Wendelin Pfanner (Abbot Franz)
Austrian Trappist who founded Mariannhill Abbey and the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood
Who they were
He founded the monastery of Mariannhill near Durban in 1882, was consecrated the first mission abbot of South Africa in 1885 and founded the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood; his foundation became the Congregation of the Missionaries of Mariannhill.
The miracles
No miracle has been approved. The cause is at its first stage.
Why that counted as sanctity
His congregation's German province records his death on 24 May 1909 and calls him a Servant of God; the cause was opened at Durban and Mariannhill in 2009.
The cause
Wendelin Pfanner (Abbot Franz) is named a Servant of God; the cause continues. Favours received, and offers of help, go to the postulation, the office that carries the cause forward: The cause of Wendelin Pfanner (Abbot Franz).
Checked against the sources listed on 24 September 2026. Corrections welcome.