Deceased Friars
Hormisdas J Marcotte, OFM

1901 – 1998
Br. Hormisdas Marcotte, OFM, was born on April 1, 1901 in St. Zephirin, Quebec, Canada. From age three, he was afflicted with infantile paralysis, resulting in a pronounced lifelong limp. After being denied admission to the Order because of his infirmity, he turned for advice to the legendary Fr. Frederic Jansoone, OFM, a French Canadian friar beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1988, who promised to pray for him and advised that he have an operation on the leg.
When the medical problems eventually became manageable, he was received into the novitiate in 1933. He professed temporary vows one year later and made his solemn profession in 1937. Br. Hormisdas was a friar of many practical skills. He worked in various Canadian friaries for almost 50 years as cook, tailor, printer and general handyman.
In 1983, at age 82, he transferred to Holy Name Province to be close to his family, especially to elderly relatives who took comfort from his presence and spiritual support. He was assigned to Our Lady’s Chapel in New Bedford, Mass., where he helped as needed in the financial office, the dining room and the sacristy. In 1992, at age 91, Br. Hormisdas took up resident at St. Anthony’s Residence in Boston until 1995, when he moved to Holy Name Friary, Ringwood, N.J.
He died there on Dec. 17, 1998. Br. Hormisdas was 97 years old, a professed friar for 64 years, and the oldest friar of Holy Name Province at the time of his death.