Deceased Friars

Benedict Ballou, OFM

Benedict Ballou

1901 – 1978

Fr. Benedict Ballou, OFM, was born on March 11, 1901 in Malden, Mass. After graduating from Boston College High School in 1919, he entered St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., where he studied for one year. He was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., in 1920, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1924 and was ordained in 1927.

Almost his entire 50 years as a friar were devoted to teaching and preaching. Fr. Benedict served the friars as master of clerics, guardian of Holy Name College and Provincial Councilor. He also ministered as a seminary professor, retreat master and spiritual director. Three series of his conferences have been published.

He died on Jan. 4, 1978 at St. Francis Hospital in Buffalo, N.Y. Fr. Benedict was 76 years old, a professed friar for 57 years and a priest 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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Benedict Ballou, OFM

Benedict Ballou

1901 – 1978

Fr. Benedict Ballou, OFM, was born on March 11, 1901 in Malden, Mass. After graduating from Boston College High School in 1919, he entered St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., where he studied for one year. He was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., in 1920, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1924 and was ordained in 1927.

Almost his entire 50 years as a friar were devoted to teaching and preaching. Fr. Benedict served the friars as master of clerics, guardian of Holy Name College and Provincial Councilor. He also ministered as a seminary professor, retreat master and spiritual director. Three series of his conferences have been published.

He died on Jan. 4, 1978 at St. Francis Hospital in Buffalo, N.Y. Fr. Benedict was 76 years old, a professed friar for 57 years and a priest for 50 years.