Brothers who have gone before us . . .

Date of Birth: June 30, 1940
Place of Birth:  Pittsburgh, PA
Investiture:  July 13, 1960
Temporary Profession:  July 14, 1961
Perpetual Profession:  July 14, 1964
Ordination:  October 22, 1966
Date of death:  October 8, 2014
Burial:  St. Augustine Cemetery, Millvale, PA 

 "Not being elected Provincial Minister
was a blessing:as a priest,
as a person and as a Religious . . .
It's the best thing that
ever happened to me." (March 1989)

       Who's smiling now?

       Our brother Bill Wiethorn was a "people person". That moniker is an undeniable description of the man and friar that, seemingly, everyone knew and loved. Bill loved being "˜in touch' -- whether he was asking a friar to accompany him on a visit to another friary or whether he was picking up a receiver to call and ask "How ya' doin'?"  It became commonplace to say of this internationally known Capuchin that he "can smile in all languages," despite his difficulties in coming up with actual words in the languages he tried to master.

       A smile was an important communicator for a guy who didn't have a facility for languages. After living in Rome for four years, he would still ask "What's "˜pomodoro' mean?" on a menu, even though a 'tomato,' its translation, is not a rare sight in Italy. After taking classes in Mexico for months, he still admitted he just couldn't really say much more than "Como estas?" He needed that smile to show people he cared about them, and they knew he did.

       Where did it all begin? God's grace is hard to chart, but for Bill, it most assuredly started on June 30, 1940, his birthday. He was baptized at St. Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA.  His parents, George & Mary (Schubart) Wiethorn, lived with Mary's father and mother in the Bloomfield area. The joke in the family was that Bill "came from the womb smiling." His sister Carolyn says that his whole being radiated. A story passed on from Bill's parents was that the young toddler delighted being on the porch, sitting on his grandfather's lap. His grandfather died suddenly at home when Bill was 2 ½ years old, and he was there with his mother when they found him. Young Bill is said to have asked his mother, "Momma, aren't you going to kneel down?" He knew something profound had happened.

       Mary's mother moved with the family to the South Hills of Pittsburgh. They were members of St. Bernard Parish where Bill went to Grade School. Bill grew up knowing Capuchin friars. The first time he saw our Province's St. Fidelis Seminary in Herman, PA, was when he was 4 years old. His older brother, George, was a student there. Fr. Jim Hannan, OFM Cap., was often in the parish giving Missions or hearing confessions, and the friars of the nearby St. Francis Friary (the "Preaching Band") were frequent visitors. Bill grew up wanting to join the Capuchin Order. He was encouraged to attend high school at St. Mary of the Mount on Pittsburgh's Mt. Washington, and he did so for a year. In the end, contact with Fr. Jim allowed him to begin the process to attend St. Fidelis beginning his sophomore year.

       He transferred to St. Fidelis Seminary in 1955, graduated in 1958 and continued on to St. Fidelis College for two years before entering the Capuchin Novitiate, receiving the habit of the Order in 1960 and professing his first vows on July 14, 1961. After completing his required philosophy major in Herman, he studied theology at Capuchin College in Washington, DC, and was ordained to the priesthood on October 22, 1966. He would be a friar for 53 years.

       School was not exactly the young man's forte. It's not that he was a poor student, but he found it hard to concentrate on academic parsing of issues and events when there were people around him whom he found far more interesting. The fact that he was in a class some very devoted students allowed him to carve out a unique niche among them. It was tough not to like and respect him.

       Our brother Bill loved being a Capuchin friar, and he began his ministerial life inviting young men to become friars themselves. His first assignment for the "Capuchin Youth Center," as it was called, found him, from 1967-1974, living in Annapolis, MD, Pittsburgh, PA, and Herman, PA. His focus was recruitment for the St. Fidelis Seminary, and his energies were expended in responding to phone calls, getting in a car to drive to a prospective candidate, and assuring parents that their sons would find an excellent education and spiritual formation with the Capuchins. He made a lot of friends.

