Deceased Friars

Adrian McGonnell, OFM

Adrian McGonnell

1892 – 1983

Fr. Adrian McGonnell, OFM, was born on March 24, 1892 in Kusheque, Pa. He entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1916, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Adrian made his solemn profession in 1920 and was ordained in 1923.

As a newly ordained priest, he joined the faculty at St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., in 1923. For the next 28 years, his ministry centered around the formation of future friars. Fr. Adrian served as prefect of discipline and beneath the gruff exterior, students found a kind and understanding heart. He also served as a biology and science teacher.

In 1951, he joined Fr. John Forest Loviner, OFM, at Umbrian Farms in Lafayette, N.J. When this site became St. Raphael’s Novitiate in 1955, he remained to live with the novices. His final assignment was at St. Joseph Parish, East Rutherford, N.J., where he served as vicar. Ill health forced him to transfer to the Provincial infirmary at St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, N.Y., where he lived for 13 years.

He died there on Jan. 25, 1983. Fr. Adrian was 90 years old, a professed friar for 65 years and a priest for 59 years.

Each of us should be called a lesser brother, a Friar Minor. Each one of us should wash the feet of the others.”

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Adrian McGonnell, OFM

Adrian McGonnell

1892 – 1983

Fr. Adrian McGonnell, OFM, was born on March 24, 1892 in Kusheque, Pa. He entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1916, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Adrian made his solemn profession in 1920 and was ordained in 1923.

As a newly ordained priest, he joined the faculty at St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., in 1923. For the next 28 years, his ministry centered around the formation of future friars. Fr. Adrian served as prefect of discipline and beneath the gruff exterior, students found a kind and understanding heart. He also served as a biology and science teacher.

In 1951, he joined Fr. John Forest Loviner, OFM, at Umbrian Farms in Lafayette, N.J. When this site became St. Raphael’s Novitiate in 1955, he remained to live with the novices. His final assignment was at St. Joseph Parish, East Rutherford, N.J., where he served as vicar. Ill health forced him to transfer to the Provincial infirmary at St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, N.Y., where he lived for 13 years.

He died there on Jan. 25, 1983. Fr. Adrian was 90 years old, a professed friar for 65 years and a priest for 59 years.