Deceased Friars

Mark Ritzel, OFM

1849 – 1920

Br. Mark Ritzel, OFM, was born Feb. 28, 1849 in Fulda, Germany. He was received into the Order in 1877, the first novice received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J. Br. Mark professed temporary vows one year later and made his solemn profession in 1884.

He served as porter and cook for friars at St. Stephen Friary, Croghan, N.Y., St. Elizabeth Parish, Denver, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish, New York City. Br. Mark died Feb. 15, 1920 in Denver. He was 70 years old, a professed friar 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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Mark Ritzel, OFM

1849 – 1920

Br. Mark Ritzel, OFM, was born Feb. 28, 1849 in Fulda, Germany. He was received into the Order in 1877, the first novice received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J. Br. Mark professed temporary vows one year later and made his solemn profession in 1884.

He served as porter and cook for friars at St. Stephen Friary, Croghan, N.Y., St. Elizabeth Parish, Denver, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish, New York City. Br. Mark died Feb. 15, 1920 in Denver. He was 70 years old, a professed friar for 41 years.