Charles Kram was born on September 30, 1929 to Charles and Emma Zander Kram in Shiner, Texas and was raised on the family's farm as a normal, active healthy boy who had a good sense of humor and a desire to learn. He attended local schools until graduation in 1946 and then enrolled in St. In May, 1952, he was ordained a sub deacon, but within a few weeks, he was stricken with paralytic polio that
left him paralyzed from the neck down. He was taken to a rehabilitation center where he spent months learning to use devices to manage daily tasks, such as feeding himself and writing. He was equipped at that time with a battery operated wheelchair that he maneuvered by pushing a ball covered stem with his chin. He also learned to hold a stick in his mouth to type and to operate his ham radio and to turn pages of books. Any hope of ordination to the priesthood seemed impossible. Perhaps by Divine Intervention, almost 24 years later (in 1975), Archbishop Francis Fury decided that Charles could be ordained so he could more effectively continue his ministry of giving advice, encouragement and spiritual direction. He was ordained a deacon, and on the following day, December 5, 1975, he was ordained a priest at the age of 46. In 1977, after his father (his primary caretaker), died tragically, Charles moved to Huth Memorial Hospital, in Yoakum, Texas, where he became a chaplain. This opened up a whole new world for his ministry and he found great joy in sharing his special sense of hope and peace to everyone who came into the hospital. With assistance, he celebrated daily Mass when he was strong enough even though he was subject to infections, pain and great difficulty in breathing...but he never complained or felt sorry for himself, but instead used his weakness as his strength. Father Charles Kram died on August 13, 2000, at the age of 70. His greatest joy was giving glory to God through helping others. His constant meditation, prayer and patience should be an example to anyone who has ever felt alone or truly helpless in their life - there's no obstacle that can't be overcome, if only you have faith...
