Deceased Friars


Lucian Gallagher, OFM

Lucian Gallagher

1899 – 1996

Fr. Lucian Gallagher, OFM, was born on April 11, 1899 in Boston. He entered St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., in 1913, and was received into the novitiate in 1918. He professed temporary vows in 1919, made his solemn profession in 1922, and was ordained in 1925.

After a short time at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City, Fr. Lucian was assigned to St. Francis Friary, Brookline, Mass., where he ministered until 1940. During his last decade there, he served as guardian. He returned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, where his eloquent and clear sermons attracted many. Fr. Lucian served as guardian of the community from 1943 to 1946, and as the energetic and zealous pastor from 1943 to 1952.

His constant theme in the 31st Street pulpit was the love and mercy of God. Chided by his confreres for the endless repetition of the subject, Fr. Lucian would counter: “There’s nothing more to say. It’s the only thing that really matters.”

From 1952, Fr. Lucian was a member of the Province’s Retreat Band and continued his ministry of preaching the Word of God.

He died on Nov. 16, 1966 at St. George Parish in Paterson, N.J. Fr. Lucian was 67 years old, a professed friar for 47 years, and a priest for 41 years.

Each of us should be called a lesser brother, a Friar Minor. Each one of us should wash the feet of the others.”

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Lucian Gallagher, OFM

Lucian Gallagher

1899 – 1996

Fr. Lucian Gallagher, OFM, was born on April 11, 1899 in Boston. He entered St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., in 1913, and was received into the novitiate in 1918. He professed temporary vows in 1919, made his solemn profession in 1922, and was ordained in 1925.

After a short time at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City, Fr. Lucian was assigned to St. Francis Friary, Brookline, Mass., where he ministered until 1940. During his last decade there, he served as guardian. He returned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, where his eloquent and clear sermons attracted many. Fr. Lucian served as guardian of the community from 1943 to 1946, and as the energetic and zealous pastor from 1943 to 1952.

His constant theme in the 31st Street pulpit was the love and mercy of God. Chided by his confreres for the endless repetition of the subject, Fr. Lucian would counter: “There’s nothing more to say. It’s the only thing that really matters.”

From 1952, Fr. Lucian was a member of the Province’s Retreat Band and continued his ministry of preaching the Word of God.

He died on Nov. 16, 1966 at St. George Parish in Paterson, N.J. Fr. Lucian was 67 years old, a professed friar for 47 years, and a priest for 41 years.