This study embarks on the first part of a comprehensive biography of Fr. Joseph Grendel (1878-1951), from his birth in 1878 to his election at the helm of the Society of the Divine Word in 1932. He is of one of the most prominent superior generals of the Society, in its almost 150 years of history. Except for the Founder, Fr. Grendel enjoyed the longest-ever leadership term in command of the Society of the Divine Word (1932-1947) – prolonged by the world crisis when it plunged into the Second World War. Yet, surprisingly enough his character remains little known to the members of the Society and is veiled much in obscurity. After the fatherly and spiritual figure of Fr. Wilhelm Gier (1920-1932), the Society elected his close collaborator Fr. Joseph Grendel, the man of administration, as the new superior general. He had to steer the Society in its most difficult time of Nazi dictatorship in his home country, Germany, which resulted in the most tragic and disastrous horrors in human history. It was a time when strong leaders for good and for bad dominated the world scene. Fr. Grendel exhibited a certain firmness in his leadership style that granted him an extraordinary ability to face the innumerable challenges of that time. With exceptional inner integrity, he placed high demands on his confreres and exacted from them high standards of religious-missionary dedication. This earned him great respect and also considerable criticism for his autocratic leadership style.

This study limits the investigation to the time preceding his ascent to the top position in the Society. Foremost, it lays the foundations for an understanding of his influence as the Superior General of the Society of the Divine Word. The study investigates the itinerary of his life and work. Its aim is to trace the most defining aspects of his development as an efficient administrator starting with his personal growth in the milieu of the Sauerland family home, in Germany. It follows his early formation in the minor seminary in Steyl and his religious and missionary formation at the novitiate and scholasticate in St. Gabriel. The young seminarian came from a poor family but his home region was rich with religious and missionary vocations. Grendel, intellectually very gifted, distinguished himself due to his great diligence and openness to spiritual-missionary formation. The religious spirit graced him with a readiness to accept any assignment from his superiors. He was sent to complete theological studies in Rome, became highly recognized, and over the span of 22 years, rose to the title of chief dogma professor at St Gabriel’s Mission Seminary. It did not take long before his promising scholarly activity was shelved for his equally impressive administrative capacities. The managerial talent and the needs of the Society favored Grendel’s administrative activity, which took priority over his scholarly prospects. Fr. Grendel became Rector of St. Gabriel (1917-1923) and provincial of the large West German province (1923-1927). At the end of his term, he was included as general councilor in the general administration of the Society, and transferred to Rome at the end of 1928. There he was appointed the first rector and prefect of the new international college.

This study aims to investigate the details of Grendel’s rise to the top leadership position in the Society when it needed to meet the demands of its expansion in a world afflicted by a grave crisis. The sources herein provide insight into Grendel’s various lifelong relationships, revealing his personality and leadership style; and shedding light on how he dealt with problems. What quickly emerges from the study of his relationship is his propensity towards a more autocratic leadership style, a natural talent and versatility in his roles, and unquestionable dedication to the missionary vocation in the Society to spread God’s Word of salvation to the world. Specifically, and in accord with the archival sources, what emerges out of obscurity is one of the most prominent leaders of the Society, a wise commander endowed with exceptional self-awareness of himself and of others, farsighted vision, and a great capacity to make difficult decisions. This study embarks on the first steps toward presenting a complete biography of Fr. Grendel, based largely on the preliminary research done by the historian of the Society, Fr. Fritz Bornemann. The biographical research is preparatory to get a complete picture of Grendel‘s full term as superior general, and his following activity as admonitor at the general council, and his service for the Roman Curia (1947-1951). This study hopes to also provide a substantial contribution for a better understanding of the history of the Society in its dynamic process of development.

The author of this publication would like to express deep gratitude to Fr. Peter McHugh, SVD, for his critical support, suggestions and reading of the manuscript.