Deceased Friars

Austin Goff, OFM

Austin Goff

1903 – 1971

Fr. Austin Goff, OFM, was born on Nov. 3, 1903 in Providence, R.I. He was introduced to the friars through his aunt, who was a Franciscan Sister of Allegany, N.Y. Fr. Austin entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1924, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1928 and was ordained in 1931.

His first years as a priest were spent in pastoral ministry in New York City, and at St. Francis Friary in Brookline, Mass. While he was an assistant at Holy Cross Parish in the Bronx, N.Y., he was attracted to the work of the Province’s Mission Band. Fr. Austin spent a great part of his life giving missions throughout the country. During those years, he was a great favorite with the children and developed a unique “Children’s Mission.” He served as guardian at Holy Cross Friary, and then spent his latter years as a kindly confessor at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City.

He died on Dec. 26, 1971 at St. Clare’s Hospital in New York City. Fr. Austin was 68 years old, a professed Franciscan friar for 46 years, and a priest for 40 years. He was the older brother of Cecil Goff, OFM.

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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Austin Goff, OFM

Austin Goff

1903 – 1971

Fr. Austin Goff, OFM, was born on Nov. 3, 1903 in Providence, R.I. He was introduced to the friars through his aunt, who was a Franciscan Sister of Allegany, N.Y. Fr. Austin entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1924, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1928 and was ordained in 1931.

His first years as a priest were spent in pastoral ministry in New York City, and at St. Francis Friary in Brookline, Mass. While he was an assistant at Holy Cross Parish in the Bronx, N.Y., he was attracted to the work of the Province’s Mission Band. Fr. Austin spent a great part of his life giving missions throughout the country. During those years, he was a great favorite with the children and developed a unique “Children’s Mission.” He served as guardian at Holy Cross Friary, and then spent his latter years as a kindly confessor at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City.

He died on Dec. 26, 1971 at St. Clare’s Hospital in New York City. Fr. Austin was 68 years old, a professed Franciscan friar for 46 years, and a priest for 40 years. He was the older brother of Cecil Goff, OFM.