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Born September 3, 1875,
in the Dutch town of Thorn, and ordained in Louvain, Belgium on June 29,
1898, Father Cramers answered an appeal for volunteers to work in the
Diocese of New Orleans while still pursuing his seminary studies. Father
Cramers was just twenty-seven years old when he came to Lake Charles,
where he would labor as pastor for the next thirty-three years. In later
years, people would cite his overwhelming love and generosity toward all
people--the young, the poor, the elderly--indeed, anyone needing a
champion or assistance had his attention. His very life remains an example
to us of one who is open to God and His work here on earth. His generosity
was legendary. Parishioners would give him a new overcoat or a pair of
shoes to replace his own worn-out clothing, only to see him give them away
to the first needy beggar to come to his door. The practice of giving
sandwiches from the rectory kitchen to the downtrodden began under Father
Cramers' pastorate.
It was in the years
following the "Great Fire" of 1910 in which all buildings
of the Catholic Church complex were destroyed that the valiant and
constructive leadership of Monsignor Cramers became even more apparent and
assured his destiny in becoming a legend in his own lifetime.
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