Brendan Lague, OFM

1908 – 1989

Br. Brendan Lague, OFM, was born in New Bedford, Mass., on Jan. 15, 1908. In 1930, he entered the Province’s novitiate in Paterson, N.J., and professed temporary vows the following yeah.

During the time of his simple profession, he served as organist and cabinet-maker in Paterson. Br. Brendan professed solemn vows in 1934, and immediately volunteered to join the missionary friars in Shasi, China.

Br. Brendan worked with Fr. Louis Hamm, OFM, in the medical clinic, where they cared for over 20,000 patients each year. During his 10 years in Shasi, Br. Brendan was in charge of the pharmacy and operated a small clinic outside the city.

During World War II, he returned to the United States and studied at St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, N.Y. After the war, he returned to China where he worked until 1949, when all the missionaries were expelled by the communists. Br. Brendan served at St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City and at St. Anthony Shrine in Boston until his retirement in 1973.

He died Aug. 29, 1989 at Holy Name Friary in Ringwood, N.J. Br. Brendan was 81 years old and a professed friar for 58 years.