Posted January 12, 2012

Father Anselm Martin, OFM Cap., died Jan, 11 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. He was 93.

Born to Philip and Eleanora (Melchior) Martin in 1919, he was given the name George and baptized at St. Augustine Church in (Lawrenceville) Pittsburgh, Pa. He was admitted to St. Fidelis High School Seminary in Herman, Pa., in 1933. After two years of college at the seminary, he was invested with the Capuchin habit in 1939 and given the name Anselm, professing his first vows July 14, 1940. Three years later he made solemn profession as a Capuchin friar.

He was ordained to the priesthood May 22, 1945, and completed his theological studies in 1946. For the next two years he attended St. Louis University in St. Louis, Mo., for graduate studies and attained a master’s degree in education in 1948.

His first assignment was in the classroom as a professor at St. Joseph Military Academy in Hays, Kan., where he remained for twenty-six years. In 1952 he was named president of that school. In 1970 the mission of the school changed, and it became Thomas More Prep. Having successfully led the transition, he remained as president of the new school until 1974.

Later that year he became the director of financial management for the Capuchin Province of St. Augustine in Pittsburgh. In 1977 he was assigned as chaplain at Veterans Hospital in (Oakland) Pittsburgh, and in 1980 he also became a confessor at St. Mary of the Point Church in downtown Pittsburgh.

At the age of 72, he moved to Philadelphia to serve as parochial vicar at St. John the Evangelist Church in Center City. He was part of the first group of Capuchin friars to serve in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, beginning in 1991. He was devoted to the people and ministry at St. John and remained there until his passing. He heard confessions and celebrated Mass at the parish nearly every day until his health declined during the past year.

He was elected to the leadership council of the Capuchin Province of St. Augustine for three consecutive terms, beginning in 1965.

He is survived by four first cousins: Mary Catherine Yost, Leo Einloth, Ursula Rectenwald and Margaretta Moeller, all of Pittsburgh.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Jan. 14 at St. John the Evangelist Church, with Father W. David Nestler, OFM Cap, as main celebrant and Father Charles Polifka, OFM Cap, as homilist. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap, will preside.

Father Anselm’s remains will be transported to Pittsburgh, Pa.. The public is invited for visitation and viewing Jan. 15 from 4 to 8 p.m. at St. Augustine Friary (221 36th Street, Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15201). Evening prayer will be celebrated at 7:30 p.m..

Burial will take place on Monday at 11a.m. at St Augustine Cemetery.