Fr, Bill with his family to celebrate Sr. Carolyn's Golden Jubille as a Sister of St. Joseph in 2010

       Bill also loved his family. He maintained strong ties with his brother Phillip, his sister Carolyn (who had joined the Sisters of St. Joseph in Baden, PA, while Bill was in theology studies) and George and Elaine, brother and his sister-in-law.  Home Masses were common among them, and as Bill's parents aged, he would be there to gather the family to pray together. He was also deeply and happily committed to his role as an uncle: his nephews and niece (Michael, Raymond, Patrick, Mary and John) knew he was there when they needed him.

       In 1974, Bill was appointed the Director of Novices at St. Conrad Friary in Annapolis where he was to serve for three years. While working with a less affable Assistant Novice Master, Bill became a voice of calm affirmation. Other commitments would take him away from the house on occasion, and the Assistant Director was in charge. When it was discovered that Bill was returning after time away, a subtle sign would appear on the bottom corner of the novitiate bulletin board: "The Reign of Terror is over; the Age of Reason has begun." Bill was home, and the novices were happy.

Bill with DC affiliate and colleague at St. Fidelis, Martha Novelly

       He was elected to the Provincial Council (Definitory) at the Chapter of 1977 and assigned as principal to St. Fidelis High School Seminary, a move he accepted but did not seek. It was not an easy time for the Seminary program. Dwindling numbers introduced doubts about its future, and the Province was exploring the introduction of day-students from the Butler, PA, area to augment the numbers. Maintaining a Seminary of boarding students was becoming costly and many wondered if it were any longer effective. It would be a time of transition and decision-making, and Bill was charged with the challenging task of working with a faculty of friars and laymen who were less than united in their vision for the future.

Bill's First Mass: George, Elaine, Dad, Bill, Mom, Carolyn and Phillip

       In the following two Chapters, Bill was elected and re-elected as our Vicar Provincial Minister (1980-1986), moving at first to the motherhouse of St. Augustine Friary in Pittsburgh, PA, and then onto St. Francis Friary in the South Hills among family and friends. He was an active Vicar Provincial and a great support for the Provincial Minister. In the Chapter of 1986, it seemed almost certain that Bill would take the reins of leadership, but it was not meant to be. Even if someone does not want the job, it can still yield to doubts about the acceptance and trust of the friars. Bill wasn't immune to those doubts, but the friars, his friends and family were his strength for moving on.

       After the Chapter and the years of administration, a sabbatical brought him to Berkeley, CA's School for Applied Theology. Bill spent a year in the San Francisco area (1986-87), and at Christmas, he wrote the Provincial Minister:

       "Somehow I never knew that a sabbatical could be so enjoyable. I am truthfully enjoying this year much more than I ever dreamed possible. The courses I am taking are certainly challenging and thought provoking.  I have morning and afternoon classes four days a week . . .
       "The setting for my sabbatical could not be better! I am trying to see and enjoy everything I can in Northern California while I have the opportunity. I have been doing quite a bit of backpacking. The terrain of California is so varied and has such a unique beauty. The redwoods and Yosemite hold a priority for me, while the seacoast has a power and beauty of its own. I get out hiking at least one good day per week." (Christmas, 1986)

        It's a safe bet that he never made one of those outings alone; he preferred to enjoy things with others. A November letter refers to the visit of two friars from the Province who would be accompanying him to Lake Tahoe for a week that December. It's no wonder that he would later reflect that not being elected Provincial Minister was "the best thing that ever happened to me."

With nephews Ray, Michael and Patrick

        That would change, of course, but not before taking on the assignment as Pastor to St. Cecilia Parish in Rochester, PA, on his return in 1987.  He spent 5 years in his first venture in parochial ministry and loved the people of the parish. He revived the Parish Council and felt that he was accomplishing much in building up the community in Beaver Valley. He even imagined remaining there for "another five or six years" in 1990, but that was not to be.

