Damian Blaher, OFM

1916 – 1977

Fr. Damian Blaher, OFM, was born on March 16, 1913 in Hyde Park, Mass. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., and entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1932. Fr. Damian professed temporary vows one year later, made his solemn profession in 1936 and was ordained in 1939.

After ordination, he went to Siena College, Loudonville, N.Y., where he taught English for two years. He received his degree in 1949 from The Catholic University of America’s school of canon law, after completing a 300-page dissertation on The Ordinary Process of Beatification and Canonization. This carefully researched work became the standard manual for tribunal officials responsible for investigating the lives of persons proposed for sainthood. Fr. Damian put his expertise to practical use in 1943 and 1948, when he traveled to California to aid the vice-postulator of the cause of Fr. Junípero Serra, OFM.

He served as delegate vicar and vice chancellor of the military ordinariate in New York. Fr. Damian also taught canon law and moral theology at Christ the King Seminary, Allegany, N.Y., and at Holy Name College, Washington. In 1958, he was elected Provincial Secretary and moved to New York City, where he lived for the next six years. In 1969, Fr. Damian was assigned to St. Anthony Shrine in Boston. A friar of unusual intelligence, talent and versatility as a teacher, he was an able speaker and a gifted writer.

He died on March 1, 1977 in Boston. Fr. Damian was 63 years old, a professed friar for 43 years and a priest for 37 years.