Deceased Friars


Edward Flanagan, OFM

Edward Flanagan

1893 – 1981

Br. Edward Flanagan, OFM, was born in Bayonne, N.J., on July 18, 1893. During World War I, he served his country in the United States Army.

In 1932, he entered the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., and professed his temporary vows the following year. Br. Edward professed solemn vows in 1936.

Br. Ed served in three of Holy Name Province’s formation houses for his entire active life: St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., St. Raphael Friary Lafayette, N.J., and Holy Name College in Washington, D.C.

He worked as baker, tailor and launderer and was a dedicated friar in everything that he did for his community. Though soft-spoken by nature, Br. Ed’s fidelity to duty spoke volumes. As he was leaving Holy Name College in 1977 for retirement in Butler, N.J., he carried his habit over his arm and a cloth bag in his hand. One friar asked him: “Is that all you have, Br. Ed?” He calmly responded, “That’s all you need.”

He died at the infirmary at St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, N.Y., on Aug. 11, 1981. He was 88 years old and a professed friar for nearly 48 years.

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

Main Content

Edward Flanagan, OFM

Edward Flanagan

1893 – 1981

Br. Edward Flanagan, OFM, was born in Bayonne, N.J., on July 18, 1893. During World War I, he served his country in the United States Army.

In 1932, he entered the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., and professed his temporary vows the following year. Br. Edward professed solemn vows in 1936.

Br. Ed served in three of Holy Name Province’s formation houses for his entire active life: St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., St. Raphael Friary Lafayette, N.J., and Holy Name College in Washington, D.C.

He worked as baker, tailor and launderer and was a dedicated friar in everything that he did for his community. Though soft-spoken by nature, Br. Ed’s fidelity to duty spoke volumes. As he was leaving Holy Name College in 1977 for retirement in Butler, N.J., he carried his habit over his arm and a cloth bag in his hand. One friar asked him: “Is that all you have, Br. Ed?” He calmly responded, “That’s all you need.”

He died at the infirmary at St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, N.Y., on Aug. 11, 1981. He was 88 years old and a professed friar for nearly 48 years.