Post your own memory of Fr. Al to this page

Father Al truly is a Saint. Many years ago at a retreat in our local parish in Fl. that Father Al conducted. I was so moved by him I can truly say that my life was changed from that time on. I don't remember what he said but the way he said it set me on a route that led me closer to God than I ever thought possible. I started by reading One Bread One Body in the print edition that seemed to be always available at our church. After I obtained a computer about ten years ago I have been a daily online reader of OBOB since then. A year after Father Al passed, my wife and I stopped in at the discipleship retreat center in Peebles Oh. We were traveling in our motor home and spent the night on the premises. There was a family retreat camp out that weekend that impressed me with more Holiness and Spirituality than I have ever felt in any Church anywhere, and I have been to hundreds of Basilicas, Cathedrals and Parish churches in the USA and Europe. Including Saint Peters in Rome. Father Al's Spirit was alive in the family's that attended that outing. It was there that I heard of Ave Maria University that one of the children present was going to attend. I became a founding member of Ave Maria University because of that meeting. To me Ave Maria is the "Only True" Catholic university left in the USA. I am sure that Father Al would agree with me. God works in strange ways.

Fred Hengel     
Florida, USA     
 

He has lifted me up on Eagles' Wings! The only man ever to put a candle in a garbage can during a homily -- Jesus is the Light of the World; Revelaed! Father sits at Jesus's right hand no doubt, we will meet again soon.

Scotta Thoma     
USA     
 

En 1983, vi un maravilloso "pasando de la antorcha" del Padre Angelo Caserta al Padre Alvin Lauer. Una noche oscura, como roncé inocentemente algún Pan sobrante delicioso de Pizza de un S. El pez de Lawrence fríe, vi el milagro siguiente sucede. Ambos sacerdotes referidos encontraron bajo luz de la luna junto a la rectoral. De repente, un orbe ligeramente resplandeciente fue pasado de Fr. Ang a Fr. Al. Fue entonces que ambos hombres cada reveló un sable ligero cruz-formado. Ellos entrenaron por varios momentos, gritando a veces en o arameo o latín. Entonces, la puerta del Infierno abierto delante de Conveniente. Fuera Satanás dado un paso, a los esfuerzos de Crue Multicolor "Niños de la Bestia". Los sacerdotes pararon y corrieron inmediatamente hacia El Clavo. Mientras Fr. Caserta cegó el Desolado con un cucharón-lleno de su salsa secreta de espaguetis, Fr. La lengua de Lauer fue aflojada y él habló en un idioma extraño. Comprendí lo que él decía, de algún modo, y lo anotó en mi Cazador Guarda en seguida. ¡El dijo, "soy cansado, soy salado, requiero silencio"! En eso, Satanás, ahora (y para siempre) en el modo de Adam Clark, se escapó en la noche, llorando como un gato en el calor. Fr. Angelo subió en el Cielo inmediatamente. Fr. Al asió una escoba y comenzó limpiando la banqueta. Subí a él y dije, "Padre, le hace oye mi confesión". ¿El contestó, "Ciertamente, pero tendrá usted este polvo que cacerola estabiliza para un minuto"? Yo nunca he dicho nadie acerca de los acontecimientos de esta noche. El espíritu de Fr. Al vive en nosotros todo, y en yo ahora me siento seguro que el tiempo tiene razón para compartir esta historia. La paz, Jose

