroit, Coeur d'Alene, and for twenty-one years in Wichita. While stationed at St. Alphonsus, Chicago, he became ill and retired in 1964. 61 years professed; 56 years ordained.

1989	REV. J. JOSEPH DUSTIN died at the age of 73 at Holy Redeemer, Detroit. Born in St. Louis, April 5, 1916; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1938; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 29, 1943. He served as a parish missionary for many years and then as a parish priest. He was a true extrovert, who was gifted with musical skills, playing a number of instruments but excelling on the banjo. He composed songs which he sang with gusto. He had an amazing memory for stories and jokes. Affectionately known as "the banjo priest," he insisted that the "priest" part be emphasized. He was ready when the Lord called. 51 years professed; 46 years ordained.

29-Sep

1883	CARDINAL VICTOR DESCHAMPS died at the age of 73 at Malines, Belgium. Born in Mall, Belgium, December 6, 1810; professed in 1836; ordained in 1834. He was made Bishop of Namur in 1865 and Archbishop of Malines and Primate of Belgian in 1867. He successfully fought the great battle for Catholic schools in Belgium. He was an outstanding figure at Vatican Council I. He wrote seventeen learned books.

1917	BRO. JOHN PHILPOT died at the age of 69 at St. Joseph's, Denver. Born in Cloumee, Ireland, April 25, 1848; professed at Detroit, December 15, 1886. He worked on the railroad before entering the Congregation, influenced while attending a mission. He pioneered in Grand Rapids and Detroit and served in Seattle. He was a promoter of total abstinence, not entirely endorsed by some of his confreres. 30 years professed.

30-Sep

1961	REV. BERNARD KALVELAGE died at the age of 77 while stationed at Holy Name, Omaha. Born in Chicago, September 6, 1884; professed at Kansas City, August 15, 1906; ordained at St. Louis, June 28, 1911. He first labored for the Italian and Mexican people in Fresno. He was fluent in German, Spanish, Italian as well as English. He worked on the Chapel Car, St. Paul, in Louisiana in 1917. During World War II, he ministered to German prisoners of war near San Antonio, and also devoted himself to care of the aged, tubercular patients and to delinquent boys. Died of cancer in Alexian Brothers Hospital, Chicago. 55 years professed; 50 years ordained.

1969	REV. EDMUND AMIGH died at the age of 56 at St. Mary's Assumption, New Orleans. Born in Franklin, Pennsylvania, August 25, 1913; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1934; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 29, 1939. After teaching in the minor seminary, he was a parish priest most of his active life. His reading habits made him well versed on a variety of subjects. He was devoted to the underprivileged, and studied Spanish to be of service to the Spanish-American. A massive heart attack in 1968 eventually led to his death. 35 years professed; 30 years ordained.

1988	REV. RAYMOND LASSELL died at the age of 70 at Oakland, California. Born in Portland, June 5, 1918; professed at DeSoto, August 2, 1943; ordained at Oconomowoc, June 29, 1948. He entered the seminary at Oakland as an older student. He was stationed for a short time at Whittier as a parish priest. From there he went to Great Falls as hospital chaplain. For the major part of his mission preaching career he worked out of Sacred Heart, Seattle giving missions throughout Washington and Alaska. He served as parish priest in Fresno, Coeur d'Alene and as pastor in San Leandro and Seattle. He was a friendly man and cherished his friendships greatly. When he developed cancer, he was very gentle and resigned, enjoying the gatherings of the community. 45 years professed; 40 years ordained.