Brother Meinrad Eugster was not a “spectacular” Saint. He did not achieve any great works during his lifetime, he did not found a religious Order, he did not write any books, and he did not work any miracles or wonders. And yet his very life was marked with a radiation which continues to shine and fascinate ever onward. Brother Meinrad did not impress through exceptional achievements, rather he left behind a life remembered for its simplicity, devotion, and faithfulness. These are the very virtues of a life lived in imitation of Christ, and we too can choose to follow Christ on that same path. Brother Meinrad can be our example and our guide on that often challenging journey.

The story of Brother Meinrad’s life can be quickly told: He was born on August 23, 1848, in Altstaetten in the Rhine Valley, Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, where he was baptized as Josef Gebhard Eugster. Shortly after completing Primary School, he began working at a local textile mill to contribute to the support of the family and the studies of his older brothers. At age 16 he entered into an apprenticeship at a tailor shop in Altstaetten to become a tailor, which he completed by passing his journey- man’s exams. In 1867 he set out on his wandering as a journey man- tailor, which took him to Rapperswil, Rorschach, and Feldkirch. After a stay with his brother, Chaplain Jakob Eugster, who lived in Pfaefers, he arrived for New Year’s Day of 1873 at the Abbey of Maria Einsiedeln, where he began to work at the Abbey’s tailor shop. He took his monastic vows on September 15th of 1875, and he lived as a Lay Brother at the Abbey where he served mainly as a tailor, and he was in charge of the Clothing Chamber.  He passed away on the evening of June 14th, 1925.

So looking at his life from this outer perspective, there does not seem to be anything visible that would draw attention or even particular admiration. But that which remained hidden from the eyes of the world found its full and true value within Eternity! His monastic life was schooled and formed by his obedience to the Rule of St. Benedict, which matured Brother Meinrad into a Saint. Brother Meinrad was not a man who stood out due to anything out of the ordinary. But it was because he lived his ordinary life with such a perfected love that it made him an exceptional monk. Brother Meinrad was a living example of what St. Benedict of Nursia wrote in the preface of his Rule: “But, when you have advanced in monastic life and in faith, you will run with your heart enlarged and with the unspeakable sweetness of love on the way of God’s commands”. (Rule of St. Benedict of Nursia, Prologue 49).