Deceased Friars

Damian Wenzel, OFM

Damian Wenzel

1913 – 1962

Fr. Damian Wenzel, OFM, was born on Oct. 5, 1913 in Garfield, N.J., and was baptized by Fr. Joseph Bussen, OFM, one of the pioneer friars of the Province. Before entering St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., he worked in Manhattan, N.Y., for the Cunard Steamship Company. Fr. Damian was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1938, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1942 and was ordained in 1944.

After ordination, Fr. Damian was assigned to St. Anthony’s Guild, where he served as editor of the National Catholic Almanac and eventually became general editor for all guild publications until 1958. He also published the Tabula and the Ordo for the Province. He ministered at St. Anthony Shrine in Boston and at St. Joseph’s Parish in Winsted, Conn.

He died on Jan. 16, 1962 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, N.J. Fr. Damian was 48 years old, a professed friar for 22 years and a priest for 17 years.

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

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Damian Wenzel, OFM

Damian Wenzel

1913 – 1962

Fr. Damian Wenzel, OFM, was born on Oct. 5, 1913 in Garfield, N.J., and was baptized by Fr. Joseph Bussen, OFM, one of the pioneer friars of the Province. Before entering St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., he worked in Manhattan, N.Y., for the Cunard Steamship Company. Fr. Damian was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1938, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1942 and was ordained in 1944.

After ordination, Fr. Damian was assigned to St. Anthony’s Guild, where he served as editor of the National Catholic Almanac and eventually became general editor for all guild publications until 1958. He also published the Tabula and the Ordo for the Province. He ministered at St. Anthony Shrine in Boston and at St. Joseph’s Parish in Winsted, Conn.

He died on Jan. 16, 1962 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, N.J. Fr. Damian was 48 years old, a professed friar for 22 years and a priest for 17 years.