Berard Matzenauer, OFM

1903 – 1971

Br. Berard Matzenauer, OFM, was born on March 1, 1903 in Leutkirch, Germany. He joined the friars of the German Province in St. Elizabeth in Fulda, from which came many of the founding friars of Holy Name Province. Br. Berard was received into the novitiate in 1924 and professed temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1928.

He joined Holy Name Province in 1937, and was first stationed at St. Bonaventure College in Allegany, N.Y. In 1950, he was assigned to St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., and except for one year at St. Francis College in Rye Beach, N.J., Br. Berard lived his Franciscan life in Paterson.

A jack of many trades and master of most of them, Br. Berard worked as electrician, engineer, and maintenance man. He designed electrical fixtures that adorned the Paterson friary. They bore the distinctive trademark “friar-lite.” A talented friar, Br. Berard devoted his energies as a religious to God and to the service of his brothers.

He died on Nov. 8, 1971. Br. Berard was 68 years old, and a professed friar for 46 years.