Joachim A. Mahler, OFM

1922 – 1997

Fr. Joachim Mahler, OFM, was born on Sept. 27, 1922 in Long Island City, N.Y. He entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1942, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Joachim made his solemn profession in 1946 and was ordained in 1949.

His first assignment was to Bishop Timon High School, Buffalo, N.Y., where he taught from 1949 to 1955. Fr. Joachim then ministered in Bolivia for the next 36 years. While there, he served as regional superior, councilor for the new Vicariate of St. Anthony, and was selected as Provincial Councilor for the new province, but asked to be excused. In 1984, he was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal for his extraordinary work in Bolivia. For many years, he served as Provincial Treasurer in Bolivia, a position to which he brought many of his talents and used them well.

He returned to the United States to serve at St. Paul’s Parish, Wilmington, Del., until 1996. His fluency in Spanish made him a great asset to St. Paul’s and to Holy Cross Parish in the Bronx, N.Y. While in the Bronx, he came to work at the Franciscan Missionary Union and gave a year of dedication and service to organize and preach at mission weekend calls. In 1997, he retired to Holy Name Friary, Ringwood, N.J.

He died there on March 14, 1997. Fr. Joachim was 74 years old, a professed friar for 53 years and a priest for 47 years.