RINGWOOD, N.J. — Carmel Miotke, OFM, 80, a professed Franciscan friar for 57 years and a priest for 53, died June 9 at Holy Name Friary.
A wake and vigil service were offered June 11 at St. Anthony Shrine, Boston, at which James Patrick Kelly, OFM, presided and Julian Davies, OFM,preached the eulogy. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by ProvincialVicar Dominic Monti, OFM, on June 12 at St. Anthony Shrine. Hugh Hines, OFM, preached the homily. Burial followed at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury, Mass.
Early Years
Born Dec. 20, 1932 to Stanley and Marie Miotke, Carmel was baptized Robert on Feb. 8, 1933 at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Albany, N.Y. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1950 and then attended Siena College, Loudonville, N.Y., where he met the Franciscans and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in modern languages in 1954.
On Aug. 12, 1954, he was received into the Order at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J. Taking the religious name Carmel Francis, he professed his first vows there one year later. He spent the next year at St. Francis College, Rye Beach, N.H., where he completed his education in philosophy. Carmel then studied theology at St. Anthony Friary in Butler, N.J., from 1956 to 1957, and at Holy Name College in Washington from 1957 to 1960.
He made his solemn profession as a Franciscan on Aug. 20, 1958 at Christ the King Seminary, Allegany, N.Y., and was ordained to the priesthood March 12, 1960 at the Franciscan Monastery in Washington.
Ministry
Following his ordination, Carmel spent a year of training in pastoral theology at St. Anthony Shrine. Since he had pursued graduate studies in French literature at Case Western Reserve University over the summers during his years in formation, he was assigned to the faculty of St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, in 1961 to teach modern languages.
In 1969, he returned to St. Anthony Shrine in Boston, where he spent the majority of his remaining years in ministry, working as a confessor and in spiritual direction. From 1973 to 1983, he served on the staff of St. Francis Chapel in Boston’s Prudential Center, while continuing to reside at the shrine.
Carmel was then assigned to St. Francis Chapel, Providence, R.I., where he served as vicar. In 1989, he returned to St. Anthony Shrine and remained on the pastoral staff, until he retired to St. Anthony Residence, Boston, in 2002. He moved to St. Anthony Friary in Butler, N.J., in 2012 and remained there until moving to Holy Name Friary several weeks ago.
He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Rosemary. He is survived by his cousins, Barbara Conklin and Richard Smith, both of Albany, N.Y. Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Barbara Conklin, 6 Winners Circle, Albany, NY 12205.
Memorial donations may be sent to Holy Name Province, Office of Development, 144 West 32nd St., New York, NY 10001-3202.
— Compiled by Dominic Monti, OFM