Father Reymann

Father Albert L. Reymann M.M. Lord make me an instrument of Your peace& It is by loving that we are loved & It is by dying that we are born to Eternal life. Father Albert L. Reymann M.M. born 5/9/1920 passed away peacefully on 3/5/2004 at Maryknoll New York surrounded by his community of Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. Father Al (Algie) was the twelfth of sixteen children twelve brothers and three sisters. Father Reymann graduated from Annunciation Grammar School attended St. Vincents High School in Akron and later transferred to St. Josephs High School in Collegeville Indiana graduating in 1938. He attended St. Josephs College and studied at St. Marys Seminary in Cleveland before entering Maryknoll in August of 1942. In 1950 he received an M.A. in Social Science from Catholic University. After ordination at Maryknoll New York on June 15 1947 he was assigned to the faculty at Maryknoll Apostolic College in Pennsylvania and then went on to teach at Glen Ellen Indiana. In April 1952 Father Reymann was assigned to the Maryknoll Mission in Guatemala. There he helped the native community of believers finish the construction of the Shrine of Nuestra Senora de Candelaria. His priority as always was the formation of catechists for the remote villages in the area. He also worked in the Rural Catholic Action movement and was instrumental in helping farmers with the latest agricultural developments. While in Chiantla he helped the Holy Family Sisters from Belgium found their house of formation for native vocations. He also served for a few years as the Vicar General of the diocese of Huehuetenango. During his stay in Cabricau serving the diocese of Quetzeltenango he continued forming catechists and building chapels. His next assignment was to Sacred Heart Parish in San Pedro Sula Honduras. There he became involved in protesting injustices. As a result of this he was arrested forced to leave the country and subsequently assigned work in Santo Ana El Salvador. The parish of San Antonio in Guatemala was his last Central American assignment however Fr. Reymann left behind a legacy of love for the works of creation. He held these to be sacred Holy Earth Holy Sun Holy Rain and Holy Corn& these he reverenced as gifts from God. Father Al returned to the United States in 1992 to work in Maryknolls Development Department. He later became a pastoral assistant at St. Bernards Parish Akron Ohio and served the community there until 2003. Failing health subsequently caused Fathers move to Theresas where he spent his final days. While in Akron Father was actively involved with the homeless AA members and ministering to the sick. His love and compassion for those in need became his trademark. He was always respected for his zeal and missionary presence. Father Reymann is survived by two brothers Fr. James Reymann of St. Patricks Church Wellington Ohio Cletus Reymann of Tiffin Ohio a sister-in-law Barbara Reymann Strigle as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Father Al was the apple of his parents (Charles and Salome) eye and he carried this cliché into practical daily life by passing out apples to many he encountered. Father Al had a quick wit always enjoyed a good football game savoring a Skyway hamburger or just simply mingling with the poor& his earthly possessions often became theirs. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends as he exemplified the essence of Hebrews 5:6 You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Father Al was a priestly priest in every sense of the word. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Maryknoll on Sat. March 13th at 11:00 A.M. There will be two wake services at St. Theresas in Maryknoll New York Friday March 12th at 4:30 P.M. and 7:30 P.M. Sunday March 21st at 6:00 P.M. there will be a Memorial Mass in Spanish at St. Bernards Church Akron Ohio. Father Al often officiated at this mass. Following the Mass Father Jim Reymann will host a dinner at St. Matthews Akron. Donations may be made to the Reymann Foundation @ Anna Reymann at 415 Lindenwood Ave. Akron 44301 or to the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers P.O. Box 306 Maryknoll New York 10545.