Born Vincent Peter Hartman on February 27, 1888, his father Benedict A. Hartman or Squire Hartman had been a friend and benefactors of the Passionists since their arrival in 1852. Young Vincent grew up in the shadows of the Pittsburgh monastery. He was educated by the Brothers of Mary and graduated with first honors, thereby receiving a scholarship at Holy Ghost College, Pittsburgh. However, he decided to enter the Passionists in Dunkirk, New York and then came back for his novitiate year in Pittsburgh. He professed his vows on October 3, 1905 and received the name Caspar. During his second and third year of study he manifested signs of heart trouble and then pneumonia set in. Still, he was able to complete his studies. He was ordained on December 21, 1912. Over time he would have good months of health followed by bad months. For three years he was a priest at St. Mary’s Parish, Dunkirk, New York. He assisted many who faced the sickness of the influenza outbreak of 1918. Eventually he became ill himself. Another brother became a Passionist priest and a sister entered the Passionist Nuns.
Birth Date:
February 27, 1888
Profession Date:
October 3, 1905
Ordination Date:
December 21, 1912
Death Date:
November 20, 1918