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Rev. Theodore R. Schmitt, O.S.A. (1903 - 1971)

Rev. Theodore R. Schmitt, O.S.A. entered eternal life August 16, 1971.

Theodore Richard Schmitt was born November 13, 1903 in Schweinfurt, Germany to Alois and Barbara Schmitt. He was Baptized 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.

He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate in Germany in May, 1924. He professed vows in the Order of St. Augustine May 5, 1925. He pursued theological studies at El Escorial, Spain. He was ordained a Priest September 23, 1928. Following his ordination, he was sent to Rome to study Church Music.

From 1929 to 1934 he taught in Weiden, Germany, where he was also active in the Catholic Youth Movement. With the rise to power of Adolph Hitler, Father Schmitt was forced to leave Germany. He immigrated to the United States in 1934. He taught Philosophy and Psychology in New York for two years. He was assigned in 1936 to St. Rita Catholic Parish, Racine, Wisconsin.

In 1945, Father Schmitt left the Augustinian Order. He 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 in 1954 for readmission to the Order of St. Augustine. He again professed simple (temporary) vows July 23, 1956 and solemn (permanent) vows July 23, 1959.

He served from 1955 to 1965 as Assistant Pastor at St. Matthew Catholic Parish, Flint, Michigan and at St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic 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 Catholic Parish, Chicago, Illinois.

He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, 5401 S. Cornell Ave., Chicago, IL 60615-5664, or via Augustinian Guild Secure On-line Giving.