MY FAVORITE PRIEST

A priest who touched people’s hearts

By Joseph C. Frisch

    People who grew to adulthood with Father George Nintemann often wondered who or what inspired their friend to study for the priesthood. Because this priest gravitated toward a carefree and fun-filled life as a boy, no one entertained the thought that he would ever become a priest.

    On the day he celebrated the Silver Anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, Father George recalled the circumstances that prompted him to give serious thought to a religious vocation. One of the Franciscan sisters at Aquinas High School in La Crosse, Wisconsin spoke to this young man after class. She said to him, “You have what it takes to be a priest.” In his usual self-assured style, he responded, “I know that!” Only later did he admit that he had not given any serious thought about the priesthood until his teacher had confronted him with such an idea.

    After Father Nintemann had been ordained, people sometimes inquired why he pursued his studies in a Dominican monastery instead of a diocesan seminary. Father Richard Speltz, who was pastor of the parish to which the Nintemann family belonged, remembers vividly what prompted George Nintemann to affiliate himself with the Dominicans. His family was quite poor. Herman Nintemann assumed that, if his son had attended St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnesota, it would have been impossible for the family to pay the lad’s tuition. Providentially, the Dominicans had just built a priory on Stockton Hill, a beautiful site located about one mile from St. Mary’s College. George was invited by the prior of that community to join the group. He gladly accepted the invitation because there was no mention of paying any tuition fees while studying with the Dominicans. Father Speltz still believes that the same generous offer would have been extended to George by the president of St. Mary’s College if Herman Nintemann had discussed his financial status with one of the Christian brothers who taught at St. Mary’s. Nevertheless, our diocesan loss was the Dominican gain.

    Following the completion of his theological studies in Dubuque, Iowa, Father Nintemann became an associate pastor at St. Pius V Parish in Chicago. His natural talent for preaching was so exceptional that the Provincial Superior relieved him of all parochial duties and assigned him to a Mission Band at St. Albert’s Priory in Minneapolis. His scriptural and theological approach to preaching the Word of God won for him many invitations to speak in England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and Australia. He conducted retreats and parish missions in all of those countries.

    Father George Nintemann was an eloquent and dynamic speaker. He touched the hearts of his listeners. He inspired them to love God and live a better life in harmony with the Gospel message. He often reminded his audience that God’s love is both universal and particular. “While embracing mankind as a whole, God will not be satisfied until each and everyone of us is safely home in heaven,” he emphasized repeatedly in his talks.

    In every homily, this preacher offered the people of God profound insights concerning the purpose and meaning of life. His stories and illustrations were informative as well as practical. Upon hearing such preaching, people would sometimes remark, “Father Nintemann is one person who really means what he says. His sincerity impresses us.”

    Priests as well as lay people admired this humble priest’s engaging style of preaching. I was told by Father Fabian, O.P. that he was the greatest Dominican preacher in the Chicago province. Those who were privileged to attend one of Father George’s Masses would agree with that observation.

    Preaching was important to this Dominican priest. Commenting on the role of a preacher, Father George once posed this question to his fellow priests: “Will people be saved if they are never exposed to good preaching?” Then he added another thought to that inquiry by asking: “Will we priests be saved if we do not preach?” For him priestly salvation depended on preaching the Word of God faithfully and enthusiastically.

    This remarkable priest was not only popular for his speaking ability, but also for his love and interest in people. He was always happy to see anyone who came to visit him. His relatives have described him as a family oriented person. He experienced great delight organizing and hosting family reunions. Even when he was very ill, Father George enjoyed people’s company.

    Two years ago, when Father Nintemann learned from the Mayo doctors that his illness was terminal, he did not isolate himself from his parishioners. He continued to fulfill his daily duties as conscientiously as he had performed them while enjoying good health. Four months ago, for example, when the Serra Club of Rochester hosted the annual dinner for all the priests of the Diocese of Winona at the Willow Bend golf course near Rochester, no one expected our Dominican friend to attend the celebration. In spite of his weakened condition caused by cancer, he summoned the remainder of his ebbing strength to be present and converse with all of the guests. I myself spent approximately thirty minutes talking to him. Life was precious to Father George and he enjoyed every moment that he was alive. This kind and thoughtful priest expended his last ounce of energy to be with his friends. By such display of courage, he was practicing what he had preached to others when he reminded them that the happiest people in the world are those who give of themselves in the service of God and mankind. Along with Mother Teresa and Dorothy Day, Father Nintemann was a splendid example of persons who dedicate their lives serving God’s people. The Lord, who is never surpassed in generosity, rewarded this faithful disciple with many spiritual and natural gifts.

    In one of his homilies, Father George asked the question, “Have you noticed that, when you perform a good deed for another individual, you experience the reward of feeling good? That is God’s way of saying that he is pleased with your sacrifices and efforts to help others.”

    Because his twin brother Archie and several other members of the family died from cancer, Father Nintemann was overheard to say, “I too am programmed to die from that disease.” He accepted his fate nobly and without fear. Like St. Francis of Assisi, he embraced death as a friend and not as an enemy.

    Just before he died, one of Father George’s parishioners asked him: “Who will take your place when you leave us?” Displaying his usual good sense of humor, he replied, “No one can take my place.” His response was absolutely correct because each person is unique and, therefore, no one can replace that particular human being.

    Members of St. Bridget’s Parish, Simpson, were edified by the camaraderie and loyalty of the Dominican priests who came to pray, visit, and support their sick friend. It was inspirational to everyone who witnessed this display of love and devotion of priests toward a fellow priest.

    In his last letter to St. Bridget’s parishioners, this solicitous pastor wrote: “I don’t know how much time I have left to spend with you. I am getting weaker. But I will continue to pray for all of you. I expect to do a much better job when I meet my Lord and Savior. I can hardly wait to see God face to face.”

    We pray that Father George Nintemann has already been reunited with the members of his family who preceded him in death. May he remember us as we labor to join him in Paradise!

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