        Bill was elected to serve as our Provincial Minister in 1992. He never was recorded to have said it was the "best thing that ever happened to him," but he worked enthusiastically with his Vicar, Phil Fink, OFM Cap., and his Council. Phil would often handle the details and the specifics of the work. Bill saw his role as staying in touch with the friars. Phil remained at the office while Bill spent his time with people. Meetings were not his favorite pastime, but he served the needs of the brothers in the Province, always a trusted confidante and an encouraging brother.

        The Lord threw him a curve in the second year of his three-year term. As Provincial, he was required to attend the Capuchin General Chapter in Rome in 1994. At that meeting, he was asked by the English speaking coetus to accept the nomination to be an International Councilor (a Definitor) and was elected to the post. Unable to complete his first three-year term as Provincial, he lived in Rome at the General Curia from 1994-2000, serving the needs of the world-wide brotherhood.

        Bill loved visiting the friars all over the globe and was edified by the heroic lives of friars in troubled areas of the world. Stops in Ireland, England, the Phillippines, Guam, Australia, Papua New Guinea, India, Indonesia and South Africa were not uncommon, not to mention trips to the seven North American English Provinces, including our own. He was undaunted by the extensive traveling his post demanded, because wherever the plane might take him, there were brothers there.

        Bill once again showed his willingness to accept the work of the Holy Spirit in the Chapter of 2000. His re-election as General Councilor seemed assured "“ he was well-liked and known throughout the Provinces. Other language groups, however, asked the English speaking cluster to nominate another friar. According to our Capuchin Statutes, only four councilors could be re-elected, and four other language groups insisted on the necessity to maintain their then current Councilor. The English coetus and Bill ceded to their request. The fact that, in the end, only three of those "˜necessary' friars were re-elected was a blow to Bill and the English capitulars. His "˜non-election' was accomplished; there was no "˜going back.'

        After those busy six years, Bill studied Spanish in Guatemala before moving to Capuchin College (St. Francis Friary) in Washington, DC to direct the International friars who came from Rome to study the English language "a perfect fit" for the former International councilor. He was back in the work of formation, serving as Vicar of the fraternity from 2001-2004 and as its Guardian for the 2004-2005 academic year. In the large community, he oversaw the formation of friars in temporary vows and those undertaking theology studies for the priesthood.

        In Washington, Bill also directed the local Cap Corps Volunteers. His work with the Volunteers would extend beyond his time in DC. He came to find the young women and men to be inspirations for him. In their willingness to expend their energy in a year of service for those in need, Bill saw his role as being an encouragement and support. A number of the Volunteers reflected on their relationships with Bill after they learned of his death. One example can only hint at how meaningful the bonds of friendship were that Bill made possible:

        "He would call me during my husband's [military] deployments to check on me; he blessed our marriage on our wedding day; and he called me in the hospital hours after my son was born. God and everyone else were at the center of his life. He made me feel special from the day we met. The impact he has had on my life is profound, and I am just one person. He exhibited true love: for God, for others, and for life." (Caitlin Dunn Anderson, Cap Corps Volunteer 2009-2010, September 2014).

        After only one year as Guardian in Washington, Bill was tapped to become the first Co-Director of Novices for the combined novitiate program of the North American and Australian Capuchin Conference in Allison Park, PA. He was back working with novices after 28 years. It was rather telling in 1977 with the novices the first time around that, months before he was asked to become Principal of the St. Fidelis High School, he wrote the Provincial:

"I want you to feel most free if you wish to change me to another assignment. I am not asking for a change, but you may see that it could be good in some way or another." (March 31, 1977)

        It happened again 28 years later. This new adventure was perfect for the moment: he was the "˜inter-provincial' friar par excellence who could help the Conference of eight Capuchin Provinces to forge a working relationship of trust and fraternity. He took the job because he was asked.

