Charles Springer, OFM

1942 – 1984

Br. Charles Springer, OFM, was born on Aug. 20, 1942 in Philadelphia. He entered the Augustinian Order in 1961, and professed temporary vows in 1965. While stationed at Merrimack College in North Andover, Mass., he met friars from the Rye Beach, N.H., community, and he petitioned a dispensation from his vows to enter St. Raphael Novitiate in Lafayette, N.J., in 1968. He professed temporary vows one year later and went on to study art at the Swain School of Design in New Bedford, Mass. Br. Charles made his solemn profession in 1972 and graduated the Swain School in 1974 with a bachelor of fine arts degree.

He was assigned to the Maverick Street community in East Boston, one of its four original members. In 1976, he was stationed at St. Francis of Assisi Friary in New York City, and there continued to use his artistic talents for celebrations of the liturgical year. Br. Charlie was remembered for the Canticle of the Sun designs he hung on silk banners in the church during the 750th anniversary celebration of the death of St. Francis.

Br. Charlie served at the front desk with enthusiasm, and also found time to help poor children learn about God through art. His gift in the community was his ability to remind friars how the great feast of the Church ought to be festive, because the feasts remind us of God’s great deeds of love toward us.

He died on Oct. 20, 1984 in New York City. He was 42 years old, a professed friar for 15 years.