Deceased Friars

Matthew Fox, OFM

Matthew Fox

1868 – 1925

Fr. Matthew Fox, OFM, was born on Nov. 27, 1868 in Liverpool, England. He graduated from St. Bonaventure College, Allegany, N.Y., and entered the novitiate there with Fr. Benvenutus Ryan, OFM, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Matthew went to Rome, where he became one of the first students from the United States to study at the International College of St. Anthony. He made his solemn profession in 1894 and was ordained in 1895.

His life was spent as an eloquent and popular preacher of parish missions, novenas, and retreats. He preached more than 300 missions — 200 in the Diocese of Hartford, Conn., alone. Fr. Matthew was perhaps the best-known member of the Province’s Mission Band. Gifted, conversant with his times, and master of several languages, he impressed his listeners with his charm and humor. In 1910, he was elected a member of the Provincial Council.

He died on Nov. 20, 1925 at St. Francis Hospital in New York City. Fr. Matthew was 56 years old, a professed friar for 34 years and a priest for 30 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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Matthew Fox, OFM

Matthew Fox

1868 – 1925

Fr. Matthew Fox, OFM, was born on Nov. 27, 1868 in Liverpool, England. He graduated from St. Bonaventure College, Allegany, N.Y., and entered the novitiate there with Fr. Benvenutus Ryan, OFM, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Matthew went to Rome, where he became one of the first students from the United States to study at the International College of St. Anthony. He made his solemn profession in 1894 and was ordained in 1895.

His life was spent as an eloquent and popular preacher of parish missions, novenas, and retreats. He preached more than 300 missions — 200 in the Diocese of Hartford, Conn., alone. Fr. Matthew was perhaps the best-known member of the Province’s Mission Band. Gifted, conversant with his times, and master of several languages, he impressed his listeners with his charm and humor. In 1910, he was elected a member of the Provincial Council.

He died on Nov. 20, 1925 at St. Francis Hospital in New York City. Fr. Matthew was 56 years old, a professed friar for 34 years and a priest for 30 years.