Fr. Gandolf Wild OFM Cap., passed away in the Capuchin Friary at Wil, Switzerland due to heart failure at 7.45 am local time. He was 81. The Capuchin missionary had returned permanently to Switzerland after completing 13 years of service in the UAE, having worked as Secretary to Bishop Paul Hinder and later as Vice-Secretary and Archivist.

Fr. Gandolf was born on 23 November 1940 in Appenzell, Switzerland. He studied at the Boarding School of the Capuchins in Appenzell. On 7 September 1961, he made his profession as a Capuchin for the Swiss Province. He was ordained on 4 July 1965 as a priest and after two years, worked as a missionary in Tanzania from 1968-1991, in Kenya from 1991-1994 and again in Tanzania from 1994-1995.

In 1995, Fr. Gandolf was appointed the General Secretary of the worldwide Capuchin order and was based in the Capuchin Generalate in Rome. In 2008, at the request of Bishop Paul Hinder, Fr. Gandolf was sent to Abu Dhabi where he worked for Bishop Paul as Secretary.

In his work as Secretary at the Bishop’s Curia, Fr. Gandolf handled many important administrative matters related to the Vicariate. Fr. Gandolf was also an avid historian and consolidated the archives and historical records of the Vicariate. His experience in the African missions also enabled him to act as the priest in charge of the various African communities within the Vicariate.

In December 2014, Fr. Gandolf moved to the role of Vice-Secretary to concentrate more on the Vicariate archives. In spite of several medical complications, he remained deeply committed to social causes and helped many who needed various kinds of humanitarian assistance.

His keen memory, intelligence, and warm and approachable personality made him a multifaceted missionary who could engage in dialogue with people at all levels of society. His pointed and attractive Sunday sermons focused on the practical application of the Gospel in day-to-day life.

On 11 September 2021, Fr. Gandolf left the Vicariate for good to take residence in the Capuchin Community of Wil in his native country of Switzerland. His final days were spent in quiet and serenity, in preparation for the life to come.
-with inputs from AVOSA