Kilian McFall, OFM

1903 – 1955

Fr. Kilian McFall, OFM, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on May 10, 1903. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., and entered the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., on Aug. 16, 1922.

He professed temporary vows Aug. 20, 1923, and made his profession of solemn vows Aug. 20, 1926. Fr. Kilian and was ordained a priest at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Buffalo, N.Y., on May 25, 1929.

His first assignment was to St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City, where he ministered from 1930 until 1934. He then became pastor of St. James Church in Totowa, N.J., a position he fulfilled faithfully for 11 years. After one year in North Carolina, he returned to St. Francis Church, where he worked until 1953.

Fr. Kilian’s kindness and good judgment in practical matters made him a popular confessor at St. Francis. He had a special compassion for the sick and spent a great deal of time visiting them. His last assignment took him to St. Mary’s Hospital in West Palm Beach, Fla., as chaplain.

He died at St. Mary’s on June 14, 1955. He was 52 years old, a professed friar for 31 years and a priest for 26 years.