Vita of Reverend Ludovici Leonis Reuss
(The Life of Fr. Louis Leo Reuss)
Pastor – Brother – Friend
Our beloved Chaplain was born on January 29, 1911 in the tiny village (500 people) of Reichenbach, near the world-famous spa of Bad Kissingen, in Bavaria. His parents, Theodor and Anna (nee Wilm) Reuss, had their son baptized three days later on February 1st. He was welcomed into the Faith and Church, but it must have been a little special, in view of the vocation that was to follow. He entered school in 1917, and successfully completed his six-year grade school in 1923. The following year he entered into higher education at the “Gymnasium”, a school similar to high schools and colleges in America, but a curricular that stressed more Latin and Greek. During the next nine years (1924 -- 33), he studied long and hard at the Gymnasium. His efforts were rewarded in a special graduation that enabled him to pursue higher studies at the public University at Wurzburg. It must have been during this period that the “calling” was manifest, as young Louis concentrated on the study of Theology (1934 -- 38), which was among the many disciplines (Medicine, Law, etc.) at the University. Completing his four year study of Theology, he was Ordained in Wurzburg for the Augustinian Fathers, O.S.A., in 1938. Father Louis states “that for various reasons which included ecumenical, political, as well as religious, he was sent to America shortly after graduation." He arrived at St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee, as his Order wanted him to do more study and parish work.
Father Louis relished his work in America as his duty was to “help out" in other parishes. He did exactly that, and thus began a journey of loving service that would continue the rest of his life. After three years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; he came to serve the multitude of sinners in New York City. He was in various parishes, including the German parish of St. Joseph on E. 87th St. During the next several years, he served parishes down at the Battery, Barclay Street, as well as Wall Street. Father recalls that “he even said a Christmas Midnight Mass at Ellis Island, but that most of his work was “pinch-hitting”. He was to help out where priests were needed, or to take their places when they were on vacation. It was very interesting work and an enjoyable time. It was hard work and often I had masses at Noon or later!!”. Between 1948 and 1958, he went to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. He worked at the Augustinian Monastery in Nova Scotia for a short time, before moving on to Newfoundland in 1949. He helped out at an Air Force base in Stephensville prior to becoming the pastor of St. Fintaus Parish. "The parish has six other small missions, and traveling was difficult (mostly railroad, boat, or horse and buggy) at that time. In spite of the hardship, I had a wonderful time. The people were very hospitable though poor. Poor but good!"
He left Newfoundland in 1958 and joined the Diocese of Rockville Centre to be closer to relatives in the U.S.A. He was assigned to St. Lawrence Parish in Sayville from 1958 to 1959, but before serving there, "I was at St. John's in Bohemia for two months, but nobody remembers it!” He became an assistant pastor at St. Barnabas Parish and Bellmore in 1959 and found it very interesting. "I had many societies; especially the Knights of Columbus, Holy Name, Legion of Mary, and the Altar Boys. The number of altar boys reached 150 at one point, and a few of them became priests”. Leaving St. Barnabas in 1969 ("ouch”), and prior to arrival in Bohemia, he was assigned to the Holly Paterson Home in Uniondale with residents at St. Pius X Seminary. It was a most pleasant interlude of a year spent; one in which he met many priests who continue as friends to this day. It was during this time that Father Lou adopted his famous slogan: “Rejoice with Father Reuss”.
In April 1970, he came to stay in Bohemia as he was assigned as Administrator of St. John Nepomucene. "In 1971, I became pastor, and I'm here over 28 years. Happy Years! My main apostolate was to make people at home in the parish! It was a poor parish (smallest church in the Diocese). Look at it now! One of the STAR parishes! When I arrived here, I introduced myself with; “Rejoice with Father Reuss”, and singing was not common, I added “Raise your voice with Father Reuss”. Our chaplain is very proud of his stewardship. St. John's. "I built on the work of the pastors before me. I stressed the Liturgy of Vatican II (Lectors, Cantors, etc.) and was blessed with great assistants. I started the Knights of Columbus and St. John's Senior Citizens Club. To give the people a chance to attend mass in Oakdale, I asked PGK Richard Wanser to set up for the celebration at the Oakdale Theatre on Montauk Highway. Richard, with the help of his brother Knights, faithfully perform this task. Later, Richard continued to serve the parish as its’ first permanent Deacon. The Little Church was remodeled; it became a real jewel! The cemetery was landscaped; an addition to the Rectory was made, and the most important work was begun for the building of a New Church at St. John’s! I was relieved in 1981 by Father Karvelis, and the church was completed shortly thereafter. With the passing of Father Karvelis, Father Wood came to the parish, and he adds great deal to it. As of this day, I am the Pastor Emeritus; reside in the Rectory - and do “my thing!”.
(Ed note: the foregoing “Vita” was provided to the Council in letter form by Father Reuss, during the year he celebrated his 60th anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood. It was edited and put into a narrative form by Joseph P. Nolan, the Financial Secretary of Sunrise Council 6607; the Council that our Chaplain founded.)
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