Salvator J Phillips, OFM

1905 – 1995

Fr. Salvator Phillips, OFM, was born on Feb. 19, 1905 in Brooklyn, N.Y. He received his elementary education at St. John the Evangelist, and then attended the Manual Training School in Brooklyn. He completed two years at Maxwell Training School for Teachers before working for 14 years. Fr. Salvator entered St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., at age 33, and was received as a novice two years later at the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J. He professed his temporary vows in 1941, made his solemn profession in 1944, and was ordained in 1946.

His first assignment was to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City, where he served as an associate and as director of the Franciscan Family Circle for six years. He brought his business experience, humor and pleasant personality to the pilgrimage office, and under his guidance, the pilgrimage ministry developed well.

In 1959, Fr. Sal was assigned to the novitiate at St. Raphael’s Friary, Lafayette, N.J., where he served as procurator and assistant master of novices. He ministered as an assistant chaplain at St. Joseph Friary, Warwick, N.J., and in 1973, retired to St. Anthony Friary, Butler, N.J., where he served as vicar for two years.

He died on Dec. 22, 1995 at Holy Name Friary, Ringwood, N.J. Fr. Sal was 90 years old, a professed friar for 54 years, and a priest for 49 years.