Fr. Nathanael (Paul) Wirth OSB
from Kirchberg, SG,
was called home to his creator in the afternoon of 19 November 2020.
Fr. Nathanael was born on 1 November 1930 in Berg (TG). After Primary and Secondary school, he attended the monastery school of Muri-Gries in Sarnen, where he passed the Matura in 1950. One year later he entered the monastery of Einsiedeln, and he made his profession in 1952. In 1956 he was ordained priest.
In 1958, after a short time as a vicar in the parish of Einsiedeln, he was sent to the parish St. Gerold in Vorarlberg as cooperator. Later he became provost, and he was to shape this place for over 50 years. Supported by numerous people, Fr. Nathanel turned St. Gerold into a place known beyond the borders of the region for its search for God, its hospitality, and its openness for encounter and culture. For people with physical and mental impairments, too, St. Gerold became an oasis.
In 2009 Fr. Nathanael returned to the Abbey of Einsiedeln. He fulfilled numerous pastoral services and remained an important companion for countless people until the end of his life.
With Fr. Nathanael we lose a confrere who had a quick mind and numerous, versatile interests. May he now fully enjoy God’s grace, which encouraged him even in his last painful time on earth, as a sign of God’s love towards him.
Fr. Nathanael died in the 91st year of his life and in the 69th year of his religious profession.
— Abbot Urban, convent and relatives