On 5 August 2026, the Lord called His faithful servant, Brother Georg (Konrad Johann) Bauer, into eternal life. After 62 years of devoted service at El Rosal Monastery in Colombia, he peacefully followed his Lord at the age of 88. Born in 1938 in Ortlfing, Germany, he was the youngest of six children. At the age of 16, he entered St. Ottilien, where he trained as a carpenter, later becoming a master craftsman. He made his temporary profession in 1957 and his solemn profession in 1963, receiving the religious name Georg.
In 1964, Brother Georg was sent as a missionary to El Rosal, where he devoted himself to the carpentry workshop and to the formation of young apprentices. For many years, he patiently taught them the whole craft, from the felling of the tree to the completion of fine furniture, instilling in them thoroughness, precision, and responsibility. He also contributed greatly to the construction of the Retreat House and monastery buildings. His practical gifts extended to music: he helped bring organs from Germany to Colombia and adapted a harmonium for the formation of the novices. In this way, he made an important contribution to the dignity of the monastic liturgy.
Brother Georg cherished monastic order, punctuality, common meals, recreation, and above all the beauty of the liturgy, to which he remained devoted until the final months of his life. Even as hearing loss and physical suffering increased, he bore his trials with patience and a profound trust in the goodness of God. His kindness, craftsmanship, fidelity, and generous service left a lasting impression on generations of young people and on his confreres. May the Lord, whom he served faithfully throughout his long life, now welcome him into the joy of eternal life.