Frowin Conrad
Frowin Conrad OSB (Baptism name: Plazidus; * November 2nd, 1833 in Auw - March 24th 1923 Conception, Missouri) was a Priest, Benedictine and first abbot of Conception Abbey.
Biography
Frowin Conrad was born into a 15 member, religious family of farmers. He completed his Gymnasium in Engelberg and became a member of Engelberg Abbey in 1852. After he took his Religious vows in 1856, he became a priest like his four brothers. After holding various offices in Engelberg Abbey, he became leader of the Engelberg Parish. He moved to the United States with his confrère, P. Adelhelm Odermatt in April 1873, where he founded Conception Abbey (also called "Neu-Engelburg"). From the simplest beginnings, monastic life and seminars were developed. After his appointment as prior in 1876, Father Frowin became the first abbot of the abbey in 1881. In the beginning, he focused on supporting children's education and achieved an agricultural sample operation. From later construction work, multiple monasteries, institutes and hospitals were developed. Father Frowin has received multiple awards for the effects of his work.
Sources
- Biographisches Lexikon des Aargaus 1803–1957. Sauerländer, Aarau 1958