Congratulations Br. Martin, OFM Conv.
On Saturday, August 12 at their 2023 Marian Conference, the Conventual Franciscan Friars awarded one of our dear St. Joseph Family members, Br. Martin Schmitz, OFM Conv., along with Fr. Benard Geiger OFM Conv., the 2023 Koble Award. With much love and enthusiastic support, 26 Little Sisters and Residents attended the Conference and award presentation.
The Kolbe Award is given in recognition of those who mirror St. Maximilian Kolbe’s charism of evangelization through Marian consecration. Br. Martin is the last surviving founding member of the Marytown community, established in 1948 in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
Marytown serves the spiritual needs of a broad community of people—locally and nationally—through our Eucharistic Adoration apostolate, Prison Ministry, daily Masses, weekday Confessions, catechesis, retreats and conferences. The USCCB declared Marytown, the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe in 2000. The Conventual Franciscan Friars of the St. Bonaventure Province live together there in community. These sacred grounds have been a sanctuary of Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament since 1928.
We are blessed not only to have Br. Martin as a Resident, but Br. Tom Hercegovics is a treasured member of our Activity Staff. Plus, three Franciscan Postulants are volunteering here each week during their postulancy.
Congratulations, Br. Martin and Fr. Bernard! Thank you for the powerful humble witness of your lives in serving our Lord and Blessed Mother.
Congratulations Br. Martin, OFM Conv.