Hadrian Lucke: A life in the service of the Capuchins ends in Munich

Hadrian Lucke: A life in the service of the Capuchins ends in Munich

On June 27, 2025, Hadrian Lucke, an esteemed Capuchin and priest, died in Munich. The 94-year-old, born on August 7, 1930 in Gablonz an der Neisse, leaves behind an impressive life story that began in 1950 in a novitiate in Laufen. He joined the Capuchins under the name Brother Hadrian of Gablonz and worked for his fellow human beings throughout his life. He received his priestly ordination on June 29, 1956 in Eichstätt and then began his pastoral work in Altötting before taking on a formative role in the Seraphic Love Work in St. Ingbert, where he led until it was dissolved in 1978. It was these years that decisively shaped his career and gave support and comfort to many people.

After his time in St. Ingbert, Brother Hadrian took on various important positions, including as clerical master in Eichstätt, hospital chaplain in Munich-Nymphenburg and as guardian in Aschaffenburg. His return to Eichstätt in 2001 and his later move to the newly founded convent in Ingolstadt show how strong his commitment to the Capuchin community always was. In 2023 he finally moved to the St. Anton Convent in Munich, where he lived until his final move to the Kreszentia-Stift in February 2025.

Last journey and burial

Brother Hadrian's funeral is scheduled for today, July 3, 2025. At 8:45 a.m. his coffin will be buried in the Capuchin Cemetery of St. Anton. Before that, a requiem will take place in the church of the St. Kreszentia Monastery, where brothers and sisters of the order as well as numerous mourners will come together to honor his life and work. The tradition of the Capuchins, who maintain a close relationship with the community, is evident in these ceremonies, where faith and memories of the deceased's deeds play a central role.

The Capuchins themselves, whose history dates back to 1528, stand for a life of modesty and service to the weakest. Their religious name is derived from the hood of the brown Franciscan habit. Hadrian Lucke also lived these ideals with great devotion and served in various capacities to assist those in need around him. The Capuchins are known for a wide range of activities, from pastoral care to nursing, and are still actively involved in communities today.

A quick look at the Capuchin order

The Capuchins, who number about 10,500 brothers worldwide, live in “praying and working” communities, with each convent led by a guardian. In Austria and South Tyrol there are 20 branches with a total of 120 Capuchin brothers who have come together in the Capuchin Province of Austria-South Tyrol. The Capuchins are active not only in Austria, but also in international missions in countries such as Madagascar and Chile.

The rich tradition of the Capuchins is often accompanied by the story of their burials in the Capuchin Crypt in Vienna, a place that offered eternal rest to famous figures such as Otto Habsburg. Here, the ceremonies follow a centuries-old rite that reflects appreciation and respect for the deceased. The loss of Brother Hadrian Lucke can also be seen as part of this larger narrative of Capuchin service and legacy.

The memories of Hadrian Lucke and his tireless work will live on in the hearts of many people who benefited from his pastoral care and commitment. His life was marked by a deep connection to faith and community, and his burial will be another significant moment in the history of the Capuchins and their honor.

For further information it is worth taking a look at the website Diocese of Eichstätt, Capuchin crypt and Catholic.at, which provide detailed information about the life history and traditions of the Capuchins.