Gaudens Mohan, OFM

1911 – 1969

Fr. Gaudens Mohan, OFM, was born on Feb. 20, 1911 in North Bergen, N.J. After graduating from St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., he entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1929, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1933 and was ordained in 1936.

He began his ministry in Allegany, N.Y., teaching and serving as prefect at Christ the King Seminary from 1937 to 1939. Fr. Gaudens then taught and acted as prefect at St. Bonaventure College for one year. He did graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, from 1940 to 1941 before returning to St. Bonaventure, where he served as prefect for the next seven years, as dean of discipline from 1944 to 1945, and as a professor of Latin and Greek from 1941 to 1964. He also engaged in scholarly research, writing and instructing on Franciscan-related philosophy and theology.

Fr. Gaudens was a familiar figure on the campus, for he used to sit near St. Joseph Shrine where he was available to the students for counseling, confession or a simple conversation. He was a classical scholar, educator and counselor — a genuine friar who dedicated his entire life to St. Bonaventure University.

He died on Oct. 8, 1969 at St. Francis Hospital, Olean, N.Y. Fr. Gaudens was 58 years old, a professed friar for 39 years and a priest for 33 years.