Donan McGovern, OFM

1928 – 2010

Fr. Donan McGovern, OFM, was born on Sept. 24, 1928 in Forest Hills, N.Y. He entered St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in 1947 and was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1949, professing simple vows one year later. Fr. Donan made his solemn profession in 1953 and was ordained a priest in 1955.

From 1956 to 1957, he served as assistant pastor of St. Richard Parish, Emporia, Va. He then ministered as assistant pastor at St. Thomas Parish in Beach Haven, N.J., for two years. Fr. Donan volunteered as a missionary in La Paz, Bolivia, where he ministered from 1959 to 1971. He returned to the United States, where he ministered as assistant pastor at St. Joseph Parish, East Rutherford, N.J., until 1975. He also served as assistant pastor at St. Francis Chapel, Providence, R.I., and Holy Cross Parish in the Bronx, N.Y.

For the next 10 years, Fr. Donan worked as promoter for the Franciscan Missionary Union based at St. Francis of Assisi Friary in New York City. In 1989, he served on the pastoral staff at St. Anthony Shrine. He was very active in leading retreats for Engaged Encounter and with people in Alcoholics Anonymous.

He died on Oct. 12, 2010 at St. Anthony Shrine. Fr. Donan was 82 years old, a professed friar for 60 years and a priest for 55 years.