MR. HANS VON MATT - THE CO-FOUNDER

Mr. Hans von Matt, a native of Stans, Canton Nidwalden, a Member of Parliament, was a close friend of our Founder. The Society of St. Ann was the fruit of their friendship. The idea of the foundation of a Society was conceived in the valley of Engelberg, when both the men discussed in detail, ways to help the expectant mothers. He felt a certain responsibility for the less privileged and joined the plans of Wilhelm. Fr. Meyer found the right man at the right time; for he was a man of balanced nature, calm and composed, simple and available, trustworthy and deeply spiritual; a talented man with a sense of duty and social awareness; his attitude was conservative but positive. As a national Councilor, he helped to draw the civil laws of the Society along with the Founder.

While in sick bed, Fr. Meyer entrusted his trusted friend Hans some of the responsibilities, as he was familiar with the affairs of the Society, which he carried out in an exemplary way till the end of his life. He wrote the Statutes and went to the Swiss Bishops and to Rome to get the approval and blessing for the young Society. He proved himself to be the true guardian of the infant Society.

Though a great Statesman and politician, after the death of Fr. Meyer, he was very  closely associated with the Society of St. Ann. This was not just through a sense of duty. He once said in no uncertain terms: “No work I have done has ever given me so much inner freedom, where I see the Divine Providence so clearly in every development, leading and arranging, blessing and guiding it forward”. He wrote the first handbook for the Sisters, a precious document forever to be held in high esteem - a collection of Founder’s letters, liturgical prayers and daily thoughts, so that the Sisters would be united in work and prayers with the Lord. 

His appointment as a senior civil servant and later President of his Canton, was a sign of his capability. At no time in his life was he carried away by success or by the feeling of power that he exercised. Though a great statesman and politician, his title disappeared when he was with the Sisters. With great enthusiasm and earnestness, he contributed earnestly to the growth of the Society.  Charity was the sun shining on the last years of this man with such a sense of responsibility. Quite unexpectedly he ended his earthly journey, on March 22, 1932, twenty years after the death of Fr. Wilhelm Meyer.