The following information about the Fathers from the Second Edition of the Society of the Divine Savior, "On Whose Shoulders We Stand", published 2005. Salvatorian Archives, 2506 N. Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53213-1135
Collection compiled by Michael R. Hoffman SDS
Submitted by Bob Domagalski, contact information on contributors page.
BROTHER WAYNE LOUIS MADALA SDS Born February 2, 1952 - Died May 15, 2005 Brother Wayne Louis Madala was born on February 2, 1952, in Racine, Wisconsin. He was one of seven children. In 1974, three years after graduating from St. Catherine’s High School in his hometown, he joined the Society as a Candidate in St. Nazianz. The following year he entered the Novitiate in New Carrollton, Maryland, and he made his Profession of Vows on June 16, 1976. For two years, he took special training in Collingswood and Villa Rosa Nursing Homes in Maryland, and there he developed a unique ability to work effectively and lovingly with the elderly residents. He then returned to Wisconsin and put those skills to good use, working with the elderly members of the community in St. Nazianz, then in the Jordan House community in Milwaukee when the retired members relocated there. After taking a short leave from community life and ministry in Sheboygan, he returned to the Jordan House as Assistant Coordinator, continuing in that capacity through the community’s later move to Jordan Hall. In 1995, while continuing to minister to the retired members, Bro. Wayne also took on the responsibility of mentoring the newest members of the community, serving for four years as the Director of Candidates. He then began working in the provincial offices, assisting as the Director of Candidates. He then began working in the provincial offices, assisting the Director of Finances by coordinating the members’ insurance claims and other financial matters, and helping the office staff in numerous other ways. He ministered to the Salvatorian family in his role as Moderator for the Milwaukee Region for several years. Just two weeks before his untimely death at the age of 53, Bro. Wayne began experiencing pain in his back and his legs. The morning after being hospitalized for tests at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Milwaukee, he suddenly went into respiratory arrest, from which he never recovered. He died on Pentecost Sunday, May 15, 2005, and he was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Known for his genuine kindness, gentleness and generosity, Bro. Wayne made friends easily with people from every age group and all walks of life. Though short in stature, he was truly “big of heart.” He is remembered as a man of simple tastes, and with a faith that was lived visibly through his constant devotion and attention to all people.
BROTHER LUKE MANNING SDS Born November 5, 1908 - Died November 9, 1997 Brother Luke Manning (birth name: John Thomas) was born on November 5, 1908, in Franklin, Louisiana, a city near the Gulf of Mexico, west of New Orleans. After graduating from high school, he worked for a railroad company for a few years. When he was 22, he read a Salvatorian vocation publication about the life and work of a Brother. He came to St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, as a Brother candidate, and he entered the Novitiate there in 1931. He made his profession of vows on September 8, 1932. Bro. Luke worked for many years as a clerk and an accountant for the Publishing Department in St. Nazianz; for Jordan Seminary in Menominee, Michigan; and for the Salvatorian Center in New Holstein, Wisconsin. He retired to the Jordan Hall community in Milwaukee in 1991. When his health began failing, he moved to St. Mary’s Nursing Home where he died peacefully a few months later, on November 9, 1997. A delightful and quiet man, Bro. Luke gave of himself completely to his work and to his community. He is remembered as a man of gentleness and patience, a man of deep prayer and great joy, who had a marvelous sense of humor that often showed itself through “one-liners” that gave a smile to everyone around him. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. ******** Confident in our Savior, Jesus Christ, and with compassion for his family and friends, the Salvatorians announce the death of Brother Luke Manning SDS, age 89, who was called to eternal life on Sunday, November 9, 1997. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday (TODAY), November 12, 1997, at St. Anne’s Home for the Elderly, Milwaukee. Survivors include one nephew, Fr. Bob Manning, Wildwood, Mo. Herald Times Reporter, November 12, 1997 P. A2
BROTHER LADISLAUS MARKOSKI SDS Born May 8, 1922 - Died October 26, 2002 Brother Ladislaus Markoski (birth name: Donald Anthony) was born in 1922 in Highland Park, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. After graduating from high school, he worked for a year as a clerk and timekeeper in a brass factory. He entered the Society as a Brother candidate in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, and began his Novitiate year there in 1942. He made his profession of vows on September 8, 1943. His ministry for most of his years in religious life was office and clerical work, which he did in several schools and communities throughout the country: in the monastery office of St. Nazianz; at Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, New Jersey; at St. Pius X Parish in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; at Mackin High School in Washington, DC; at St. Pius X Seminary in Galt, California; and at Mount St. Paul College in Waukesha, Wisconsin. In 1976, he took time to study Clinical Pastoral Education in Iowa, and ministered in health care for two years in the pastoral care departments of St. Vincent’s Hospital and Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa. He returned to St. Nazianz in 1978 to work once again in the office of the monastery. When the community relocated to Milwaukee in 1985, Bro. Ladislaus remained in the Manitowoc area until 1994, when he retired to the Jordan Hall community in Milwaukee. He died in St. Anne’s Nursing Home on October 26, 2002, after a lengthy time of failing health. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. “Brother Laddy” was a man of formidable size with a deep robust laugh who strived to live life simply and tenderly. He was sensitive to the needs of the underprivileged and, in several of the places where he lived, he also helped to teach literacy skills to older people who could not read. He shared his smiles, his faith, and his warmth openly with all.
