Though St. Conrad of Parzham lived a seemingly boring life as a doorman at a monastery, he still found a way to touch others with love, which communicated to them God’s presence.

He was born in Bavaria in 1818 to simple and pious parents, the youngest of nine. When he was a child, he was extraordinarily prayerful and had a special devotion to Mary.

His parents died when Conrad was 31, and he entered a religious community of Capuchin Franciscans. He was sent to a monastery that held a famous Marian shrine, and spent more than 40 years serving as a porter there.

His role was to welcome visitors and to offer them hospitality at the main gate. Because there were so many pilgrims coming and going to visit the shrine, he had to exercise much patience and generosity. He used his position as an endless opportunity to serve, and those who met him came away with a deep impression of human holiness.

Conrad seemed to be able to understand people’s hearts, and there are stories where he also demonstrated knowledge of the future. He fell sick and died on this date in 1894. Relics of St. Conrad rest in the Basilica’s reliquary chapel.

St. Conrad of Parzham, the “boring” saint who touched others with his prayerful hospitality, pray for us!

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