February 16 is the anniversary of Francis J. Ludwig.

Francis Joseph Ludwig, son of Francis Ludwig and Mary Reed, was born in Philadelphia, PA, on August 8, 1904. His uncle was Brother Vincent Reed, O.S.A. While he was a child his family moved to Pottstown, where he attended Saint Aloysius parochial school. He entered the Augustinian Preparatory Scholasticate, Saint Rita Hall, Villanova, as a postulant in 1920. He was received into the novitiate on June 25, 1924, and professed simple vows on June 26, 1925, and solemn vows on June 26, 1928. He graduated from Villanova College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy in 1928 and completed his theological training at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, where he was ordained to the priesthood at the National Shrine by Bishop Shahan on June 9, 1931.

Father Ludwig’s first and only assignment was as a professor of biology on the faculty of Villanova College (193201951). He continued his graduate studies during these years at the University of Pennsylvania, with special research on microscopic organisms at the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Mole, MA. The University of Pennsylvania awarded him a Master of Science degree in 1939 and a Doctorate in Biology in 1944.

Father Ludwig was truly a beloved Augustinian on the campus. He perfected for many years in Alumni and Fedigan Halls and was known for his patient and considerate work with college men. The professed at Saint Mary’s Hall were particularly indebted to him for his perseverance in introducing his classes into the mysteries of biological science.

His busy apostolic life was brought to a sudden close when he suffered a fatal heart attack after undergoing a major operation at Saint Mary’s Hospital, Philadelphia, on February 16, 1951, at the age of 46. Father Ludwig is buried in the monastery cemetery at Villanova University.

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