Anastasius Hartmann was a Swiss Capuchin missionary and Catholic bishop who served the Church in India during the 19th century. Born in 1803 in Altwis, he joined the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and was ordained a priest in 1825. After teaching theology and philosophy in Switzerland, he fulfilled his desire for missionary work by traveling to India. He eventually rose to the positions of Vicar Apostolic of Patna and later Vicar Apostolic of Bombay, working under challenging circumstances to support local parishes.
Missionary work
After arriving in India in 1843, Hartmann initially led a mission station in Gwalior. In 1845, he was appointed Titular Bishop of Derbe and Vicar Apostolic of Patna. He managed seven parishes with the assistance of four priests. His service continued in Bombay, where he served as Vicar Apostolic starting in 1854. He passed away from cholera in 1866 at an orphanage near Patna.
Veneration
Recognized for his holiness during his lifetime, Hartmann's cause for beatification began in 1909. He was later declared venerable by Pope John Paul II in 1998. He is remembered for his dedicated service to the Catholic Church in India and his commitment to the Capuchin order.