Hyacinth Wenz, OFM

1902 – 1995

Br. Hyacinth Wenz, OFM, was born on Oct. 27, 1902 in Camberg-Taunus, Germany. His early education took place in Camberg, and in 1916 he went to trade school. As a young tertiary brother, he went to the Fulda Province in Holland to work as a baker and gardener.

He was invited to join Holy Name Province and entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., on Dec. 12, 1927. He professed temporary vows one year later and made his solemn profession in 1932.

Br. Hyacinth baked bread for years in Paterson before being asked to make sandals for the increasing number of friars in Holy Name Province. He also served as porter, nurse, maintenance man, sacristan, and refectorian. At the age of 56, Br. Hyacinth volunteered to serve in the Bolivian mission, where he spent 18 years teaching young Bolivians the art of carpentry, as well as making desks and chairs for the school there.

Upon his return to the United States, Br. Hyacinth served as associate Provincial promoter of the missions for two years before serving in the Peru mission for two years. He retired to St. Anthony’s Residence in Boston. Br. Hy was a quiet but strong friar, gentle but firm.

He died on Oct. 22, 1995 in Boston. Br. Hyacinth was 92 years old, a professed friar for 66 years.