Brother Ferdinand Woerle O.F.M.
Brother Ferdinand Woerle O.F.M., better known as Brother
Ferdy, was born on July 5th, 1895 in Stimpfach,
Brother Ferdinand entered the Franciscan Order in
After being injured by mustard gas in World War I, Brother Ferdinand was advised by doctors to find work outdoors. During his time at St. Bonaventure, he worked in the flower and vegetable gardens all over campus. Bona's landscape was truly beautified by his imagination and industry. In addition to grounds keeping, Brother Ferdy also served in the campus chapels as a sexton and sacristan. The class of 1948 dedicated their yearbook to him as a tribute to the quiet simplicity which was the pattern of his life.
In 1960, arthritis forced Brother Ferdy to give up his
landscaping duties. In 1973,
arthritis, diabetes and a heart condition placed him in the Provincial
Infirmary. For years he was
confined
to bed by increasingly debilitating illness.
On January 29th, 1984, Brother Ferdinand Woerle O.F.M. passed
away.
As a testament to Brother Ferdy, the class of 1953 donated
funds for St. Bonaventure’s new main
entrance.
It is a permanent memorial to Brother Ferdinand featuring two brick walls
running parallel to
To view all the statues and shrines of St. Bonaventure click here.
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This site was created by Christopher Dianetti, intern in the St. Bonaventure
University Archives located in Friedsam Memorial Library during the spring 2006
semester.
Last updated: 27 February 2007