Jose Pedro Liam Torrez     
Juarez, Mexico     
 

Praise be Jesus Christ! I had the blessing to be a parishioner during Fr. Al's tenure at Old St. Mary's. Although I didn't quite appreciate him fully at the time, I have since realized that I was very blessed to have his guidance and prayers. He was truly a saint, more than anyone I have ever known in my life. He was a profoundly spiritual man who could pierce your heart and see your soul. That may be why I didn't initially appreciate him. What attracted me to Old St. Mary's in the first place, was the adherence of this old German parish to the Catholic traditions that have been abandoned so widely today. For those who are unfamiliar with Old St. Mary's, it is situated in the "Over the Rhine" area of Cincinnati, and was founded by German immigrants in the 1800s. The structure and art work of the church has been preserved (not "updated" with the liturgical trends of the 1960s), and in the 1990s it had a professional choir that performed Gregorian Chant and music of the Renaissance masters. Masses are still conducted in German, Latin, and English. Ironically, this church is situated in the middle of a very rough section of town, and Fr. Al made it his mission to serve the needs of the people in that area, while embracing the orthodox Catholic traditions, making them relevant and real for our day. I have two stories to share about Fr. Al. Perhaps the first has already been shared here. At the Easter vigil of 2000, we witnessed a strange event. Fr. Al seemed to be physically struggling to say Mass, and of course, this is the feast of feast with more text and music than any other day of the year. It was exactly around the time of the Consecration that Fr. Al suddenly collapsed at the altar, perhaps complications from his cancer or fatigue from fasting. But then, when he said the words of Institution, the lights went out in this inner city church (sirens could be heard in the background). Some ushers went to the back of the church, and it took several minutes to re-illuminate the sanctuary. At the time I thought it was just coincidence, but looking back, it seemed to be much more: something of a spiritual battle that Fr. Al was undertaking, along the lines St. Jean Vianney. The second event is much more personal. My life was out of control in 2001; I was not living a moral life and my family was falling apart. Nevertheless, I felt drawn to the church, and attended weekly mass at Old St. Mary's. At one such Mass, I unworthily approached communion. At the Altar rail, Fr. Al distributed communion, but when he approached me, he blessed my head and denied me communion, probably seeing the state of my soul. I don't know exactly what happened, but my entire body felt numb and cold, and then it felt like my heart was going to race out of my body. When I returned to the pew, I sat there, and my wife asked what was wrong because I looked white. It felt as though something passed through me. I felt so dizzy from this, that I almost fainted in church. From that time on, I stopped attending Old St. Mary's, and my life fell to pieces. For some time, I continued to lead a life of debauchery, destroying the life of my family. Things eventually got better, and I regained my footing and rebuilt my life. After growing up, my wife suggested that I call Fr. Al, and make peace and thank him for his prayers and perception. I was shocked to learn that he had passed years ago. A friend of mine says that saints are the toughest people to live with. I think that means that saints, like Fr. Al, call us to a higher calling, and lead us out of temptation, which for the juvenile soul can be inconvenient (sort of like telling your children not to eat candy because it is not good for them). Although there may be resentment, with time you realize that saints have our best intentions at heart. My purpose here is to thank Fr. Al for his prayers and guidance (seen and unseen). You are greatly loved. Ora pro nobis!

Christopher     
Cincinnati, Ohio     
 

I happened upon the Daily Bread podcast about a year ago, and when i listen to his broadcasts, i feel like Fr. Lauer is up in heaven listening with me. I wish i knew more about this annointed priest. All glory to God.

Kim     
Colorado     
 

I was looking for catholic podcasts and found Father Al's. WOW. Praise the Lord and Father Al. I was saddened to learn he was no longer on this Earth. But I am grateful to the ministries to still have his words out here, still teaching us and making us better Catholics. Talk about leaving your presence behind. What a legacy. Glory be to God!! Amen.

Terry Houck     
N.Y. USA     
 

I never met this priest brother, but for the first time heard his commentary on the Readings of December 19. I was so excited at hearing a brother priest being enthusiastic, evangelical and charismatic as well as thoroughly Catholic that I tried to find him to congratulate him, only to discover he has died. Well thank you who are keeping his messages alive. We are losing many of our people to the evangelical/pentecostal churches. If we had more priests preaching and teaching like this man it would he the opposite flow. I only wish I had known him. I am a retired priest penitent and in my hidden life of Nazareth I pray daily for the NEW PENTECOST, THE NEW EVANGELIZATION AND THE NEW SPRINGTIME prophesied by our Popes to sweep through our beloved Church. Father Al, join me in this prayer.

John Patrick Joseph Bertolucci     
New York, USA     
 

Father, forgive me, for I know exactly what I did...

