Deceased Friars


Michael McDonnell, OFM

Michael McDonnell

1915 – 1941

Br. Michael McDonnell, OFM, was born on July 25, 1915 in Philadelphia. He graduated from St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., and was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1936, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1940.

He died during his first year of theology at Holy Name College. Br. Michael was known among his peers as a young friar who did the ordinary tasks assigned to him extremely well. His patience in sickness and his death were an inspiration to the community in Washington.

He died on Dec. 18, 1941 at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Woodhaven, N.Y. Br. Michael was 26 years old, a professed friar for four 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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Michael McDonnell, OFM

Michael McDonnell

1915 – 1941

Br. Michael McDonnell, OFM, was born on July 25, 1915 in Philadelphia. He graduated from St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., and was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1936, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1940.

He died during his first year of theology at Holy Name College. Br. Michael was known among his peers as a young friar who did the ordinary tasks assigned to him extremely well. His patience in sickness and his death were an inspiration to the community in Washington.

He died on Dec. 18, 1941 at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Woodhaven, N.Y. Br. Michael was 26 years old, a professed friar for four years.