“May God Be Praised Forever!”
On Friday, February 12, we were blessed to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Br. Martin Schmitz, OFM Conv. In 1978, the Conventual Franciscan Friars moved from Kenosha, Wis., and purchased property from an order of Benedictine nuns next to the University of St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, IL. Br. Martin was one of the original Franciscans that established what would be called Marytown, the site of the National Shrine of St. Maximillian Kolbe.
Br. Martin is quick to give thanks and praise to our Lord for his vocation and life as a Franciscan Brother. He says that one of the spiritual highlights of his life is when he visited Mount Alvernia in Italy where St. Francis received his stigmata.
Living here, he tells us is the ‘frosting on the cake’. He is very grateful to be a part of our community. Often leading the rosary or Chaplet of Divine Mercy for our prayer groups, or sharing his faith with anyone he meets within his day, Brother is an inspiration to all of us. We are very blessed to have him as a part of our St. Joseph Home family.
May God be praised, forever!
Br. Martin Schmitz, OFM