FATHER THOMAS JAMES MAURER SDS Born July 8, 1923 - Died July 2, 2001 Father Thomas James Maurer was born in 1923 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After his high school and college studies, he felt the call to religious life and spent several years with the Trappists, but left before professing vows. He attended Jordan Seminary in Menominee, Michigan, for two years and then entered the Society’s Novitiate in Colfax, Iowa, where he made his profession of vows on September 8, 1958. He completed his studies for the priesthood at Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland, and Catholic University in Washington DC. He was ordained a priest in Lanham on February 1, 1964. For many years, “Fr. Tommy” worked in the Brothers’ Juniorate at the seminary in Menominee, Michigan, where he was librarian and did clerical work. He also worked in numerous parishes over the years: at St. Joseph’s Parish in Huntsville, Alabama; St. Vincent’s Parish in Elkhart, Indiana; St. Joseph’s Parish in St. Joseph, Michigan; St. Mary of the Visitation Parish in Huntsville, Alabama; and at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Dover, Tennessee where he served as pastor until his untimely death on July 2, 2001, in an auto accident. Fr. Tommy was also a passionate gardener who loved to surround the community’s homes and parishes with magnificent floral beauty. He is remembered as a kind, fast-talking little man with a heart of gold, who approached both life and ministry with energy and enthusiasm. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Though he had returned to his baptismal name, he was known for a number of years in religious life by the name “Conrad.”
FATHER GARY MCGINNIS SDS Born January 16, 1926 - Died June 27, 1998 Father Gary McGinnis (birth name: Peter Joseph) was born in 1926 in Phelpston, Ontario, Canada, just outside Toronto. After two years of high school, he entered the Canadian Army and served for several years. In 1949, he entered Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, New Jersey, where he completed his high school studies and the first two years of college. In 1955, he began his Novitiate in Colfax, Iowa, and he made his profession of vows on September 8, 1956. He completed his studies for the priesthood at Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland, and Catholic University in Washington, DC, and was ordained in Lanham on May 31, 1962. Fr. Gary taught in the seminary in Blackwood; at Jordan High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and at Salvatorian Seminary and JFK Prep in St. Nazianz. He served as chaplain in St. Mark’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona; in hospitals in Richmond, Virginia, and Battle Creek, Michigan; and in St. Joseph – Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. In 1980, he moved into parish ministry, serving as associate pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Cookeville, Tennessee; St. Mark’s Parish in Phoenix, Arizona; and Queen of Peace Parish in nearby Mesa. In 1991, health needs brought him to Wisconsin, where he semi-retired from outside ministries, but served as director of the candidates in the formation community in Milwaukee. In 1996, he retired to the Jordan Hall community. He died suddenly while visiting his family in Ontario. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Fr. Gary is remembered as a likeable man with a great sense of humor, who loved to get into discussions about anything and everything, especially baseball. He devoted himself whole-heartedly to the community and to his ministries.
FATHER JAMES MCKENNA SDS Born November 23, 1916 - Died October 8, 2004 Father James McKenna was born on November 23, 1916, in Craigneuk, Scotland. During his elementary school years, his family moved to the United States, to Winfield, New York, on Long Island. After graduating from the local high school, he entered Jordan Seminary in Menominee, Michigan, where he took Specials’ Studies. He entered the Society’s Novitiate in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, and he made his profession of vows on February 24, 1946. After completing his studies for the priesthood at Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland, and Catholic University in Washington, DC, he was ordained in the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on June 9, 1952. Father Jim’s assignments through the years took him to the mission parishes of Jordan, Oregon, and to St. Michael’s Parish in Grand Ronde; to Francis Jordan High school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; St. Pius X Parish in Wauwatosa; to St Henry’s Parish in Nashville, Tennessee, and St. Joseph’s Parish in nearby Madison. But the assignment that was dearest to his heart was in Mother Mary Mission in Phenix City, Alabama, where he ministered a total of four different times, three of them as pastor. On the occasion of his 50th Anniversary of Profession, the parish honored Father Jim as “a great teacher, a great friend, and a truly inspiring priest.” He had marched alongside parish members in the mostly African-American congregation during some of the most violent and tense early days of the Civil Rights movement, and he won their respect as he fought for justice with them. Father Jim was also an avid coach and sportsman who was interested in the physical well-being of his parishioners, as well as the spiritual. Before retiring in 2000, he served as chaplain in Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Birmingham, Alabama. He retired to St. Mary’s Home in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where he died on October 8, 2004. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Father Jim had returned to his baptismal name, but for a number of years he was known in religious life by the name “Owen.”
