Deceased Friars

Ludger Beck, OFM

Ludger Beck

1832 – 1909

Fr. Ludger Beck, OFM, was born at Ursula Poppenricht, Germany, on Jan. 25, 1832. In 1855, he entered the novitiate in Munich, professing solemn vows the following year. He was ordained a priest in 1858.

For 16 years, Fr. Ludger served as a pastor in Germany. He then came to the United States and ministered for 12 years as pastor of St. Martin’s Church in Louisville, Ky.

In 1888, he joined the Allegany Custody and was appointed pastor of St. Francis Church in New York City. During his 14-year pastorate, the present church was built and dedicated in 1892.

Fr. Ludger served as a councilor of Holy Name Province, and was guardian of St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J.

He died Aug. 10, 1909 in Paterson. Fr. Ludger was 77 years old, a professed friar for 52 years and a priest for 51 years.

Each of us should be called a lesser brother, a Friar Minor. Each one of us should wash the feet of the others.”

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Ludger Beck, OFM

Ludger Beck

1832 – 1909

Fr. Ludger Beck, OFM, was born at Ursula Poppenricht, Germany, on Jan. 25, 1832. In 1855, he entered the novitiate in Munich, professing solemn vows the following year. He was ordained a priest in 1858.

For 16 years, Fr. Ludger served as a pastor in Germany. He then came to the United States and ministered for 12 years as pastor of St. Martin’s Church in Louisville, Ky.

In 1888, he joined the Allegany Custody and was appointed pastor of St. Francis Church in New York City. During his 14-year pastorate, the present church was built and dedicated in 1892.

Fr. Ludger served as a councilor of Holy Name Province, and was guardian of St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J.

He died Aug. 10, 1909 in Paterson. Fr. Ludger was 77 years old, a professed friar for 52 years and a priest for 51 years.