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This week’s missionary hero was a Maryknoll Missionary priest who gave his life for his flock. His name was William Carl Kruegler.
William was born on October 1, 1930 in Troy, New York. As a teen, William played football for Catholic Central High School in Troy. His nickname was “Mow” because he was known for mowing down the opposition on the football field.
One day, he went on a field trip to Maryknoll, New York and encountered the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. He decided that was the life for him. So, William entered the seminary on September 9, 1948. He was ordained on June 8, 1957 and assigned to Montero, Bolivia.
As a new priest, he quickly became known as a champion for children and youth, especially those who lived their lives on the streets, trying to make a few cents selling gum or shining shoes. He also played with the children and made sure they had food. He visited the schools and cheered them in their sports. He urged the other priests to have their shoes shined regularly by the street kids.
One day, unfortunately, a man named Mario Saravia moved next door to the rectory where Fr. William was living. He began selling liquor to the street kids, taking the meager earning they had made.
Violence was also common in Montero, and Fr. William tried to get the authorities to stop it, but nothing happened. Whenever people heard a jeep at night, they would be terrified that crooked politicians would take them out of town, beat them up, and make them promise to vote for the ruling party.
Finally, though, the authorities decided to do something positive. They told Mario Saravia that he was being evicted and his bar was being closed. As a result of the eviction, when the community was celebrating Bolivia’s Independence Day, Mario came to the rectory. He asked Fr. William what time the evening rosary would be held, and then shot him four times. Another priest came to Fr. William’s aid and called a physician, but Fr. William died shortly after being shot. The date was August 7, 1962; Fr. William was 31-years old.
The bishop of Santa Cruz celebrated a Pontifical Requiem Mass that was attended by 15,000 people. Fr. William was buried in the cemetery in Montero.
A man of true courage, a life well lived.