Saint Conrad of Parzham
Image: Seryu
(Franciscan Media) Born in Germany Bavaria in 1818, Conrad was devoted from an early age to solitary prayer and became known at all of the Churches and shrines–often times waiting at the door at sunrise for first Holy Mass.
Conrad joined the ‘Capuchins’ as a Brother and was assigned to the Shrine of ‘Our Lady of Altotting’ spending more than 40 yrs of his life as a Porter, letting people into the Friary, obtaining supplies and dispensing charity to the poor while indirectly encouraging them to let God into their lives. Conrad’s helpfulness was sometimes unnerving–once Fr. Vincent seeking quiet to prepare his sermon, went up to the bell-tower of the Church, Conrad tracked him down, when someone wanting to go to Confession specifically requested Fr. Vincent.
Working with children and supporting charities to help neglected children, Conrad developed a rapport with them and was able to teach them about Christian faith, values, principles and the Rosary.
Conrad would spend hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and would regularly ask Our Blessed Mother to intercede for him, together with the many people he included in his prayers.
Three days prior to his death, Conrad realized that he could no longer perform his duties and resigned his position, he followed this by Celebrating Mass and retired to his bed for the last time. Local children that Conrad taught about Jesus and the Rosary recited it outside his window until he passed away.
Conrad was Beatified in 1930 and Canonized in 1934 by Pope Pius XI
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