Br. Joseph (Ernst) Schmidt of the Blessed Trinity was born on December 18, 1893 in St. Ulrich Parish, Regensburg, Bavaria to parents German and Mary (nee Ettl) Schmidt

Br. Joseph grew up in Regensburg and began his professional career as a cabinet maker. In October 1914, he joined the army and fought in WWI at the battle front in France. In 1915, he fought against the Russians and in 1917 was wounded and hospitalized in Poland.

As Ernst’s father was a great friend of the Discalced Carmelite Friars of Regensburg, Ernst was in touch with the order and arranged, with the help of Br. Bernard, to come to the United States where Ernst intended to marry, earn some money and return to Germany. God had other plans.

First arriving in Kentucky, a couple months later, Ernest came to Holy Hill, Hubertus, Wisconsin to join the novitiate class of that year. He was clothed in the Carmelite habit on July 1, 1923, made his simple profession on January 15, 1926, and his solemn profession on January 15, 1929. Taking the name Joseph of the Blessed Trinity, Br. Joseph served as carpenter for the community and later as assistant to Br. Louie Scheerer, preparing meals at Holy Hill for their brothers and others.

Br. Joseph entered eternal life on November 18, 1978, and is buried at the Carmelite Cemetery in Hubertus, Wisconsin.