|
V
+ J
The Life story of
the late
Fr. René Albert
Bientz, OSFS (29-07-1921 –01-10-2011)
Fr. Bientz was
born on July 29, 1921 at Strasbourg, France. After he
finished his High School he decided to join the Oblates of
St. Francis de Sales. He made his first Vows on September
25, 1939 (the same year that the Second started). He made
his Final Vows on March 25, 1943 and was ordained to the
priesthood three years later on July 16, 1946 in his
hometown Strasbourg. (a year after the Second World War
finished). Not long after he was ordained he expressed the
desire to go to the Missions. His wish was granted and he
came to South Africa on October 6, 1948 together with the
late Fr. André Meyer. He worked in different Missions of
the Diocese of Keimoes-Upington and made a deep impact on
the lives of the underprivileged en the poor. He had
compassion with the poor in the Missions. He worked at the
following Mission Stations:
Kamieskroon 1950-1956
Onseepkans 1956-1981
Keimoes 1981-2001
Vredendal 2001-2011
Fr. Bientz served
as Regional Superior at different times over the many years
in the Missions. He also served as Vicar General of the
Diocese of Keimoes-Upington under the late Bishop John B.
Minder. After his retirement in 2001 he decided to move to
Vredendal-Vergenoeg where he spent the last ten years (10)
of his life. Despite the fact that he was a retired, he was
still willing to help out in various Missions. On July 29,
2011 he celebrated his 90th birthday in Vredendal and soon
after he was admitted to the local hospital with a broken
ankle. He was moved to the Old Age home of the hospital and
remained there until his death on October 01, 2011. It is
significant that he died on the feast of St. Teresa of
Lisieux, a French Carmelite nun, who had a deep love for the
missions. May his soul rest in peace.
D. S. B. |
