Alvin Hughes, OFM

1905 – 1985

Fr. Alvin Hughes, OFM, was born in Philadelphia on Feb. 20, 1905. He graduated from St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., in 1923 and entered the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J.

He professed simple vows in 1924 and solemn vows in 1927. In 1930, Fr. Alvin was ordained a priest at St. Bonaventure Church in Paterson.

He spent 20 years teaching mathematics to student friars at the minor seminary in Callicoon. During those years, he also cared for St. Anthony of Padua Church in Yulan, N.Y., and Holy Cross Church in Callicoon.

From 1943 to 1946, Fr. Alvin also served as guardian of the friary at Holy Cross Parish. In 1951, he was appointed pastor and guardian of St. Joseph Parish in Winsted, Conn.

Fr. Alvin was known as a “kind, gentle priest, a holy man of God, and a sincere counselor.” In 1958, he was elected as a Provincial councilor; he was re-elected in 1961.

In 1958, Fr. Alvin served St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City, where he was a confessor. In his final years, he spent many hours hearing the confessions of fellow priests.

Fr. Alvin died Sept. 16, 1985 at St. Francis of Assisi Friary. He was 80 years old, a professed friar for 61 years and a priest for 55 years.