John Lazanski, OFM

1918 – 1991

Fr. John Lazanski, OFM, was born on June 17, 1918 in Pottsville, Pa. He entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1942, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1947 and was ordained in 1948.

After a short time in Lenoir, N.C., he was assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City, serving as chaplain to the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, N.Y. Fr. Thomas Plassmann, OFM, asked him if he would do the same type of ministry in Sri Lanka, so Fr. John went there to minister as chaplain to an indigenous group of Franciscan brothers for seven years. He raised funds for the construction of the postulate, novitiate complex, motherhouse, and an orphanage. He also wrote new constitutions for the community and received papal approval for them.

Fr. John returned to the United States and did parochial ministry in Echo Lake and Wyckoff, N.J., and Winston-Salem, N.C. His last 26 years were spent ministering at St. Anthony Shrine in Boston. Fr. John was in high demand for charismatic healing on all levels: spiritual, emotional and physical. He was an active member of the Association of Christian Therapists, and was called to India for charismatic healing.

He died on Dec. 22, 1991 at St. Anthony Shrine. Fr. John was 73 years old, a professed friar for 48 years, and a priest for 43 years.