Deceased Friars

Antonine Masson, OFM

Antonine Masson

1895 – 1972

Br. Antonine Masson, OFM, was born on Aug. 1, 1895 in Wuppertal-Elberfeld, Germany. He entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., on Oct. 22, 1921, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1925.

One of the band of brothers who came from Germany to build a new province, Br. Antonine left his mark on all the tasks he performed by simply doing everything just right. As barber, infirmarian, porter, housekeeper and sacristan, Br. Antonine served in Paterson, N.J., Denver, Obernburg, N.Y., Callicoon, N.Y., Pensacola, Fla., and Washington.

He grew with the changing Church of Vatican II. As sacristan, amid liturgical innovations in the Church and the Order, Br. Antonine adapted where needed and showed that the best of the old could blend with the best of the new. He lived quietly and smiled brightly.

He died on Nov. 23, 1972 at Holy Name College in Washington. Br. Antonine was 77 years old, a professed friar for 50 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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Antonine Masson, OFM

Antonine Masson

1895 – 1972

Br. Antonine Masson, OFM, was born on Aug. 1, 1895 in Wuppertal-Elberfeld, Germany. He entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., on Oct. 22, 1921, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1925.

One of the band of brothers who came from Germany to build a new province, Br. Antonine left his mark on all the tasks he performed by simply doing everything just right. As barber, infirmarian, porter, housekeeper and sacristan, Br. Antonine served in Paterson, N.J., Denver, Obernburg, N.Y., Callicoon, N.Y., Pensacola, Fla., and Washington.

He grew with the changing Church of Vatican II. As sacristan, amid liturgical innovations in the Church and the Order, Br. Antonine adapted where needed and showed that the best of the old could blend with the best of the new. He lived quietly and smiled brightly.

He died on Nov. 23, 1972 at Holy Name College in Washington. Br. Antonine was 77 years old, a professed friar for 50 years.