BROTHER DAMIAN MEANY SDS Born September 3, 1912 - Died February 2, 1984 Brother Damian Meany (birth name: Lawrence Francis) was born in 1912 in Grand Rapids, Michigan into a family of ten children. At the age of 22, he entered the Society as a Brother candidate in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, where he also spent his Novitiate year. He made his profession of vows on March 19, 1936. He worked in the boiler room and on the farm in St. Nazianz; he did plumbing and worked in the boiler room of Jordan College in Menominee, Michigan; and Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee. He worked for several years in the Publishing Department in St. Nazianz; in the laundry at Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland; and in helping to build at Mother Mary Mission in Phenix City, Alabama, In 1959, Bro. Damian began working at St. Pius X Seminary in Rio Dell, California, and followed the seminary’s move to Galt. He worked in the kitchen of the Provincial offices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for a couple years; and in the community at Marian High School in Mishawaka, Indiana, before retiring to St. Nazianz. He died, after a lengthy illness, in the hospice of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Milwaukee. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Bro. Damian is remembered for his dry wit, his friendliness, and his love of Civil War history. He was also an avid USA stamp collector. (Note: A family member said that he was one of a family of 13 children, and the spelling of the surname should be Meaney. The parents were Thomas Francis Meaney (born in Pennsylvania) and Mary Bradley (born in Grand Rapids, MI approx. 1888. Siblings in approximate birth order were: Mary Margaret Thomas William Lawrence Francis Theresa Meaney Finch David R Morris Betty Meaney Hansen William (called Bill) Jim Lee (also called Robert) Dorothy Meaney Fogler Jeanne
FATHER PLACIDUS MEIER SDS Born January 14, 1878 - Died June 7, 1958 Father Placidus Meier (birth name: Sebastian) was born in Buechenau, Germany, in 1878. At the age of 14, he entered the Society in Rome, Italy, and was one of Fr. Bonaventure Luethen’s last novices. He made his profession of vows on October 4, 1894. He finished his studies for the priesthood at the Gregorian University in Rome, and was ordained in the Lateran Basilica on November 1, 1900. He taught in the Salvatorian school in Tivoli, Italy; and was later a teacher and dean of students in Meran. In 1908, he was selected for the missions in Assam, India, and he went to Liverpool, England, to begin the preparation to teach in the college in Shillong, India. In 1913, he arrived in India and began his work in the college, teaching English and science. At the outbreak of World War I, he was interned as a prisoner of war, and he was released in May of 1916. He returned to Europe, and he taught English and mathematics in the Salvatorian college in Lochau, Austria, for twenty-two years. In 1938, the school was closed by the Nazis, and in the following year, Fr. Placidus came to the United States, and ministered as chaplain in Sacred Heart Home in Hyattsville, Maryland. Later, he was spiritual director in Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham. In 1953, he became chaplain in the Salvatorian Sisters’ hospital in Portage, Wisconsin. He remained there until his death on June 7, 1958. His funeral and burial took place in St. Nazianz. Fr. Placidus is remembered as a kindly and good-humored priest who enjoyed being with people and ministering wherever there was a need.
