Deceased Friars

Raphael Adams, OFM

Raphael Adams

1884 – 1946

Fr. Raphael Adams, OFM, was born on Nov. 7, 1884 in Savannah, Ga. After graduating from Cathedral School there, he attended Georgetown Preparatory School in Washington. He applied as a candidate for the Commissariat of the Holy Land, and was recommended to attend St. Bonaventure College, Allegany, N.Y. He graduated from St. Bonaventure’s and entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., in 1905, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1909 and was ordained in 1911.

More than 30 years of his priesthood were spent at St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., where he served as rector for almost 25 years. He built the graystone Romanesque chapel and the gymnasium. As a teacher, accomplished musician, pastor of nearby Pond Eddy Parish, and guardian of the friary, Fr. Raphael was beloved by priests, people, and students. He often consoled homesick freshmen with his story about the 16-year-old boy who left his home in Georgia to study for the priesthood in Washington years earlier. He served as a Provincial councilor, and held the office of Custos from 1934 to 1937.

He died on Nov. 7, 1946, his 62nd birthday, at St. Clare’s Hospital in New York City. Fr. Raphael was a professed friar for 40 years and a priest for 35 years. He was the uncle of Fr. Patrick Adams, OFM.

Each of us should be called a lesser brother, a Friar Minor. Each one of us should wash the feet of the others.”

Main Content

Raphael Adams, OFM

Raphael Adams

1884 – 1946

Fr. Raphael Adams, OFM, was born on Nov. 7, 1884 in Savannah, Ga. After graduating from Cathedral School there, he attended Georgetown Preparatory School in Washington. He applied as a candidate for the Commissariat of the Holy Land, and was recommended to attend St. Bonaventure College, Allegany, N.Y. He graduated from St. Bonaventure’s and entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., in 1905, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1909 and was ordained in 1911.

More than 30 years of his priesthood were spent at St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., where he served as rector for almost 25 years. He built the graystone Romanesque chapel and the gymnasium. As a teacher, accomplished musician, pastor of nearby Pond Eddy Parish, and guardian of the friary, Fr. Raphael was beloved by priests, people, and students. He often consoled homesick freshmen with his story about the 16-year-old boy who left his home in Georgia to study for the priesthood in Washington years earlier. He served as a Provincial councilor, and held the office of Custos from 1934 to 1937.

He died on Nov. 7, 1946, his 62nd birthday, at St. Clare’s Hospital in New York City. Fr. Raphael was a professed friar for 40 years and a priest for 35 years. He was the uncle of Fr. Patrick Adams, OFM.