John Birndorfer was one of ten children born to Bartholomew Birndorfer and Gertrude Niedermaier in Parzham, Bavaria. After his parents’ death he continued to work on the family farm until 1849, when he decided to become a lay friar in the Capuchin Order taking the name of Conrad. Following his profession in 1852, Conrad was sent to the Marian shrine in Altoetting where he worked as porter at the friary until the end of his life. Prayer, work, patience, and affability characterized him, and he drew strength from the Blessed Eucharist, the Passion, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He also found time to work for abandoned children. Conrad was canonised by Pius XI in 1934.
First Reading: Apoc. 3: 14, 20-22; Gospel: Luke 11: 9-13
