Deceased Friars

Fidelis Sweitzer, OFM

Fidelis Sweitzer

1907 – 1983

Br. Fidelis Sweitzer, OFM, was born on April 29, 1907 in Allegany, N.Y. He worked in an office and a factory until age 30, when he entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1938. He professed temporary vows one year later and made his solemn profession in 1942.

He served as a friar-maintenance man for his entire Franciscan life and was stationed at ministries in New York City, Croghan, Callicoon and Allegany, N.Y., Paterson and Rye Beach, N.J., and Denver. A reserved friar, Br. Fidelis served whenever possible. He retired to St. Bonaventure Friary, Allegany, N.Y.

He died on Feb. 23, 1983 at St. Francis Hospital, Olean, N.Y. Br. Fidelis was 75 years old, a professed friar for 43 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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Fidelis Sweitzer, OFM

Fidelis Sweitzer

1907 – 1983

Br. Fidelis Sweitzer, OFM, was born on April 29, 1907 in Allegany, N.Y. He worked in an office and a factory until age 30, when he entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1938. He professed temporary vows one year later and made his solemn profession in 1942.

He served as a friar-maintenance man for his entire Franciscan life and was stationed at ministries in New York City, Croghan, Callicoon and Allegany, N.Y., Paterson and Rye Beach, N.J., and Denver. A reserved friar, Br. Fidelis served whenever possible. He retired to St. Bonaventure Friary, Allegany, N.Y.

He died on Feb. 23, 1983 at St. Francis Hospital, Olean, N.Y. Br. Fidelis was 75 years old, a professed friar for 43 years.