Edwin Dirig, OFM

1926 – 1988

Fr. Edwin Dirig, OFM, was born on May 19, 1926 in Hancock, N.Y. His family attended the mission church of Hancock at French Woods, not far from St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y. He entered the seminary when he was 15 years old, and was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1945. Fr. Edwin professed temporary vows one year later, made his solemn profession in 1949, and was ordained in 1951.

Though he wanted to be a missionary in Brazil, he began his minister at St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, N.Y., as instructor of theology and prefect in the dorms. He eventually became prefect of discipline and assistant dean of discipline. Fr. Edwin was a conscientious teacher and a zealous friar. After 12 years, he was assigned to St. Anthony Shrine in Boston. He spent two years as assistant novice master at St. Raphael’s Friary in Lafayette, N.J., before returning to St. Anthony Shrine. For the next 20 years, he served the people with his quiet enthusiasm and dedicated love.

In 1970, Fr. Edwin was named Provincial director of the Secular Franciscans, a position he held for six years. In 1976, he became regional moderator of the Secular Franciscans in New England, and he encouraged the laity to assume more of the leadership. Fr. Edwin always had time for people, and he had a special talent for assisting the “broken people” who came to him. He was selfless in his life and patient in his suffering.

He died on Nov. 7, 1988 in Boston. Fr. Edwin was 62 years old, a professed friar for 42 years, and a priest for 37 years.