Victor Mills, OFM

1892 – 1961

Fr. Victor Mills, OFM, was born on Sept. 24, 1892 in Waverly, Ill. After graduating from St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., he entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1913, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Victor made his solemn profession in 1918 and was ordained in 1920.

As a young priest, he served as private secretary to Provincial Minister Fr. Mathias Faust, OFM, and founded The Franciscan, while serving as an assistant at the Paterson parish. In 1924, he attended the University of Munich in Germany to study church history. Fr. Victor taught church history and homiletics at the seminary while he was master of clerics at St. Bonaventure College, Allegany, N.Y.

During his years at St. Bonaventure, he was active with the Red Cross and worked closely with the New York Board of Parole in controlling juvenile delinquency. After the death of Fr. Hugh Radigan, OFM, he was sent to Holy Name College, Washington, where he taught church history, patrology and homiletics. He also gave countless retreats to diocesan priests and religious in the U.S. and Canada. In 1960, the General Minister awarded him the title of Lector Jubilatus, the highest honor the Franciscan Order bestows on teachers.

He died on Jan. 22, 1961 in Washington. Fr. Victor was 68 years old, a professed friar for 46 years and a priest for 40 years.