St Conrad
Feast Day April 21
(Holy Thursday in 2011)

Patron of Doorkeepers

MMG members take St Conrad as a patron because, through our prayers for our prodigals, we strive to stand in the doorway so that when our loved ones decide to return, they will find the door to Jesus and His Church standing open and waiting to welcome them.  His example of a humble approach to those around him , and his taking Mary as his guide, encourage us who attempt to meet others with that same humility while we heed Mary's words to the servants at Cana, "Do whatever He tells you." 

Who was Saint Conrad?

St. Conrad had a great love of God and a great devotion to Mary. He lived a humble life as a Capuchin lay brother who answered the door at the monastery.  He was always busy because many thousands of people stopped at his door having come there on pilgrimage.  For over 40 years, he was kind and gentle to all who stopped no matter what their attitude. Conrad held great reverence for the Eucharist. The Mass was his greatest joy. His spare time was spent with the Blessed Sacrament.  Conrad had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother who he claimed as his advocate and guide. In her honor, he distributed many rosaries to spread devotion to her.

 From Saint Conrad's writings

"It was God’s will that I should leave everything that was near and dear to me. I thank him for having called me to religious life where I have found such peace and joy as I could never have found in the world. My plan of life is chiefly this: to love and suffer, always meditating upon, adoring and admiring God’s unspeakable love for his lowliest creatures"
 

Spiritual communion
 by Saint Conrad  

I have come to spend a few moments with Thee, O Jesus, and in spirit I prostrate myself in the dust before Thy Holy Tabernacle to adore Thee, my Lord and God, in deepest humility. Once more a day has come to its close, dear Jesus, another day which brings me nearer to the grave and my beloved heavenly home. Once more, O Jesus, my heart longs for Thee, the true Bread of Life, which contains all sweetness and relish. O my Jesus, mercifully grant me pardon for the faults and ingratitude of this day, and come to me to refresh my poor heart which longs for Thee. As the heart pants for the waters, as the parched earth longs for the dew of heaven, even so does my poor heart long for Thee, Thou Fount of Life. I love Thee, O Jesus, I hope in Thee, I love Thee, and out of love for Thee I regret sincerely all my sins. May Thy peace and Thy benediction be mine now and always and for all eternity. Amen.