Fr. Wilhelm Meyer - The Wise Architect
His childhood:
"What is this child going to be?". So wondered the mother Pauline and the father Albert Meyer when he was born. A unique destiny lay in store for the new born baby. Wilhelm was born on September 12, 1870, in Schoetz, a village in Canton Luzern of Switzerland. From his father, he inherited the spirit of enterprise and creative urge for adventurous achievements and from the mother, the warm hearted disposition. He was an energetic youth enjoying every moment. His alertness, openness, diligence and cheerful spontaneity marked his healthy growth.
Vocation to Priesthood:
While attending secondary school, Wilhelm, for the first time began to think of his future carrier. It was the dream of the young boy to be an architect. Interestingly enough, Wilhelm fulfilled his boyhood dream although in a manner completely different from what he had anticipated. Without a 'building apprenticeship' he became a 'builder', but a 'spiritual builder'. The words of his parish priest Fr. Roos, You should become a priest' decided his future. These words cast a spell over him, made deep impression and stirred the unknown in him. It was Wilhelm's hour of calling. After completing his studies in the Benedictine Abbey of Einsiedeln, in the seminary of Luzern and at the University of Fribourg, he was ordained a priest on July 18, 1897.
Fr. Wilhelm Meyer - a Priest for people:
Appointed as a curate in Hitzkirch, he came in contact with the poor and the suffering. His sympathy and understanding for the inmates of the old age home urged him to direct his future work. A year later, identifying his intelligence, industrious nature and leadership ability, the church appointed him Vice Rector of the seminary in Luzern. As a Professor of Moral Theology and Canon Law, he brought in spiritual depth to his seminarians. He was an efficient teacher, a regular confessor, a versatile writer and a sought after preacher. He did not limit his service to the seminary alone but kept alive his interest in all those who were in difficulty. He volunteered to form 'Catholic youth association for men giving spiritual and moral foundation and constructed a house for them. Noticing the plight of the village girls coming for work to the city and with compassion of Jesus reflected in the Gospel, "... In so far as you did this to the least of these of mine you did it to me" (Mt.25:40), his heart went out to the needy. He opened a house for these working girls called the 'Home of Mary' and soon a second home called 'House of Joseph'. Endowed with an enormous fund of energy, he took lion's share of work everywhere forgetting his own comforts. He would sit for hours in the confessional and made himself available for the pulpit on any topics. Whosoever came into contact with him was deeply edified by his dedication and commitment. He was a priest by conviction and to be a priest was his first priority.
God's Architect:
In his 37 year, Fr. Meyer felt called upon to undertake a new work. His compassionate heart sensed the need of a mother at child birth; the time when a helping hand was essential. He confronted himself with the question, "What more would I have to put right if I knew that I would have to die today?" He laid his new plan of founding a religious association of Sisters before God in prayer because he desired only God's will. With conviction and clear vision, he undertook the work with great energy and put the Society under the protection of St. Ann.
A Writer with the cause:
From time to time Fr. Meyer took the pen and wrote small brochures with the hope of reaching out to all those who could not gather under his pulpit. He wrote mainly on themes which were relevant to his time. His writings invigorated the readers and called for deeper reflection. Two of his exceptional literary works that need to be mentioned are 'Bearing Sickness as a Christian and Dying as a Christian' and about 'Eucharist'. His writings reveal to us that he was a man of God, a profound thinker, a great patriot and a social reformer.
Spiritual Testament of the Founder:
The few notes left by him and the letters of advice written to the Sisters give us a glimpse into the spirituality. His deep love of God, intimate union with Jesus, unshakable confidence in the Providence of God, spirit of sacrifice and the spirit of prayer shine throughout his letters like glittering jewels. He repeated a fundamental insight: "When work meets the needs of the time, it indicates the Will of God." Describing the aim and work of the Sisters he writes: The Society of St. Ann has become an Angel of Charity... Angels do not die." He was so deeply united with Jesus, that he could see Jesus in everyone. "You are nursing Christ's brothers and sisters and caring for the Holy Infant in the children you look after." He places before us the spirit of a true disciple of Jesus: "The spirit of sacrifice is the soul of the Society." Every letter of his paints for us a picture of his deep love of Jesus. In all his letters he stresses, "Be truly loyal to this motto: For Jesus, for His love. The words, "You have nothing more important to do on earth than to live your life for Him..." defines his spirituality. And he demands the same from every Sister: "Cling like a creeper to the Rock, Jesus Christ." He advises each Sister to seek the will of God when he insists, "Have only one desire, do only one thing... Father, your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." His last letter written from his death bed remains the 'Magna Carta' of the Sisters of St.Ann. He commenced by saying, "I take leave of this world with a deep sense of gratitude to God who in His great generosity has blessed the work of the Society of St. Ann." He sets before the Sisters the spiritual goal, "Walk in the presence of God and so live always in union with God". Towards striving for Christian perfection he admonishes the Sisters to have 'Martha's earnestness in duty and Mary's devotion in Prayer'. Fr. Meyer touched the greatest commandment in all its form while giving expression to the Charism. The spiritual Legacy of Our Founder is a cherished treasure that is relevant for all and at all times.
Our Founder a man after the heart of God:
Fr. Wilhelm Meyer was a person with clarity of perception and reflective attitude. For him, living his daily life was an enactment of Salvation History. In short, he was a person after God's own heart. Unfortunately a lump noticed on the side of his neck was diagnosed to be Sarcoma. In spite of a few operations, regrettably, he did not recover from his illness. The priest and pastor of souls courageously faced the approaching hour of death. He accepted his condition with equanimity and bowed down completely to God's will. His faith and trust in Divine Providence gave him the answer. Realizing this great responsibility, he began to put his affairs in order. His friend Fr. Peter Stocker lightened his dying moments in accepting the leadership over the Society. Bearing the excruciating pain quietly, he awaited the meeting of the Lord. After a short but a busy period of 15 years of priestly ministry, scarcely 2 years after starting of the Society, he left for the land of eternal bliss on February 8, 1912.
A soul on fire:
Within a short span of life on earth, he defined for us the deep meaning of Gospel values, the mode of life to be lived and how to respond to the crying needs of the time. While reflecting and analyzing his life here on earth, one comes to know him as a great mystic with a deep spirituality as he enjoyed a deep spiritual union with God. He was a great man whose soul was enveloped with passion for God and passion for God's people. In him glowed a fire that kindled all those around him. He has not died, he is alive today, since his inspiration, and vision as well as mission are alive and relevant to our times and are perpetuated today.