Patrick Morris, OFM

1934 – 1993

Fr. Patrick Morris, OFM, was born in New York City on May 6, 1934. He attended Holy Cross School in the Bronx and entered St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., as a high school student.

He was received into the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., Aug. 12, 1954, and professed temporary vows Aug. 13, 1955. Fr. Patrick made his profession of solemn vows Aug. 20, 1958, and was ordained a priest in Washington, D.C., Feb. 25, 1961.

Fr. Pat’s first assignment was to Bishop Timon High School in Buffalo, N.Y., where he taught for five years. In 1967, he joined the Youth Retreat Band at St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City and served as vicar for three years. In 1973, he became the guardian and pastor of St. Stephen of Hungary Church on 82nd Street in New York, where he served and ministered for nine years.

In 1982, Fr. Pat was made pastor of Assumption Church in Wood-Ridge, N.J., and again served for nine years. He was a thoughtful and passionate friar with a great sense of humor and an even greater sense of goodness and right.

He manifested a profound gentleness and compassion for the weak and vulnerable seeking his guidance and counsel. Fr. Pat was a “people-friar” whose greatest joy was sharing in their lives and keeping God alive in their hearts. His love for and loyalty to Holy Name Province was said to be outstanding.

He died suddenly on July 10, 1993, in his room at Assumption Friary. Fr. Pat was 59 years old, a professed friar for 37 years and a dedicated priest for 32 years.