Maurice Brick, OFM

1917 – 2003

Fr. Maurice Brick, OFM, was born June 12, 1917 in Long Island City, N.Y. He entered St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., in 1935 and was received into the Order in 1939. Fr. Maurice professed temporary vows one year later, made his solemn profession in 1943 and was ordained in 1945.

His first assignment was as a missionary in Brazil in 1946. He served as an assistant in Goiania for one year, then as an assistant in Anapolis for three years. Fr. Maurice was pastor at Pires do Rio from 1950 to 1953, pastor at Catalao from 1953 to 1963, and pastor at Goiania from 1958 to 1960. From 1960 to 1963, he served in Anapolis, and eventually was appointed guardian there for six years. He served in Brasilia during his last year in Brazil. From 1958 to 1967, Fr. Maurice served as a councilor of the Brazilian mission.

He moved back to the United States and was appointed procurator at Holy Name College, Washington, from 1970 to 1976. Fr. Maurice then ministered at St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City for eight years. For three years, he was procurator at Holy Name Friary in Silver Spring, Md. From 1987 to 1995, he again ministered at St. Francis of Assisi Church.

Fr. Maurice retired to St. Anthony Residence, Boston, in 1995. He was assigned to Holy Cross Parish in the Bronx, N.Y., as a senior associate friar from 1996 to 1997 before transferring to St. Anthony Friary, Butler, N.J. In 2002, he moved to Holy Name Friary, Ringwood, N.J.

He died there on Oct. 4, 2003. Fr. Maurice was 86 years old, a professed Franciscan friar for 63 years and a priest for 58 years.