Final Mass for Franciscans at St. Columba-Brigid

On Aug. 1, three Franciscans serving in Family 21 at SS. Columba-Brigid on Hickory Street in Buffalo, will leave Buffalo for new assignments.

In May, Brother Lawrence Hayes, OFM, provincial minister of the Franciscan Friars of the

Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, communicated with the diocese that Father William “Jud” Weiksnar, OFM,  Father Aaron Richardson, OFM, and Father Jason Damon, OFM, would be leaving in the summer.

The Franciscan presence in Western New York traces back to the mid 1850s when Nicholas

Devereux, a philanthropist from Utica and Buffalo’s first bishop, John Timon, convinced four Franciscan friars from Italy to establish a Catholic college and seminary in Allegany, dedicated in 1858. Then known as St. Bonaventure College, the university is the first Franciscan college in America.

Known formally as the Order of Friars Minor, Franciscans served throughout the years in Buffalo at the former St. Patrick’s in Buffalo, and Bishop Timon High School.  Their ministry continues at St. Bonaventure University.  

Father Weiksnar will be leaving for ministry in Cincinnati, Father Richardson will depart for an assignment in Gary, Indiana, and newly-ordained Father Damon will leave for Joliet, Illinois. 

Father Weiksnar celebrated the final Mass for the Franciscans in Buffalo at a bilingual Mass on July 28.  In his homily, he described a connection with his religious order and the parish. 

“Franciscans are known as down to earth; we provide service to the poor and marginalized and have a great love for God’s creation,“ he explained. “When I came here 10 years ago, even though the parish wasn’t founded by Franciscans, it felt very Franciscan. 

“People in this parish are very down to earth, they serve the poor, have a love for nature and you celebrate the Eucharist in a marvelous way,” he said.   

“St. Francis had a great love for the Eucharist and you celebrate the Mass in such a wonderful way.” Father Weiksnar spent time to outline the order of the Mass and how parishioners celebrate each facet of the Mass at SS. Columba-Brigid in remarkable and devout ways.

As he fought back tears, he recounted his time at the church and parishioners extended hands to bless him on his journey to his new assignment at St. Clement Friary in Cincinnati.