Blessed Kaspar Stanggassinger

Biography

Blessed Kaspar Stanggassinger, also known as Caspar or Gaspar, was born on 12 January 1871 in Berchtesgaden, Germany. He was the second of sixteen children born to Kaspar Stanggassinger and Crescencia Hamberger. As a devout Catholic family, young Kaspar was baptized on the same day he was born.

At the age of 10, Kaspar entered the junior seminary of Freising, Germany, where he began his journey towards priesthood. Showing great dedication and piety, at the age of 16, he made personal vows of chastity. During a Marian pilgrimage in the summer of 1892, Kaspar felt a strong calling to join the Redemptorists, a religious order within the Catholic Church dedicated to preaching the Gospel and serving the poor.

Despite strong objections from his father, Kaspar followed his heart and joined the Redemptorist Order in Gars, Germany. He was ordained a priest on 16 June 1895, at the age of 24. After his ordination, Father Kaspar expressed his desire to be assigned to the missions in Brazil. However, he was sent to the missionary school in Dürrnberg, Germany, where he worked as a teacher and eventually became its director.

Father Kaspar earned a reputation as an excellent teacher and spiritual director. His dedication to prayer and joyful Christianity greatly impacted those around him. He devoted himself to helping form the vocations of many young people, serving as an inspiration and role model.

Tragically, on 26 September 1899, Father Kaspar passed away at the age of 28 due to acute peritonitis. He was buried at the Mariá Himmelfahrt convent church in Gars, Germany. His exemplary life of virtue and holiness led to his recognition as a Blessed. Pope John Paul II issued a decree of heroic virtues on 16 January 1986, venerating Blessed Kaspar Stanggassinger as an exemplary model of faith. He was beatified on 24 April 1988 by Pope John Paul II.

Blessed Kaspar Stanggassinger remains an inspiring figure in the Catholic Church, known for his deep spirituality, devotion to his vocation, and his commitment to guiding young people in their faith journeys. His feast day is celebrated on 26 September each year, commemorating his life and continuing influence on believers around the world.