Stephen M Walsh, OFM

1920 – 2004

Fr. Stephen Walsh, OFM, was born on Nov. 24, 1920 in Boston, and baptized John Patrick. In 1939, he entered St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y. He was received into the Order in 1944, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1948 and was ordained in 1950.

From 1951 to 1965, Fr. Stephen served as a missionary in Brazil in Pires do Rio, Goiandira, Anapolis, Cristalandia, Araguacema, the Seraphic Seminary and the Colegio Sao Francisco. In 1965, he returned to the United States and ministered at St. Anthony Shrine, Boston. In 1966, he returned to Brazil.

He came back to the United States in 1969, where he ministered as a youth services chaplain in Denver. Fr. Stephen then served as chaplain on the hospital ship HOPE and, in between voyages, served at Our Lady’s Chapel in New Bedford, Mass. In 1973, he ministered as pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Clarksville, Va. He joined the Province’s Mission Band, and resided at St. Francis Friary in Rye Beach, N.H., in 1977.

From 1985 to 1992, Fr. Stephen served as pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Americus, Ga. In 1993, he moved to St. Anthony Residence in Boston, but continued his ministry as voluntary chaplain to prisoners in Huntsville, Texas.

He died on Dec. 14, 2004 at St. Anthony Shrine. Fr. Stephen was 84 years old, a professed friar for 59 years and a priest for 54 years.