Sixth Pastor of St Joseph Church. 1917-1935. Monsignor Wynhoven was a pioneer social justice advocate. 




In 1944, Roger Baudier, who knew wel both the present and past generations of Louisiana clergy, called Msgr. Wynhoven "one of the most remarkable priests in more than a century and a half of [archdiocesan] history."

Msgr Wynhoven was born in Venray, Holland, in 1884.  He immigrated to Louisiana as a seminarian, completed his studies in New Orleans and St Louis, and was ordained in 1909.

His leadership gifts were quickly recognized for he was appointed vice chancellor in 1910, manager of "The Morning Star" in 1912, and at the age of 32, pastor St Joseph in Gretna in 1917.  As Gretna's pastor, he organized new parishes at McDonoghville (St  Anthony in Gretna) (1920), Westwego (1920), and Marrero (1924), and also erected new chapels in Grand Isle, Harvey, and Waggaman. In 1932, he became founding editor-in-chief of "Catholic Action of the South".  In 1935, he was named pastor of our Lady of Lourdes in New Orleans.

Peter Wynhoven was one of the South's pioneer social action priests, establishing St. Vincent's Hotel and Free Labor Bureau for homeless and/or unemployed men (1911); founding the Catholic Women's Club for working girls (1918); reorganizing Catholic Charities (1924); serving as "Padre of the Jockeys" at the New Orleans Fairgrounds (1927); establishing Hope Haven (1922) and Madonna Mary Manor (1932); strongly and constantly advocating workers and children's rights; and winning Catholic support for the establishment the New Orleans Community Chest.  President Roosevelt pointed Father Wynhoven into the U.S. Regional Labor Board (1933) and New Orleans Mayor T.S. Walmsely named him to the cities welfare board. He chaired such major Archdiocesan events at the 8th National Eucharistic Congress (1938) and the Archdiocesan sesquicentennial celebration (1943).

His weekly newspaper columns -- a sort of inspirational motivational guide to Christian living for clergy, religious, and laity alike -- were later published as 10 books with such catchy titles as "The Sincere Seeker" (1938); "Swim -- or Sink (1939) and "Page My Pastor" (1942). These volumes provide a unique window through which to view mid-century Louisiana Catholic theology, spirituality, and social concerns.

When Msgr. Peter M.H. Wynhoven died suddenly on September 10th, 1944, Baudier noted that the priest had led "a life of ceaseless activity, always for the benefit of others."  However, Baudier added, Wynhoven's work with needy and homeless children always remained the activity that "was closest to his heart."

Msgr. John Reynolds, the former pastor of St Patrick's Parish in New Orleans, recalled that Msgr Wynhoven "was a priest who felt at home in the world or in the Church -- with Catholic, Protestant, and Jew...Msgr Wynhoven walked this earth with a very special charism."
Msgr. Peter M.H. Wynhoven was buried on the grounds of Hope Haven near the present-day residence for the elderly that hears his name. ---- Charles Nolan (Clarion Herald Article- Bicentennial Edition -- April 22, 1993)