Conrad of Parzham (1818–1894)

Biography

At the age of thirty-one he became a Capuchin monk and shortly afterward he was sent to the convent of Attöting, where an image of the Virgin was venerated that attracted many pilgrims. Johann, now Brother Conrado, was the convent's doorman, perhaps the most sacrificial job of the entire community because it is estimated that the entrance bell rang more than forty times a day, such was the influx of faithful. And here his story ends: he was a doorman for forty-one years, he never abandoned his duties until three days before dying in a dark, patient, humble and joyful service. They say that the welcome - at any hour - of that long-bearded friar who breathed peace and the presence of God produced an indelible effect on everyone, as if each time he opened the door to Christ himself, with a love and concern proportional to the immense honor of receiving a pilgrim like Him, putting into his task a joy that seemed to turn such a monotonous occupation into limitless happiness.