Martin Collins, OFM

1909 – 1971

Fr. Martin Collins, OFM, was born on March 9, 1909 in Curry, Ireland. Determined to be a friar, he came to America in 1927. Other members of his family were friars and members of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, N.Y. He entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., in 1932, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Martin made his solemn profession in 1936 and was ordained in 1939.

The first years of his priesthood were spent at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City. Fr. Martin was among the pioneer missionaries in the South, where he ministered in Statesville, N.C., and Albany, Ga. In 1959, he became ill and was assigned to St. Francis Chapel in Providence, R.I. Fr. Martin was hospitalized in 1964 in Brighton, Mass., and his final apostolate consisted of long, painful years of suffering.

He died on Nov. 19, 1971 at St. Francis Hospital, Olean, N.Y. Fr. Martin was 62 years old, a professed friar for 38 years and a priest for 32 years.