FRIEDHOFEN, Peter. — Founder of the Brothers of Mercy of Trier, born at Weitersburg near Vallendar on 25 Feb. 1819, died at Coblenza on 21 Dec. 1860. Having been orphaned of both parents at the age of nine, he worked as a chimney sweep. He soon began to found pious associations; in 1850 he started one in his homeland for the care of the sick, which was transferred the following year to Coblenza. After forming himself for the religious life with the Alexians at Aix-la-Chapelle, he received the habit together with a companion on 25 March 1851. When he died, the Institute numbered 50 members. Since 1928 he has rested in the motherhouse at Trier. The introduction of his cause is under study in Rome.
BIBL.: J. Kroll, Bruder P. F., 4th ed., Trier 1927; Anno, Alaria-Hilf und P. F., 2nd ed., ibid. 1930. Mario Colpo