Saint Conrad of Parzham
Capuchin lay brother who was porter at Altötting's Marian shrine for forty-one years
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Religious
- Life
- 1818 – 1894
- Era
- 19th century
- Feast
- 21 April
- Countries
- Germany
Life story
He was born on 22 December 1818 on the family farm at Parzham in the Kingdom of Bavaria and was baptized Johann Birndorfer. His parents were Bartholomäus Birndorfer and Gertrude, and the region was still recovering from the Napoleonic wars. As a young man he loved praying in solitude and was known as a peacemaker.
He asked to join the Capuchins as a lay brother. According to one biography he entered the novitiate at Laufen in September 1851 and took the name Conrad; he professed vows in 1852 and was sent to the friary at Altötting. There he served as porter for about forty-one years. Because Altötting has a popular shrine of Mary, he met crowds of visitors, obtained supplies for the friary and gave generously to the poor who came to the door.
At first some of the friars were jealous that so young a man held such an important post, but his patience and holy life won them over. He also promoted the Seraphic Work of Charity, which helped neglected children. He died at the friary on 21 April 1894. Pius XI beatified him on 15 June 1930 and canonized him on 20 May 1934.
Works and witness
- Born in 1818 into a farming family at Parzham, Bavaria
- Entered the Capuchin novitiate at Laufen in 1851 and professed vows in 1852
- Served as porter of the Altötting friary for about forty-one years
- Helped the poor at the friary door and supported a charity for neglected children
- Died on 21 April 1894; canonized on 20 May 1934
Saints from the same country
References
- Franciscan Media, 'Saint Conrad of Parzham'
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.