BROTHER VIRGIL MERTZLUFFT SDS Born September 26, 1915 - Died October 28, 1996 Brother Virgil Mertzlufft (birth name: Carl George) was born in 1915 in St. Louis, Missouri. After attending the local Catholic high school, he studied at St. Louis Prep Seminary, the Cleveland School, and Hadley Vocational School. In 1940, he came to St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, as a Brother candidate, and he entered the Novitiate there in 1941. He made his profession of vows on September 8, 1942. For over forty years, Bro. Virgil ministered to the community in St. Nazianz, taking on many different tasks: cobbler, gardener, farmer, baker, auto mechanic, butcher, refectorian, janitor, and caretaker of the spacious lawns and grounds of the property. This lengthy career of service in St. Nazianz was interrupted only once, for a short period in 1956, when he volunteered to be a part of the Society’s missions in Tanganyika (now Tanzania) in East Africa. Recurring bouts of malaria and other tropical illnesses forced his reluctant return after just a year there. During his time in Africa, however, he had done much to help in the construction of new buildings and in the renovation of older structures in the newly-acquired mission stations. In 1985, Bro. Virgil was part of the community’s relocation to Jordan House in Milwaukee, and then later to Jordan Hall. After a lengthy period of failing health, he died in St. Joseph’s Hospital on October 28, 1996. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Bro. Virgil is remembered as a dedicated and tireless servant, who preferred life in the background and out of the limelight. But his quiet service provided much to the people he served in so many ways.
FATHER ERIC MIDDLECAMP SDS Middlecamp, Fr. Eric, SDS, died March 6, 2011. Fr. Eric was born in Wisconsin Rapids on May 22, 1936, the son of the late David and Barbara (nee Hein) Middlecamp. Entered the Society of the Divine Savior (Salvatorians) on Oct. 18, 1946. Ordained a priest on June 9, 1952. Ministered as a teacher in several Salvatorian seminaries and schools, hospital chaplain and fund raiser for the Community and its Tanzania missions. Preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Rosemary Middlecamp, Dorothy Allen and Florence Landis; brothers, William, George, Raymond and infant Joseph. Survived by his sister, Rita Macewicz of Beloit, numerous nephews, nieces and his brothers and sisters in the Salvatorian Family. Funeral Mass Friday, March 11, 11 a.m. at the Chapel at Alexian Village, 9301 N. 76th St. Visitation Friday at the Chapel from 10 a.m. until time of Mass. Burial Friday, 3 p.m. at Salvatorian Cemetery, St. Nazianz, WI. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - March 10, 2011
FATHER MARCELLINE MOLZ SDS Born February 27, 1873 - Died October 4, 1961 Father Marcelline Molz (birth name: Otto) was born on February 27, 1873, in Kappelim-Tal, Germany, into a wealthy family of the city, where his father was mayor. Sadly, when he was only 11 years old, both his parents died just weeks apart. In 1890, he entered the Society in Rome, Italy, and he made his profession of vows on June 2, 1891. The decision to enter religious life must have been a difficult one, as he was required to relinquish a rather sizeable family fortune he had inherited, but he felt that this was where God was calling him to be. After studying at the Gregorian University in Rome, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1895. That year, he was sent by the Founder, Fr. Francis Jordan, to the mission in Assam, India. Following a devastating earthquake that destroyed the mission in 1897, Fr. Marcelline returned to Europe to raise money to rebuild the mission. He became famous in his homeland as the long-bearded Father who told wonderful stories about a place and a people half a world way. He returned to India, but at the outbreak of World War I, he was interned as a prisoner of war for three months and then sent home. He was almost immediately drafted into service in the German army, where he ministered as chaplain to the soldiers. After the war ended, he came to the United States in 1921, where he helped in the earliest days of the Salvatorian Mission House in Elkton, Maryland. There, his experience in raising money for the missions came in handy. After ministering for a short time to the Christian Brothers in Ammendale, Maryland, he became pastor of the mission parishes in Shaw, Oregon; later, he served at Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he also served as chaplain and confessor for the School Sisters of Notre Dame, in nearby Elm Grove, and as chaplain of Holy Cross Cemetery for nineteen years. During his years of ministry for the cemetery, it was estimated that he performed the burial rites for over 25,000 people. In 1956, Fr. Marcelline suffered a paralyzing stroke, and he retired in St. Nazianz. After a lengthy illness, he died in Holy Family Hospital in Manitowoc, on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi in 1961, at the age of 88. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz.
