Rayner Bradshaw, OFM

1906 – 1986

Fr. Rayner Bradshaw, OFM, was born on Nov. 8, 1906 in Haverhill, Mass. He graduated from St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., and entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., in 1927, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1931 and was ordained in 1934.

His first assignment took him back to Callicoon, where he taught Latin, French and religion for 16 years while also serving as pastor of the parish in nearby Lake Huntington. During his years at the seminary, Fr. Rayner also served as procurator, discreet, and promoter of the Franciscan Missionary Union.

In 1950, he was transferred to St. Bonaventure University, where he was responsible for the maintenance of the physical plant. In 1956, he moved to St. Anthony Shrine in Boston, where he served for 19 years before retiring in 1975 to St. Anthony Friary, St. Petersburg, Fla. Fr. Rayner was blessed with a compassionate heart, a sly sense of humor, and a happy spirit. Throughout his entire life as a friar, he had a wonderful compassion for the sick and the elderly, and spent many hours with them.

He died on Nov. 10, 1986 at St. Anthony Friary. Fr. Rayner was 80 years old, a professed friar for 58 years, and a priest for 52 years.