In Pace Christi

Bro. Paul Zeller was born in Ailringen (Baden Württemberg) on 20 January, 1920. When he was a boy, he came across a copy of the missionary magazine “Stern der Neger”, of the Comboni Missionaries in Ellwangen. It contained a lot of information on the work of the Brothers in South Africa, especially the work of Bro. Heinrich Sendker. In 1932, the magazine published an article on the blessing of the huts of the mission station of Lydenburg (South Africa), which had been donated by the parish of Altkrautheim, near that of Airlingen. The event was remembered in the entire region and in Paul’s parish. From that moment on, he never stopped thinking about the mission. Four years later, the Comboni missionary Fr. Alfred Stadtmüller organised a mission day at Ailringen: it was a decisive moment for Paul. In May, 1935, he entered the missionary house of Ellwangen and began learning about gardening to become a Brother.

In 1937, he started the novitiate at Josefstal and ended it with his first vows on 28 May, 1939. Then, all of a sudden, his plans were turned upside down – like those of many other confreres – and he had to do his military service, during the second World War. He suffered a serious injury to his jaw and carried the signs of this all his life. In March, 1946, that long adventure ended. However, Bro. Paul had continued to renew his vows during the war. He therefore finally took his perpetual vows on 27 October 1949.

During his long missionary life, Bro. Paul worked not only as a gardener but was also formator of postulants and, in this he was much admired and loved. He stayed in touch by letter with many of his former postulants, up to the end of his life. He always took an interest in them, not just those who became missionaries but also the ones who took another path.

In 1960, he was a member of the group of German confreres chosen to start the new foundation at Palencia (Spain). Bro. Paul always considered those years as the best of his life, despite the privations and the hard work involved in that foundation. He was “the soul” of the group.

In 1973, he was recalled to Ellwangen and he was again placed in charge of the garden and the formation of aspirants.

Bro. Paul valued and took great care of keeping in contact with his relatives, his former military comrades and the people living close to the Ellwangen house. Everyone was always ready to help him, such as when he suffered a serious accident while working in the garden.

Even beyond the Province, there were many confreres who asked for news of him and they remembered him, especially those he had known in Spain.

He was always true to himself and his principles. He would think well before he spoke. He knew no pretence, was sincere and showed himself as he was. He participated in the life of the Institute and the Province, suffering for the negative events and situations but joyfully welcoming good news and good initiatives.

Serious but yet with a sense of humour, people liked his company. In community he was always present, always ready to listen and give up his time for others. He had a deep life of faith and an inborn authenticity. He was always a centre of attraction for the other Brothers.
Da Mccj Bulletin n. 262 suppl. In Memoriam, gennaio 2015, pp. 8-10.