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Also known as: John
Birndorfer; Johann Birndorfer; Hansel Birndorfer; Conrad Birndorfer
Memorial: 21 April
Profile
Youngest of nine children born to a farming family in a region recovering
from the Napoleonic wars. His mother died when he was 14. Devoted from an
early age to solitary prayer and peacemaking, he was a familiar site at
all the churches and shrines in his region, often waiting at the door at
sunrise for first Mass.
Capuchin tertiary at age 31; Capuchin novice at age 33, taking the name
Conrad. Assigned to the shrine of Our Lady of Altotting. For more than 40
years Conrad was a porter, admitting people to the friary, obtaining
supplies, dispensing alms, encouraging them to open themselves to God, and
generally assisting the thousands who came to the friary on pilgrimages.
Worked with local children, teaching them the faith and practices, and
supported charities for them. Noted for the gifts of prophesy and of
reading people's hearts.
Three days before his death he realized he could no longer perform his
duties, and relinquished the position. He celebrated Mass, and took to his
sick bed for the last time. Local children whom he had taught the rosary
recited it outside his window until the end.
Born: 22 December 1818 at Parzham, Bavaria as Johann Birndorfer
Died: 21 April 1894 of natural causes
Beatified: 1930 by Pope Pius XI
Canonized: 1934 by Pope Pius XI
Patronage
Capuchin-Franciscan Province of Mid-America
Reading
It was God's will that I should leave everything that was near and dear to
me. I thank him for having called me to religious life where I have found
such peace and joy as I could never have found in the world. My plan of
life is chiefly this: to love and suffer, always meditating upon, adoring
and admiring God's unspeakable love for his lowliest creatures.
letter of Saint Conrad
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I resolve in the first place to remain continually in the presence of God
and to ask myself frequently if I would do this or that if my confessor or
superior were watching me and especially if God and my guardian angel were
present. I resolve to ask myself, whenever I have to encounter
crosses of suffering, "Conrad, why have you come here?"
I resolve to avoid leaving the
friary, as far as possible unless it be out of love for my neighbor,
obedience, reasons of health, a pious pilgrimage or some other good cause.
I resolve to foster fraternal charity in myself and in others. Therefore I
resolve to take care never to say an unkind word. I resolve to bear up
patiently with the defects and weaknesses of others, and as far as
possible to hide them with the mantle of charity unless I am in duty bound
to manifest them to someone who is in a position to correct them.
I resolve to observe silence conscientiously. I resolve to speak briefly
and so avoid many pitfalls and be better able to converse with God.
When at table I resolve to place myself in the presence of God as far as I
can, to remain recollected and to pass up my favorite dishes so as to
practice a hidden form of mortification. I resolve not to eat between
meals unless ordered to do so under obedience.
I resolve to answer the first call of the bell unless legitimately
hindered.
I resolve to avoid, as far as possible, conversing with the opposite sex
unless obedience imposes duties on me which make it necessary to speak
with women. In that case I resolve to be very reserved and maintain
custody of the eyes.
I resolve to carry out orders punctually and to the letter. I resolve
especially to make every effort to conquer my own will in all things.
I resolve to force myself to pay close attention to minor details and as
far as possible avoid every imperfection. I resolve to observe the holy
rule faithfully and not to depart from it a hairsbreadth, come what may.
I resolve to cultivate a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and
strive to imitate her virtues.
resolutions of Saint Conrad at the time of his novitiate
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I have come to spend a few moments with Thee, O Jesus, and in spirit I
prostrate myself in the dust before Thy Holy Tabernacle to adore Thee, my
Lord and God, in deepest humility. Once more a day has come to its close,
dear Jesus, another day which brings me nearer to the grave and my beloved
heavenly home. Once more, O Jesus, my heart longs for Thee, the true Bread
of Life, which contains all sweetness and relish. O my Jesus, mercifully
grant me pardon for the faults and ingratitude of this day, and come to me
to refresh my poor heart which longs for Thee. As the heart pants for the
waters, as the parched earth longs for the dew of heaven, even so does my
poor heart long for Thee, Thou Fount of Life. I love Thee, O Jesus, I hope
in Thee, I love Thee, and out of love for Thee I regret sincerely all my
sins. May Thy peace and Thy benediction be mine now and always and for all
eternity. Amen.
-a spiritual communion by Saint Conrad
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