Gratian Feltz, OFM

1904 – 1969

Fr. Gratian Feltz, OFM, was born Jan. 1, 1904 in East Penfield, N.Y. He was received into the novitiate in 1925 and professed temporary vows one year later. Fr. Gratian made his solemn profession in 1929 and was ordained in 1932.

Following ordination, he went to the Province’s mission of Shasi, where he ministered until1948, when he was appointed procurator of the mission supply bureau in Shanghai. While in China, he served as pastor in Chang Chin Ho, Sha Tao Kuan and Ho Msush. He served in China with his brother, Fr. Firmin Feltz, OFM, who died in Chungking in 1945.

After serving in the Philippines, Fr. Gratian returned to the United States and ministered in Boston, Paterson and Buffalo, N.Y. In 1955, he went to the new Provincial mission in Japan. Ill health forced him to return home, and he was assigned to St. Anthony Friary, Butler, N.J., where he continued to do pastoral ministry on a part-time basis.

He died on Jan. 22, 1969 in Butler. Fr. Gratian was 65 years old, a professed friar for 42 years and a priest for 36 years.