Cosmas Girard, OFM

1909 – 1998

Fr. Cosmas Girard, OFM, was born in Cambridge, Mass., on Dec. 4, 1909. He was received in the Province’s novitiate in 1928 at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., and professed simple vows in the following year.

He professed solemn vows in 1932 and was ordained a priest in 1935.

In 1937, Fr. Cosmas received a master’s degree in sociology from Columbia University in New York City and then served as a lector at St. Stephen Friary — the Provincial house of philosophy — in Croghan, N.Y. After six years in Crogan, he enlisted as a chaplain in the United States Army.

By September 1946, Fr. Cosmas was back in Crogan, teaching for another four years while assisting at the parish. He also became pastor of the missions in Belfort and Indian River.

In 1951, he enrolled in the doctoral program at St. Louis University, receiving a degree in sociology in 1955. He then served as an associate professor and dean of admissions at St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, N.Y. He later became a full professor and served as chairman of the department of social studies and was involved in extra-curricular organizations dedicated to anti-poverty advocacy and right-to-life.

Fr. Cosmas died Sept. 18, 1998, at Holy Name Friary in Ringwood, N.J. He was 88 years old, a professed friar for 69 years and a priest for 63 years.