OUR HISTORY
Celebrating 200 Years of the birth of Father Theodosius
Our Founders
"My" Father Theodosius by S. Christiane Jungo, Ingenbohl,
No one of us has known Father Theodosius personally. We all depend on what his contemporary witnesses tell us. But even those knew him only partially. Though every event throws a light on the one who acts, all the aspects of a person can never be fully known. However, traditions and personal interpretations gradually form pictures of our founder; not visual ones, but imaginative ones. Yet these will be only facets of the total picture. The selection of characteristics depends on our personal experiences, tendencies and insights. The "colors" of the pictures that we ourselves make of Father Theodosius will also change with the passing of years. Thus, every sister can speak ever anew of "her" Father Theodosius.
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What eye witnesses say
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Sr. Cornelia Furer, his secretary, characterized him as follows: "He was German in spirit, manner and heart, Italian in fire and vitality." A friend of his, Theodore Scherer-Boccard, said of him: "Father Theodosius was a poor Capuchin, but a man of his word, as well as a man of action, and above all a man of his time."
Let us listen to a brother in religion and a friend, Fr. Honorius Elsener, who wrote to Mother Bernarda in a letter of June 23, 1956: "I know as well as you do, that he is often difficult and stubborn, flaring up and sharp, that he can hardly be brought to change an idea he has conceived; at times it is hard for me, too, to adjust to him..." But when storm and thunder has passed, the sun shone all the warmer. Moreover, one had to admit that Fr. Theodosius saw ten things where others could see only one. "Well, he is an extraordinary spirit," added Fr. Honorius.
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What Father Theodosius said of himself
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"My efforts brought me friends where I did not expect them, but also enemies from where they were not supposed to come. Yet neither the one nor the other disturbs me much. May what God wills, as long as he wills it, be done. Whatever people may say, my principle is that the need of the time is the will of God. Therefore God cannot and will not allow an undertaking of this kind to remain without his help. Should he nevertheless do that, may his name be praised."
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"My" Father Theodosius
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Of the many pictures of Father Theodosius that I carry within myself, I will briefly describe two: When Father Theodosius got entangled in political conflicts in Canton Aargaus in 1841, he was accused and charged, and a warrant was issued against him. Augustine Keller, the liberal government official and director of an educational institute stood in the front line of his opponents. Later, however, Fr. Theodosius praised and recommended the school reader published by the same Augustine Keller, as in his eyes it was the best he knew. I admire our founder who could act so objectively, putting back his personal feelings. To me he is a model in matters of tolerance.
There were other anti-ecclesial and liberal persons who, like Augustine Keller, belonged to the Swiss Society for Public Welfare. Father Theodosius, being a Catholic priest, belonged to it too, though he seemed to be out of place there. He did not share the purely humanitarian direction of their welfare efforts, for to him Christian motivation was to be an essential part of it. But he was sought after as a speaker at their gatherings and supported their efforts in favor of the poor, the unemployed, the sick and orphans. I am impressed by Father Theodosius' openness and readiness to learn from others and to support the good wherever he found it. I would like to learn collaboration and networking from him.
Theodosius Florentini: Signs of the Time
by Sr. Canisia Mack
Father Theodosius was a man who was not only able to read the weather charts of his time, but who also had the horizons of hope before him. We do not refer to him only when we are about to celebrate a jubilee, but we keep looking to his creative example even to this day.
He was an extraordinary person. Much was written about him - spoken, too - astonishing things worthy of a second thought. There are people, though, who shake their heads about his "crazy enterprises" when they hear his name, because Theodosius had character.
Anton Crispin was born on May 23,1808, in the remote Muestair valley of Switzerland, on May 23, 1808. After finishing his school time at Stans and after considerable struggles, he joined the novitiate of the Capuchins at Sitten. In the course of this formation, the Franciscan spirituality deepened in him. The sense of mission of Francis deeply touched him and this dearly marked the rest of his life. Thus he always saw himself as God's instrument which allowed itself to be made use of to the last.
The young religious had a tremendous sense for what was needed, right and important, in his time and place. In the context of this imperfect world, he did what was possible for him. His deepest concern was to build God's New World here and now. People around him felt that what he was striving for was genuine and that something worthwhile was happen¬ing. He gave answers to questions of his time and its people, answers to their longings and their needs. His words and deeds carried weight. Thus he was a credible representative of the Church. He was convincing and gathered young women who were ready to be sent to people in the name of the Church.
His proposals were concrete and result ori¬ented. Father Theodosius wanted to give people bread instead of stones. He also was aware of the many people who were spiritually home¬less. He was ready to go where he was needed at a given time. And he also expected this of those who joined him in his ideals. He did not promise an easy life to his sisters. He asked much of these women. There were plenty of challenges and excitement in working together with Father Theodosius. He died unexpectedly, while travelling, at Heiden, Switzerland on February 15, 1865, at the age of 57 years.
Father Theodosius was a person who lived faith, hope and love unconditionally, thus becoming a sign of hope for many, even for us to this day.
Mary Theresa Scherer: Orientation and Values
by Sr. Canisia Mack
Mother M. Theresa Scherer is the woman who most intensely experienced the "burden and heat of the day" after that fateful day in February 1865.
She experienced a difficult loss in the sudden death of her father already as a child in Meggen on Lake Lucerne. The family was torn apart by it. The child lived with relatives and grew up into a young woman with deep beliefs. When she was 18 years old, she met Father Theodosius in Altdorf. His vision convinced her enough that she took the risk of joining him in his work.
Sister M. Theresa treasured and kept faithfully the last written words of Father Theodosius: "In essential things, unity; in doubtful things, freedom; in all things, love." With this in mind, the forty year old superior was able to deal with the pressing burden of debts after the death of the founder. Her attitude led the way. It conveyed basic values. She took the hand of those who were in danger of holding back and patiently pointed out the goal to them.
Faithful sisterliness was important to her. Her presence brought joy to the community and helped everyone to feel at home and free. She knew how to acknowledge the positive in others. She respected the personal traits of others and knew how to deal with them in a meaningful way. She trusted her sisters and expected much of them. It was the basic concern of Mother M. Theresa to be a companion to others. Her whole being radiated serenity and readiness to help. She did not want so much to be "at the head", she saw her task much more as "looking ahead".
There were times of crisis, insecurity, and questioning in her life. There were decisions which went far beyond the here and now, a responsibility reaching to this very day. God entrusted much to her. Mother M. Theresa held on to and was held by God. Without her trust in God, she would not have been able to persevere. Her sayings bear clear witness to this. She kept encouraging her sisters to surrender themselves to the guidance of God and to trust fully. She had consecrated herself to the crucified and risen Lord on the day of her Profession; she trusted unreservedly in God. Formed by the Word of God, she was a listener all her life. Based on her faith and her hope, Mother M. Theresa fulfilled her demanding task. So love grew in her and in her community.
Her whole life is an indication of what is ultimately awaiting all of us. Her last words on June 16, 1888 summarize this very clearly: "Heaven, Heaven!"
