| Fr. Brian Tomlinson 50th Anniversary of Profession |
“It doesn’t seem like 50 years.”
That’s what Brian Tomlinson, O.F.M. Cap said while reflecting
on his time as a Capuchin priest. August 3rd marked Fr. Brian’s
50th anniversary of profession. He will celebrate his golden
jubilee on September 17th at the Feast of the Sacred Stigmata
with other brothers who also are celebrating Capuchin milestones.
Fr. Brian was born on June 17, 1937 to William and Margaret
Kennelly. The Bronx native is one of eight siblings, five brothers
and three sisters. During his childhood years, he attended Our
Savior Grammar School in the Bronx and St. Agnes High School in
New York City. Fr. Brian also went to Cathedral College and later
on to the American Institute of Banking. Fr. Brian worked for
Chase Manhattan Bank before joining the Capuchin Order.
That’s what Brian Tomlinson, O.F.M. Cap said while reflecting
on his time as a Capuchin priest. August 3rd marked Fr. Brian’s
50th anniversary of profession. He will celebrate his golden
jubilee on September 17th at the Feast of the Sacred Stigmata
with other brothers who also are celebrating Capuchin milestones.
Fr. Brian was born on June 17, 1937 to William and Margaret
Kennelly. The Bronx native is one of eight siblings, five brothers
and three sisters. During his childhood years, he attended Our
Savior Grammar School in the Bronx and St. Agnes High School in
New York City. Fr. Brian also went to Cathedral College and later
on to the American Institute of Banking. Fr. Brian worked for
Chase Manhattan Bank before joining the Capuchin Order.
Fr. Brian entered the Capuchin Order and was invested with
the habit on July 28, 1957 at Our Lady of Angels Seminary in
Staunton, VA. On August 3, 1958, Fr. Brian, along with eight
other novices, professed Simple Vows at the same seminary in
Virginia. Three years later, Fr. Brian professed his Solemn Vows
at the St. Lawrence Monastery in Beacon, NY. On April 3, 1965
Fr. Brian was ordained to the priesthood at St. Francis DeSales
Church in Geneva, NY by Bishop Edward Kearney.
Since his ordination, the Province of the Sacred Stigmata
has been blessed by Fr. Brian’s wisdom and talents. He serves
as Provincial Minister where he oversees all activities
throughout the province. Prior to being elected Provincial
Minister in 2005, Fr. Brian was Vicar Provincial from 1979-82. He
has also served as Provincial advisor 1976-1979 and again from
2002- 05.
His provincial commitments do not keep him from his duties
at St. Francis Parish in Hackensack, NJ, where he serves as the
pastor. Fr. Brian has also held various positions in the church
such as Vocation Director and Novice Master & Guardian.
“I am humbled by the wonder of God’s gifts to me,” Fr. Brian
said to the Stigmata News. “I pray for grace and perseverance
in my vocation as a Capuchin Friar and for the priesthood.”
the habit on July 28, 1957 at Our Lady of Angels Seminary in
Staunton, VA. On August 3, 1958, Fr. Brian, along with eight
other novices, professed Simple Vows at the same seminary in
Virginia. Three years later, Fr. Brian professed his Solemn Vows
at the St. Lawrence Monastery in Beacon, NY. On April 3, 1965
Fr. Brian was ordained to the priesthood at St. Francis DeSales
Church in Geneva, NY by Bishop Edward Kearney.
Since his ordination, the Province of the Sacred Stigmata
has been blessed by Fr. Brian’s wisdom and talents. He serves
as Provincial Minister where he oversees all activities
throughout the province. Prior to being elected Provincial
Minister in 2005, Fr. Brian was Vicar Provincial from 1979-82. He
has also served as Provincial advisor 1976-1979 and again from
2002- 05.
His provincial commitments do not keep him from his duties
at St. Francis Parish in Hackensack, NJ, where he serves as the
pastor. Fr. Brian has also held various positions in the church
such as Vocation Director and Novice Master & Guardian.
“I am humbled by the wonder of God’s gifts to me,” Fr. Brian
said to the Stigmata News. “I pray for grace and perseverance
in my vocation as a Capuchin Friar and for the priesthood.”