        In 2008, after his second cluster of years working for and among the friars, Bill's final assignment brought him to pastoral work in Cleveland, OH, where he served as Administrator to the Shrine of the Conversion of St. Paul, home to the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration. During his tenure as Administrator, he directed the multi-state Cap Corps Volunteers for a period, and, in 2010, was also appointed by Cleveland's Bishop Richard Lennon to be the Episcopal Delegate for Religious in the Diocese. He was chosen, of course, because of his unique ability to forge trust and friendship among the Religious of the Diocese with their Bishop.

        The Poor Clares, a cloistered community, found in Bill a hopeful and encouraging presence. He would respond to their needs and gently smile whenever the needs of the Shrine and the lives of the sisters were challenged. They knew that he was there for them.

        One frequent visitor wrote:

        "I remember vividly going to the shrine. When I would burst through those doors, I could always count on Fr. Bill being there, waiting to welcome anyone who passed through. He would greet me (and anyone else who walked through) with a big hug and a radiant smile. Fr. Bill made everyone feel so welcomed, and he exemplified God's love at all times . . ." (Lianna Mueller, Cap Corps 2011-2012)

Bill wearing his Cap Corps Shirt visiting friars in Australia

        He served the Shrine and the Diocese of Cleveland until his unexpected death.

        Bill was present at the Provincial Picnic and at the Perpetual Profession of our brothers in late August, 2014. He seemed to be in fine form, laughing and joking with his confreres. In mid-September, 2014, however, Bill was admitted to St. Vincent Hospital, Cleveland, OH, with what the friars understood to be pneumonia -- subsequent tests revealed an untreatable cancer. Bill confessed to one friar that he knew of his condition for quite some time. Recognizing that no further therapy could reverse the disease, but in no condition to travel, he requested to be transferred to a hospice in the Pittsburgh, PA, area so as to be near his family & friends.

        Bill was transferred to Family Hospice at Canterbury Place in Lawrenceville, within blocks of the Province's motherhouse, St. Augustine Friary on October 7. A few friars came to visit him, and his family arrived to be with him. His sister, Sr. Carolyn Wiethorn, CSJ, their nephews Patrick (and his wife Kelly) and Raymond, Anna & Matthew (Patrick's children), Elaine Wiethorn, his sister-in-law, all gathered at his bedside.

        The family laughed and joked together before Bill asked his nephew Patrick, "Would you give me my last blessing?" Patrick could not find the words in his sadness, but Raymond prayed the Serenity prayer: "Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change." Though the family left for the evening to give Bill rest, they received calls at home that his condition had changed. Sr. Carolyn, their dear friend Sr. Therese, Patrick and Elaine were there as he lay unconscious and made his Transitus to the Lord at 3:40am on October 8. He was 74.

        The body of our brother Bill was received at St. Augustine Friary on Saturday, October 11, and Visitation took place at the friary throughout Saturday and Sunday. At the Wake Service, his nephews Michael and Patrick reflected on their memories and love for their uncle, while Bill's brother Phillip of Bethesda, MD, shared a request of the many friars and friends who gathered to pray:

        If one rubs a bar of gold against a bar of silver it appears to the eye that nothing has changed. But actually minute particles of the gold adhere to the silver and the silver to the gold. Likewise, I believe that all who interacted with my brother Bill carry a small particle of him. I only ask that you nurture that particle and spread the essence of Bill's spirit which was love, kindness and joy -- especially the joy of giving.

        Sr. Carolyn shared the personally prepared Intercessions.

        Our Provincial Minister David Nestler, OFM Cap., celebrated the Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, October 13, and left the congregation with the message which Bill had asked him to convey: "Rejoice with me on my entrance into life."

        While we rejoice that he has been joined with his Eternal Friend, there are so many friars and friends who are still waiting for that phone call. They still have that desire to check in, to open those doors to that big hug and a smile. They still expect him to ask "How ya' doin'?" or to hear him laugh with that inimitable snort through his nose. St. Francis would be proud: we were blessed with a brother.

Read Fr. Bonaventure's reflections on Fr. Bill here.