Deceased Friars

Severin Benkert, OFM

Severin Benkert

1881 – 1936

Fr. Severin Benkert, OFM, was born in Fuerth, Germany, on Jan. 14, 1881. He entered the Province’s novitiate in 1901 at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J.

He professed simple vows in 1902 and solemn vows in 1905. Fr. Severin was ordained a priest in 1908.

Fr. Severin spent many years teaching mathematics and German at St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y. He also served at Holy Name Church in Garfield, N.J., where he purchased property for the future needs of the parish.

He then moved to Denver to served at St. Elizabeth Church, before spending three years as procurator at St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City.

He returned to St. Elizabeth Church, where he died Sept. 19, 1936. Fr. Severin was 55 years old, a professed friar for 34 years and a priest for 28 years.

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

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Severin Benkert, OFM

Severin Benkert

1881 – 1936

Fr. Severin Benkert, OFM, was born in Fuerth, Germany, on Jan. 14, 1881. He entered the Province’s novitiate in 1901 at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J.

He professed simple vows in 1902 and solemn vows in 1905. Fr. Severin was ordained a priest in 1908.

Fr. Severin spent many years teaching mathematics and German at St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y. He also served at Holy Name Church in Garfield, N.J., where he purchased property for the future needs of the parish.

He then moved to Denver to served at St. Elizabeth Church, before spending three years as procurator at St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City.

He returned to St. Elizabeth Church, where he died Sept. 19, 1936. Fr. Severin was 55 years old, a professed friar for 34 years and a priest for 28 years.