January 28 is the anniversary of Peter C Hufnagel.

Peter Columbus Hufnagel, son of Peter and Catherine Hufnagel, was born in McSherrystown in the Dutch country of Pennsylvania on August 3, 1892. His early education was obtained in Locust Grove Public School (7years), McSherrystown parochial school (1year) and high school at the Augustinian Preparatory Scholasticate, Saint Rita Hall, Villanova. He was received as a novice on June 20, 1912, and professed simple vows on June 20, 1913 and solemn vows on June 23, 1916. He graduated from Villanova College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in June, 1916, and continued on through his theological training at Villanova. He was ordained to the priesthood at Saint Charles Seminary, Overbrook, on June 8, 1919.

Father Hufnagel’s first assignment was to Saint Augustine Parish, Havana, Cuba (1920), where he labored until his return to the States on account of illness 91938-1940). In 1940 he returned to Cuba to serve at Saint Augustine Parish at Marianao, and at Saint Rita, Mirama, where he was prior (1956-1961). He was one of eighteen Augustinians expelled by the Communist Castro regime in 1961 from Cuba.

Back in the United States Father Hufnagel served at our parishes in Jacksonville and Dania in Florida until deteriorating health required his residence at Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, in 1967. Known by his fellow Augustinians as being able and willing to do anything that should be done; he accomplished untold wonders in his own quiet way. Plagued by debilitating diabetes which eventually claimed both his legs, Father Hafnagel bore his cross with heroic fortitude until his death in Bryn Mawr Hospital on January 28, 1969. He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.

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