A short account of a special life

• Birth of John Maria Haw on 26th May 1871.

• As a young priest of the diocese of Trier, he was deeply impressed by the diabolical circle of poverty, alcoholism and lack of faith.

• He felt he had a “call”, to spread God´s message in a new way.

• Consistent with himself and with the blessings of his bishop, he chose his unique way.

• Helpless people were invited at his table. He had respect for everybody.

• He had deep empathy for the suffering the souls.

• He fought against the social structures of alcoholism.

• He was drawn to people whose lives were hopeless, and to places where God was forgotten. He always remained a sign of love and hope.

• His service as a priest, his whole life, thinking, feeling and works were a witness of God´s saving mercy.

• In 1919 he founded the "Johannesbund” to promote the Kingdom of Christ at Leutesdorf am Rhein.

• Help was urgently needed for the marginalized. He was convinced that lay people should be recognized in the Church. Two religious societies grew out of the co-workers: The Sisters of St. John the Baptist and Mary Queen and the Missionaries of St. John the Baptist.

• The Nazi government dissolved the Society in 1941. It looked as if a thriving work had come to an end.

• The reconstruction started as soon as the Sisters, Brothers, Fathers, students and co-workers came back from the war, from prison and deportation.

• Johannes Haw was unbeaten and had an endless confidence in God´s Providence.

• Fr. John Mary Haw, the “Light House” of the St. John´s league expired on 28th Oct 1949.