Vigil McKusky, OFM

1900 – 1965

Fr. Vigil McKusky, OFM, was born on Dec. 15, 1900 in Buffalo, N.Y. He studied at St. Bonaventure High School and Little Flower Seminary in Buffalo, and entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., in 1929. He professed temporary vows one year later and made his solemn profession in 1933. Fr. Vigil was ordained in 1936.

The early years of his ministry were spent at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City, and at St. Joseph’s Parish in East Rutherford, N.J., where he became acquainted with the Pious Union of St. Anthony. He undertook the Provincial-wide direction of the Pious Union while stationed in the Bronx, N.Y., Garfield, N.J., Brookline, Mass., and Paterson, N.J.

Fr. Vigil promoted the Pious Union of St. Anthony for many years, and was tireless in raising financial support for students studying for the Franciscan priesthood. In his final years, he became pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Obernburg, N.Y., serving his people well.

He died on Oct. 18, 1965 in Paterson. Fr. Vigil was 64 years old, a professed friar for 35 years, and a priest for 29 years.