HomeMy WebLinkAboutMonsignor Gleissner 091103Bishop c.E. Byrne, Galveston texas Msgr J. B. Gleissner, Bryan Texas
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For forty -nine years Fr. Gleissner worked hand in hand with his people. His full story
can never be told because so much of it remains in the hearts of those he served . . .
But on the following pages in his own handwriting, in his own words he tells his story
of those forty -nine years. (1904 -1953) .
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Father Gleissner
Jahn Baptist Gleissner was born in the beautiful little village of Burkun-
stadt in Bavaria. He was the youngest child of Franz Gleissner, who was
an artist.
As a very young man, he left Germany to begin his studies for the
priesthood in Holland and finished at Niagara University in New York. It
was his desire to work in China, hut because of his delicate health this request
was denied, and he was sent to Texas instead. Father Gleissner was ordained
in Galveston at the age of 23. He was made pastor of Tours and then Hearne,
and front Hearne he attended seventeen missions, mostly on horseback.
Ia 1904, he was sent to Bryan as pastor of St. Joseph's Church, and a
few months later started his work with his Aggies,
He was later raised to the dignity of a Monsignor.
Each
"Itfy A Aggies" was a familiar phrase to all who talked to Father Gleissner.
s problem became his problem. He fought, interceded and prayed
for them- He was their friend, counselor and protector. To him, an Aggie
was truly the flower of young manhood and it was his goal in life to see
that these young men were given every opportunity to become good and
useful citizens, and in their profession to be true Christian men, serving God
and rendering service to mankind. To this end, "Father" Gleissner devoted
48 years of his priestly life and in his desire to give the best to these young
men, he labored and begged for many years to build a larger Chapel and a
Student Center.
It was his dream and ambition that the new Chapel be of Colonial style
on a hill. This dream did not become a reality in his life, but through the
generosity of friends and Aggies, the church now stands, and to his glorious
work in the 48 years with the Aggies this Chapel is dedicated.
Monsignor Gleissner, with the help of God's grace, endeavored daily to
live up to the little poem above his desk, entitled "My Daily Creed."
M Y DAILY CREED
Let me be a little kinder, let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me; let me praise a little more;
Let me be, when I am weary, just a little bit more cheery;
Let me serve a little better those that I am striving for.
Let me be a little braver when temptation bids me waver;
Let me strive a 'ittle harder to be all that I should be;
Let sne be a little meeker with the brother that is weaker;
Let me think more of my neighbor and a little less of me .