Barnabas Daniels, OFM

1921 – 1988

Fr. Barnabas Daniels, OFM, was born March 15, 1921 in Rutherford, N.J. After graduating from St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., he entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1943 and professed temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1947 and was ordained in 1949.

His first assignments took him to St. Benedict Parish in Winston-Salem, S.C., and St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Greenville, S.C. In 1953, Fr. Barnabas joined the U.S. Air Force as a chaplain. Upon his return to the Province, he served on the Mission Band and was a popular preacher. He returned to the Army as a chaplain and, for 15 years, served in Europe, Vietnam and the United States. Fr. Barnabas left the military in 1981 and was assigned as guardian and pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish, East Rutherford, N.J. His final assignment was as associate pastor of Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Little Falls, N.J.

He died on April 6, 1988 at New York Hospital. Fr. Barnabas was 67 years old, a professed friar for 43 years and a priest for 38 years.