Owen A. Colligan, OFM

1914 – 1998

Fr. Owen Colligan, OFM, was born on June 11, 1914 in Olean, N.Y. He earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure’s College, Allegany, N.Y., before entering the Order at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1934. He professed temporary vows one year later, made his solemn profession in 1938 and was ordained in 1939.

His principal ministerial assignments were to St. Bonaventure University, where he served three times for a total of 15 years; and joint personal ministry with his brother, Fr. Flavian Colligan, OFM, for 11 years, first in Anderson, S.C., then in Sullivan County, N.Y. Fr. Owen also served in Paterson, Buffalo, N.Y., Washington, Loudonville, N.Y., New York City, and Rochester, N.Y.

He died on April 21, 1998 in Fort Bayard, N.M. Fr. Owen was 83 years old, a professed friar for 62 years and a priest for 58 years.