Pius Mueller, OFM

1888 – 1956

Fr. Pius Mueller, OFM, was born at Eichenzell, Germany, on Aug. 18, 1888. At age 19, he entered the Fulda Province of Franciscans in Ottbergen, Germany. He professed temporary vows there in 1908, and professed solemn vows at Salmuenster in 1911. In 1916, he was ordained a priest in Fulda.

The following year, Fr. Pius was drafted into the German army and worked as an orderly in the medical corps and later served as a chaplain. He traveled with the army to Romania, France and Russia.

After the war, Fr. Pius worked in Salmuenster in a parish. He came to the United States in 1926 and worked with the friars of Sacred Heart Province for eight years. In 1934, Fr. Pius transferred to Holy Name Province, and he was assigned to the chaplaincy of St. Francis Hospital in New York City, where he ministered for 22 years.

He died Aug. 30, 1956 at St. Francis Hospital. Fr. Pius was 68 years old, a professed friar for 48 years, and a priest for 40 years.