BROTHER GILES MORSE SDS Born November 22, 1908 - Died March 15, 1982 Brother Giles Morse (birth name: Edward Francis) was born in 1908 in Fernandina Beach, Florida, on the outskirts of Jacksonville. He attended Belmont Abbey High School in Belmont, North Carolina, for two years. After several years in military service, he joined the Society in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, in 1934. Following Novitiate, he made his profession of vows on September 8, 1936. Throughout his religious life, Bro. Giles was a dedicated clerk and bookkeeper. A quiet and unassuming man, he ministered in several of the community houses across the country during his life: in the monastery in St. Nazianz; at Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, New Jersey; at St. Pius X Seminary in Galt, California; and at Salvatorian Center in New Holstein, Wisconsin. Bro. Giles returned to St. Nazianz in the mid-1970’s when he was diagnosed with cancer. Though his health was diminishing, he helped as much as he could during his final years. He died in Holy Family Hospital in Manitowoc, on March 15, 1982, and he was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. ******** Brother Giles Morse, 73, of St. Nazianz, died Monday, March 15, at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. Ambrose Church, St. Nazianz. Burial will be in Community Cemetery, St. Nazianz. Brother Morse was born Nov. 22, 1908, at Ferandina, Calif., son of the late Edward and Christine Mullarkey Morse. He was educated at Belmont Abbey and had an occupation as a bookkeeper. Survivors include a brother, Jack Morse of Cumming, Ga., and a sister, Mrs. Agnes Livingston of Asheville, N.C. Friends may call at St. Ambrose Church after 4 p.m. Thursday where a prayer service will be at 8 p.m. Christianson-Deja Funeral Home, St. Nazianz, is in charge of arrangements. Herald Times Reporter, Mar. 17, 1982 P. 3
FATHER ANGELUS MUENZLOHER SDS Born May 3, 1866 - Died August 16, 1957 Father Angelus Muenzloher (birth name: Josef) was born in Tuafkirchen a Vils, Bavaria, in 1866. He was accepted into the Society by the Founder, Fr. Francis Jordan, in 1885 in Rome, Italy. He made his profession of vows there on October 14, 1886. After studying at the Gregorian University in Rome, he was ordained on December 21, 1889. A month later, he was sent as part of the first missionary group to the new foundation in Assam, India. The Superior, Fr. Otto Hopfenmueller, died suddenly just six months after they had arrived and Fr. Angelus, newly-ordained and only 24 years old, was appointed the new Superior by the Founder. With faith and trust in the Divine Savior, Fr. Angelus accomplished the almost-impossible task of building up the mission, and under his guidance, it flourished. Throughout his years there, he served as procurator and he founded the mission press apostolate, publishing the first catechism in the Khasi language and its first monthly Catholic publication, “The Catholic Family.” In 1913, ill health forced him to leave Assam and he lived with the community in Lochau, Austria. After World War I, Fr. Angelus came to the United States, and served at Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was also a provincial consultor and, upon the sudden death of the provincial, Fr. Raphael Wittig, in 1930, he assumed the role of acting provincial for six months. In later life, he served many years as chaplain in Holy Family Hospital in Manitowoc. Fr. Angelus died peacefully on August 16, 1957, in St. Nazianz, at the age of 91. At the time of his death, he had been the oldest priest in the state of Wisconsin. He was buried in the community cemetery on Loretto Hill. ******** Noted Mission Pioneer is Priest Sixty Years St. Nazianz, Wis. - Father Angelus Muenzloher, S.D.S., celebrated the 60th anniversary of his ordination at Solemn Mass Dec. 20, in the motherhouse of the Salvatorian Fathers in America. Present were Bishop Stanislaus V. Bona of Green Bay and 60 clergymen. Father Angelus was ordained at 23 and immediately left to found the first foreign mission of the society in Assam, India. He wrote the first catechism in the Khasi dialect and published a monthly periodical. In 1913 he returned to Europe to regain his health and after the first World War, was transferred to the U.S. and served in Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska. In 1930, Father Angelus was named acting Provincial of the U.S.. He founded the Salvatorian House of studies for belated vocations. The Catholic Advance, Wichita, Kan., Dec. 30, 1949
BROTHER GUSTAVE MYNSBERGE SDS Born May 17, 1916 - Died October 31, 1999 Brother Gustave Mynsberge (birth name: Albert) was born on May 17, 1916, in South Bend, Indiana. After graduating from the local high school, he attended South Bend College of Commerce, studying bookkeeping and accounting. He worked in this field until 1943, when he entered the Society as a Brother candidate in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. He began his Novitiate later that same year, and he made his profession of vows on September 8, 1944. He continued working there in both the seminary and the monastery as secretary and bookkeeper. In 1955, Bro. Gus moved to Jordan Seminary in Menominee, Michigan, and worked in similar capacities until 1962, when he was asked to serve as secretary and receptionist for the provincial offices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He ministered in this assignment faithfully until 1986, when he retired to the Jordan House community. Recovery from a fractured hip and other health issues forced a move to St. Mary’s Nursing Home in late 1994, where he died peacefully on October 31, 1999. A quiet man who preferred a more solitary and contemplative life, Bro. Gus is remembered as the kind and inviing voice one first spoke to when calling the provincial offices for many years. His deep spirituality and unwavering devotion to his call in life were evident to those who lived and worked with him, even though they would rarely hear him speak about it. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz.