Obituary Record

Last Tuesday night the faculty of St. Stanislaus and the citizens of Bay St. Louis were called upon to mourn the departure of the venerable Brother Conrad, who had taken sick a few days before. All that medical science and fraternal care could do proved unavailing; pneumonia, the dreaded visitor, had firmly installed itself into his very vitals and claimed him a victim. Surrounded by his brethren in religion, and after having received all the consolations of the holy church, he calmly yielded his sweet soul into the hands of the Creator. His death was that of the just; who fear not its coming, conscious of the joys due one who had tonight the good fight, and had nobly finished his course. His death was the reflex of a life well spent. Among the pangs of his sickness, he displayed his many noble qualities of soul and edified his gathered brothers by his calm resignation.

Brother Conrad was born in Munster, Westphalia, Germany, nearly seventy-five years ago. He received his education in his native country and then directed his steps towards America. In 1853 he arrived in New York and continued his travels.

Brother Conrad came of a staunch Catholic parentage. Hearty and robust in health, by health his religious convictions were of a similar mould. He was haunted by the thought of devoting his days to the noble task of education and accordingly entered the novitiate of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, then located at Mobile, Ala. After the usual time of probation, Brother Conrad was admitted to pronounce his vows. For a number of years Brother Conrad taught at St. Vincent's Academy and St. Joseph's School of the same city. Later he was stationed at St. Stanislaus college where he filled many honorable positions with credit and distinction.

It was at Bay St. Louis that he displayed his talents and abilities. Throughout the country the dear brother was known, respected, and loved. To many his demise will bring affliction and pain. He could recite the history of St. Stanislaus from its embryo state to its present strong foothold. Brother Conrad would enliven many conversations by his familiar reminiscences of war days and yellow fever scares. For thirty odd years Brother Conrad worked and toiled in our city's midst, winning all hearts by its kindness.

What stands a fitting monument to Brother Conrad is the stern fact of having lived more than fifty years in the religious life. The world with all its alluring pleasures, its name, and fame stood within his grasp, but the strong current of faith swept all these trifles away, and with one all-concentrated purpose he cast all his cares in the bosom of God. A deceitful world often dwells upon the apparent easy life of a religious, whereas few of its votaries embrace that life. This fact is made more brilliant as Brother Conrad spent his energies in that most noble and yet most trying work, the Christian education of youth.

The citizens of Bay St. Louis, irrespective of creed or color, held Brother Conrad in the highest esteem. They all reverenced him and now offer their silent prayers to the throne of grace in his behalf.

On Wednesday morning the funeral services were held in the church of Our Lady of the Gulf before the pupils of the college, the pupils of St. Joseph's Academy, and a large concourse of friends and acquaintances. The mass was celebrated by Very Rev. Father Blanc, assisted by Rev. Father Prendergast. Very Rev. Father Blanc spoke feelingly and eloquently of the dead Brother and held the life and virtues of Brother Conrad for the imitation of the congregation. His remains, after the absolution, were laid to rest under the green sod of the college cemetery. The Echo and all join in the wish and fond hope that his pure soul may rest in peace.

Source: Sea Coast Echo 03-19-1898