Benedict Brown, OFM

1891 – 1969

Br. Benedict Brown, OFM, was born in Benedicta, Maine, on March 23, 1891. Eight years after his wife died, he became a tertiary brother in Holy Name Province.

He was received into the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., Aug. 29, 1934, and professed temporary vows Oct. 4, 1935. He professed his solemn vows Nov. 23, 1938.

His early years as a friar were spent working on the farm at St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., and St. Stephen Friary in Croghan, N.Y., from 1935 to 1947. Br. Ben served as cook and sacristan at St. Catherine’s in Greenwood Lake, N.J., St. Anthony in Butler, N.J., and St. Mary’s in Pompton Lakes, N.J.

At the age of 59, Br. Benedict returned to the Butler friary where he served as porter until 1965 when illness forced him to go to the infirmary at St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, N.Y. Sickness did not dampen his spirits and he remained an inspiration to his fellow friars at St. Bonaventure.

He died in St. Francis Hospital in Olean, N.Y., on July 18, 1969. He was 78 years old and a professed friar for 33 years.