Angelus O’Connor, OFM

1847 – 1905

Fr. Angelus O’Connor, OFM, was born on Sept. 27, 1847 in Balirahglist, Ireland. An Irish Franciscan Brother of Brooklyn, N.Y., he came to St. Bonaventure College, Allegany, N.Y., in 1974 with four older brothers, including Fr. Joseph Butler, OFM. At the time of his transfer, he was principal of St. Joseph’s School in Brooklyn, and known among the students as a mild, gentle friar.

He entered the Order at St. Bonaventure Seminary in Allegany in 1876, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Angelus made his solemn profession in 1880 and was ordained later that year. Listed as the “General Disciplinarian” at St. Bonaventure’s, Fr. Angelus later became pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Buffalo, N.Y., where he began the construction of the church, school, and friary in 1891.

He died on Nov. 5, 1905 in Allegany. Fr. Angelus was 58 years old, a professed friar for 28 years, and a priest for 25 years.