Deceased Friars


Benvenute Rudolph, OFM

Benvenute Rudolph

1877 – 1960

Fr. Benvenute Rudolph, OFM, was born on Nov. 15, 1877 in Huenfeld, near Fulda, Germany. At age 14, he entered the Seraphic College at Harreveld, Holland, and three years later, came to America. He was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1894, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Benvenute made his solemn profession in 1898 and was ordained in 1903.

His first assignment kept him in Paterson as master of novices, an appointment he fulfilled for five years. He served at parishes in Paterson and Garfield, N.J., and in Buffalo, New York City and Obernburg, N.Y. From 1929 until 1932, Fr. Benvenute ministered as chaplain of St. Francis Hospital in the Bronx, N.Y.

He died on Jan. 12, 1960 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Hoboken, N.J. Fr. Benvenute was 82 years old, a professed friar for 64 years and a priest for 56 years.

Each of us should be called a lesser brother, a Friar Minor. Each one of us should wash the feet of the others.”

Main Content

Benvenute Rudolph, OFM

Benvenute Rudolph

1877 – 1960

Fr. Benvenute Rudolph, OFM, was born on Nov. 15, 1877 in Huenfeld, near Fulda, Germany. At age 14, he entered the Seraphic College at Harreveld, Holland, and three years later, came to America. He was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1894, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Benvenute made his solemn profession in 1898 and was ordained in 1903.

His first assignment kept him in Paterson as master of novices, an appointment he fulfilled for five years. He served at parishes in Paterson and Garfield, N.J., and in Buffalo, New York City and Obernburg, N.Y. From 1929 until 1932, Fr. Benvenute ministered as chaplain of St. Francis Hospital in the Bronx, N.Y.

He died on Jan. 12, 1960 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Hoboken, N.J. Fr. Benvenute was 82 years old, a professed friar for 64 years and a priest for 56 years.