Lorenz Werthmann
Lorenz Werthmann (Geisenheim, 1 October 1858 - Freiburg im Breisgau, 10 April 1921) was a German Roman Catholic priest and social worker. He was the founder and first president of the German Caritas.
Lorenz Werthman | |
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A German stamp, honouring Lorenz Werthmann | |
Born | Geisenheim, Hessen | October 1, 1858
Died | Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany | April 10, 1921
Nationality | German |
Notable work | Founder of Caritas |
Life
Werthmann was born in Geisenheim and attended high school in Hadamar. He studied at the German College in Rome. In 1883, Lorenz Werthmann had received the priestly ordination in Rome. After a short period in Frankfurt, Lorenz Werthmann became the secretary of Bishop Peter Joseph Blum in Limburg an der Lahn. He took the same position with his successor, Christian Roos. After the Archbishop of Freiburg was chosen, in 1886, he followed him and started Caritas from there since 1895. He received the title of "Pontifical confidential finance officer" and the award "Erzbischhöflicher Ecclesiastic Council".[1] On November 9, 1897 Werthmann founded in Cologne the Charitasverband for Catholic Germany (DCV), which since 1921 is known as the German Caritas association (DCV). His charity Caritas went on to be one of the most successful Christian charities to date.
References
- see. Board of Caritas Association for Catholic Germany: "Caritas", Journal of the works of charity in Catholic Germany, issued by the Board of Caritas Association for Catholic Germany, 16th and 17th year from October 1910 - September 1912., Freiburg Breisgau, 1911 book title page