Carl Hensler

Monsignor Carl P. Hensler
Born
Carl Peter Hensler

November 7, 1898
DiedNovember 21, 1984
North Hills Passavant Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
NationalityAmerican
EducationSt. Vincent's Seminary, North American College
OccupationPriest
EmployerRoman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh
Known forCatholic Radical Alliance
TitleMonsignor
Parent(s)Charles P. Hensler, Margaret E. Klein
RelativesClara Hensler (sister; aka Sister Estelle), Paul Joseph Hensler (brother), Cecilia Hensler Johnson (sister), John Francis Hensler (brother), Mildred Hensler Graham (sister), Francis Gerard Hensler (brother), Mary Hensler (cousin)
Ecclesiastical career
ReligionChristianity
ChurchRoman Catholic Church
OrdainedMarch 15, 1924
Congregations served
St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Mt. Pleasant
St. Brendan's Catholic Church, Braddock
St. Lawrence Church, Pittsburgh

Monsignor Carl Peter Hensler (November 7, 1898 – November 1984) was an American Roman Catholic priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.[1] Nicknamed "the Labor Priest" in recognition of the help and support he gave to the Steel Workers union during his early career,[2] he also became a founding member of the Catholic Radical Alliance. Describing the alliance in 1937, Hensler said:[3]

"We contend that the relationship between Catholicism and Capitalism is one of fundamental opposition, which cannot be removed unless the ax of reform is laid to the very roots."

During the 1950s, he was assigned as pastor of St. George's Catholic Church,[4] and was also appointed director of the Institute of Adult Education, which was sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.[5]

  1. ^ "Monsignor Carl P. Hensler Dies." Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, November 22, 1984, p. 175 (subscription required).
  2. ^ "Msgr. Hensler: Pastor of St. George's Keeps Cemetery Trim: It's Labor Priest's Favorite Hobby After Years of Service to Catholics." Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 13, 1960, p. 6 (subscription required).
  3. ^ "Priests of 'Radical Alliance' Rub Elbows with Strike Pickets" (includes photo of Hensler). Marshfield, Wisconsin: Marshfield News-Herald, October 14, 1937, p. 4 (subscription required).
  4. ^ "Msgr. Hensler: Pastor of St. George's Keeps Cemetery Trim," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 13, 1960.
  5. ^ "Diocesan Classes Open to All Races, Creeds: Teens or Aged Finding Culture, Education at Pittsburgh's Fastest Growing 'School.'" Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: The Pittsburgh Press, January 19, 1958, p. 4 (subscription required).