Charles P. Kaufhold     
Cincinnati, OH     
 

I encountered Fr. Al Lauer's Daily Bread Radio in the summer of 2007, by sheer Providence, whilst googling homily podcasts. His homilies were so honest, edifying, radiant, and fervent. I owe countless hours well-spent to his captivating and fiery words which demanded our receptiveness and responsiveness to Christ's teachings. But Father Al's impact on my life runs much deeper than His spoken word, however spiritually nourishing it continues to be. I sincerely believe that God and our Blessed Mother have used him in bringing me to the university of my dreams - one where I may discern my religious vocation and equip myself with the armour of Christ through studying Catholic theology and philosophy at Ave Maria University in Florida. How, you might ask? Well, it began with a dream of Our Lady surrounded by a red orb which floated away. I later realized on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadaloupe that it was Our Lady of Guadaloupe whom I had seen. I came across Presentation Ministries' Guadaloupe Bible College after having had this dream (and still oblivious as to its meaning - indeed I never deamt of Mary before, nor have I since) and having loved Father Al's homilies and having been touched by the metamorphic puissance of the Holy Spirit, the thought of attending a school where I may be educated on the gift of evangelization, greatly appealed to me. I inquired about it and as an afterthought, prompted no doubt by Providence, inquired about universities that a certain correspondent at PM would recommend. After fruitless months of arduously searching for Catholic, yet academically rigorous institutions, I never expected to hear of anything special. But lo and behold, I was introduced to an incredible institution that appeared tailored fit to my every desire, spiritual, intellectual, etc. I made my official campus visit during the Canadian Thanksgiving, which turned out to be the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rosary (Oct 9th I beieve it was).Participating in that Rosary Walk was so divine and the means by which I discovered that the 9th marked that special day was entirely providential as well. As I was rummaging through my box of religious articles, on the eve prior to my departure, my eyes were drawn to an old pamphlet which announced that Oct 9th was this beautiful Marian Feast. Upon my return flight home, as if God wanted to ensure that I give his selfless servant some well-deserved credit for his intercession on my behalf (even on the radio, Father Al prayed for all his listeners), my airplane had to make a stop - yes, you guessed it - in Ohio and I had to get a connecting flight to Canada, my home. I was only to happy to get a connecting flight in Ohio - it was like a mini-tribute to the man whose life and ministry has led and continues to lead us blind sheep to their Divine Shepherd, Christ Jesus. A few days after my visit, on October 13th, (which was the 90th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima) - after having such a providential and grace-filled visit at Ave (there are other details I've had to leave out based on length, but I had the greatest confession experience of my life, and several providential meetings with various religious individuals), I had already returned home and was enrolled for the first time in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (please do enroll - it may be difficult to recite the prayers at times,but don't give up - I regret my own spiritual slothfulnessin this regard - many graces have been awarded me through the recitation of the Rosary and the Little Office of our Blessed Virgin). The 13th of October also marked the one year anniversary of the passing of my beloved dog, and veritable brother, Krieger (who was more human than canine, a creature so filled with love,compassion, character, and playfulness). Providence enabled me to be present at his departure, after weeks of such heroic courage and acceptance on his part, Christ released him from his sufferings immediately after I entreated Christ on the crucifix above us to "help him." It also marks the day, I've recently learned, of Father Al's blessed passing into life everlasting. As it falls on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima, he must have demonstrated such a beautiful and pleasing devotion to her in order to have merited such an honour. Father Al, though I never knew you while you breathed upon this world, I know that death in your case, like Christ, and the saints, has served only to multiply your good works. Thank you for your assistance, love,and spiritual nourishment. Please cointinue to intercede on our behalf, to pray for the conversion and salvation of all of us wretched sinners. May God bless you with the ineffable riches of paradise. Amen.

Indebted to Father Al     
Canada     
 

When i opened my mail box on 13th oct,2007.I read about this dynamic,enthusiast and humble man of God,Fr.AI;i have no doubt than to believe that he is now in heaven, praying us the militant church.

Ikwu Joe, Missionaries of Divine Mercy.     
Nigeria     
 

Display Next 10 of 137 Memories >>

		Post your memory of Fr. Al
		Your Name:  State/Country:    Memory:  Enter your memory, thanksgiving, or Scripture about Fr. Al