Father Fidelis (Edward) Fosselman of the Cross, a Discalced Carmelite Friar of Holy Hill and pastor of St. Mary of the Hill Parish died this past March 14. Born in Storm Lake, Iowa on February 25, 1925, the beloved son of Anthony and Erna (Borchers) Fosselman. Father Fidelis was one of ten children. As a teenager, Father Fidelis attended Dowling High School in Des Moines, Iowa. There “Ed” Fosselman was named “All City Quarterback” and was given an honorable mention for All State. He also played baseball and was chosen for “All City Catcher.” His love for sports remained with him throughout his life.

After high school graduation, Father Fidelis enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the 103rd Combat Engineers. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he entered St. Philip Neri Seminary in Boston. There he received his vocation to the Discalced Carmelites. On August 15, 1949 he pronounced his first vows as a Carmelite in Brookline, Massachusetts. After completing his studies here at Holy Hill and at the College of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Washington, DC, he was ordained to the priesthood at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC on June 4, 1955.

Father Fidelis served the Church and the Discalced Carmelite Order as a teacher of Canon Law and Director of Students at the College of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. He was Provincial Councillor and Superior of the Carmelite Monastery at Holy Hill. For most of his priestly life, however, he was a pastor.

During the Vietnam War, he once again enlisted in the Army, this time as Chaplain and he completed three tours of duty in Vietnam as well as several stateside assignments.

When Father was discharged from the Army, he returned to Holy Hill where he was appointed pastor of St. Mary of the Hill Parish. In 1981, he was transferred to Elmira, New York and became pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish until 1989.

Once again, Father Fidelis was asked to move back to Holy Hill and resume his duties as Pastor of St. Mary of the Hill Parish. It was during this ministry that Father Fidelis died on March 14, 1996 while visiting family in Seal Beach, California. His Mass of Christian Burial was concelebrated on March 20 and he was buried in the Carmelite Cemetery, Hubertus, Wisconsin.

Many came to the funeral on March 20th to say goodbye – his brothers and sisters, many family members, the Carmelite and Diocesan clergy, parishioners and friends. He was also remembered at the Memorial Mass in Elmira on March 23. Semper Fidelis, always faithful, you will be sadly missed.