The Trails and Trials of Father Theodosius Meyer, O.F. M
In July, 1914, a newly ordained Franciscan priest received orders to travel far from the small town of Oldenburg, Indiana where he’d grown up to the newly minted state of New Mexico. Transitioning from the lush landscape of the Midwest to a place where flat dry deserts merge with colorful mountains and mesas under brilliant skies enchanted the tall, young man.
For nearly forty years Fr. Theo, strove to understand a wide diversity of cultures and languages in order to provide spiritual guidance to remote Catholic missions. Additionally, Fr. Theo used his knowledge of construction to build or renovate churches, schools and bridges throughout northern New Mexico, including the renowned St. Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe. Through both World Wars, he encouraged everyone to buy War Bonds, and used his hunting and fishing skills to supplement the dinner tables of his missions with wild game. He became the official chaplain to the New Mexico State Legislature, and head of the committee which managed the annual Fiesta de Santa Fe, a week of parades and presentations by the many Hispanic, Native American and European based cultures which comprise the tapestry of New Mexico.
This memoir was compiled and written by Fr. Theodosius, it contains a first account view of life in a place just beginning to grow. The book was discovered after his death by his great nephew Leo J. Meyer, who brought it to his cousin Marie Kern. Marie called upon her daughter, Rose, to marry Fr. Theo’s written history with her skills as a writer/publisher and create an enhanced story along with historical notes and photographs. The views and language reflect that of the era.
Available on Amazon in both paperback and Hard Cover versions.
