1916 is the centenary of the death of John Steiner, one of the very earliest collaborators of Margaret Aylward, foundress of the Holy Faith sisters. A new, short biography commemorates the contribution of this ordinary, but extraordinary man, to the poor children of Dublin in the second half of the nineteenth century.
Steiner was born in Germany, in the northern end of the Black Forest, and came to live in Dublin in 1857. It was fitting then that the book was launched by Mr Peter Adams of the German Embassy who identified Steiner’s independent thinking s a clear characteristic of this humble yet determined man.
John Steiner’s mother died when he was three and his father when Steiner was twelve. For three years he was placed in a foster home which, for him, was a very positive experience and he formed a deep affection for his foster mother. Author, Vivienne Keely, emphasised the importance of fostering in contemporary society and praised the many excellent foster parents who open their homes and hearts to children.
The book, John Steiner 1832 – 1916 is available from the Margaret Aylward Centre for Faith and Dialogue and all proceeds go to the Centre’s outreach to disadvantaged groups. Cost is 10 euro. The Centre’s phone number is (01) 7979364; email is mcfdglasnevin@gmail.com
The left hand side of the image features of one of the stained glass windows in the Lutheran Church of St Blaise in Bad Liebenzell, where Steiner was baptised and the right hand side features part of the cover of the book.
