Deceased Friars
Pius Manz, OFM

1854 – 1926
Fr. Pius Manz, OFM, was born April 7, 1854 in Wisselroth, Germany. He was received into the Order in 1871, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Pius made his solemn profession in 1875 and was ordained in 1878.
He was a member of the first friar community in Denver, a member of the first Provincial Council of Holy Name Province and the first rector of St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y. Fr. Pius was among the pioneer friars of the Province. He also served as guardian at St. Stephen Friary, Croghan, N.Y., and, for several terms, as pastor at St. Elizabeth Parish, Denver.
He died on March 22, 1926 in Denver. Fr. Pius was 71 years old, a professed friar for 53 years and a priest for 47 years.