Erich Renz

Father Erich Renz (* 1937 in Saulgau , Upper Swabia) since 1970 as a missionary of the Franciscan (OFM) in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso operates. As part of his missionary work, numerous social, infrastructural and pastoral projects were created. He is the author of a three-volume work of sermons .

On September 16, 2003, Father Erich Renz received the Winfried Prize for international understanding and peace, endowed with 10,000 euros, in the city palace of Fulda , which was awarded to him by the diocese and the city of Fulda for his outstanding pastoral and social work in Brazil. In the laudation, in particular his project for the rehabilitation of drug addicts and his diverse efforts in the field of social housing and the development of a productive cooperative system were recognized.

Projects (selection)

• Portiuncula project: Construction of 100 houses for poor families and development of the appropriate infrastructure through the free work of Saulgau craftsmen
• Establishment of a beekeeping cooperative, a solar cooker production and a school for the poor
• Fazenda d'esperanza project: Rehabilitation and training offer for drug-addicted young people, the concept of which is meanwhile also being implemented by Franciscans in Germany

He is supported in his work by the Kolping Family Bad Saulgau, Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Maria Renz and the monasteries Sießen and Frauenberg.

Web links

• Father Erich Renz with Brazilian youth on a trip to Germany on the occasion of World Youth Day 2005
• Father Erich Renz reports on the changes in missionary work in Brazil