Rev. Theodore R. Schmitt, O.S.A. (1903 - 1971)
Rev. Theodore R. Schmitt, O.S.A. entered eternal life on August 16, 1971.
Theodore Richard Schmitt was born on November 13, 1903 in Schweinfurt, Germany to Alois and Barbara Schmitt. He was baptized on November 20, 1903 at St. Joseph Church, Schweinfurt. He studied at universities in Wuerzburg, Munich and Muennerstadt, Germany and in Paris, France, earning degrees in Philosophy and Psychology.
In May of 1924, Theodore was received into the Augustinian Novitiate in Germany. He professed vows in the Order of St. Augustine on May 5, 1925. He then pursued theological studies at El Escorial, Spain. He was ordained a priest on September 23, 1928. Following his ordination, he was sent to Rome to study Church Music.
From 1929 to 1934, Father Schmitt taught in Weiden, Germany, where he was also active in the Catholic Youth Movement. With the rise to power of Adolph Hitler, he was forced to leave Germany. He immigrated to the United States in 1934 and taught philosophy and psychology for two years in New York. He was then assigned to St. Rita Parish, Racine, Wisconsin, in 1936.
Father Schmitt left the Augustinian Order in 1945 and ministered in the Diocese of Santa Fe, New Mexico. While in New Mexico, he directed a post-World War II resettlement program and established a psychology program at the College of St. Joseph, Albuquerque.
Father Schmitt applied for readmission to the Order of St. Augustine in 1954. He again professed simple (temporary) vows on July 23, 1956 and solemn (permanent) vows on July 23, 1959.
From 1955 to 1965, Father Schmitt served as Assistant Pastor at St. Matthew Parish, Flint, Michigan, and at St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. He became Prior (local superior) at Tolentine College, Olympia Fields, Illinois, in 1966. From 1968 until the time of his death, he was Assistant Pastor of St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Chicago, Illinois.
Father Schmitt is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.
Memorial gifts may be made to: The Midwest Augustinians, 10161 S Longwood Dr, Chicago, IL 60643-2032 or via our Online Giving Page.
