and praise our God for the faithfulnees and love shone in their lives.
Read our tributes to them, and join us in prayer for their continued path in the Gospel life.
Samuel Driscoll, OFM Cap.
Hometown: Charleston, WV
Professed: July 14, 1954
Ordained: May 16, 1959
Our brother Sam is Capuchin born and raised, a son of St. Anthony Parish on the west side of Charleston, WV. He entered St. Fidelis High School and College Seminary in1946. Born Earl Driscoll in 1932 he received the religious name Samuel upon his entrance into the novitiate, professing his first vows on July 14, 1954. Following his graduation from college Sam came for theology studies at Capuchin College in Washington, DC, where he was ordained in May, 1959. He also took courses in Psychological Counseling and Missiology at The Catholic University of America before spending the next fifty years of his life in priestly service to the Church and people of Papua New Guinea (1961-2011). From start to finish Sam was dedicated to parish ministry, which meant bush ministry in PNG. There was no place too far-flung or difficult to reach for him, pastoring in Ialibu (twice), Nipa, Port Moresby, and Tari (twice). His affection for the people sometimes made him a “soft touch” for opportunistic or manipulative intentions, but he was never put off by being taken advantage of. His vision was of a people and a church “on the way” to a better and richer life of faith – a long, gradual process for which his immense patience and gentleness was so well suited. After his return from the missions of Papua New Guinea Sam resided at St. Paul Friary in Cleveland; there he assisted with the day-to-day parochial needs of the church of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration. For the last four years he has lived at Saint Augustine Friary. Sam still enjoys a daily dish of ice cream as well as current affairs. He reads the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette when it is available and reads the daily New York Times from front to back.
Reflection by Provincial Minister Robert Marva, OFM Cap.
October 18, 2024
This year, we are happy to celebrate a rare double jubilarian in Sam Driscoll. As one of our three nonagenerians, Sam, a native of West Virginia, marks seventy years of religious profession and sixty five years of priestly ordination. Having served fifty years as a missionary in Papua New Guinea, Sam returned home to the Province to serve as Chaplain to the Poor Clare Nuns in Cleveland and pastoral supply at the Shrine of St. Paul. It was once suggested to Sam that he take on the role of being the Provincial Movie and Entertainment critic, having seen literally hundreds of movies on his senior movie pass. The challenge was that while he acclaimed the movie and the actors at the friars’ dinner table that evening, he could never recount the name of the movie, the plot of the script, or the actors who starred. But he enjoyed it nonetheless. Sam possesses an impish side that works hard to get away with mischief without being caught. Once being warned not to come down a rather steep flight of stairs for reasons of safety, he would obey until he thought no one was around. During a late night raid to the kitchen, Sam snuck down the stairs only to greet the guardian at the bottom. Stunned only for a moment, he laughed and said “ you caught me, and preceded to the refrigerator. Being asked how he has kept going for all these years, he acknowledged that saying his prayers, reading the papers, watching political news, and a good martini have helped. God bless you Sam at 92 and for years to come!
60 Years ProfessedScott Seethaler, OFM Cap.
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Professed: July 14, 1964
By almost any metric one would want to apply, our brother Scott Seethaler has been one of the most well-known and sought after preachers the Province has ever produced. From the pulpit, the lectern, in person and via media, Scott has proclaimed Christ with vigor, wit and encouragement to countless thousands throughout the country in his years as a priest. A native Pittsburgher from St. Henry parish on the “Southside slopes”, Scott followed a straight course from the parish elementary school through St. Fidelis High School and College, novitiate, and theology studies at Capuchin College prior to his ordination. Scott’s preaching ministry began in earnest in 1980. With the exception of a sabbatical and a year of ministry at Duquesne University, Scott immersed himself in the work of parish missions, retreats, recollection days and pastoral assistance for the next 37 years even hosting a radio program 6 days a week for 20 of those years. Through his preaching he has been instrumental in helping establish a hospital for the poor and sick in Mexico. As health limitations began to demand more regular attention on his part, Scott took up residence at St. Augustine friary, where he is still very active as a trusted Spiritual Director and compassionate confessor by many. We may never know the full measure of fruitfulness that will arise from Scott’s work in sowing the Word of God far and wide, but any attempt at counting would certainly fall short.
Reflection by Provincial Minister Robert Marva, OFM Cap.
October 18, 2024
Our next jubilarian hails from Pittsburgh and has been sought after for many years for his excellent preaching in the Pittsburgese style. Delivering God’s Word through hundreds of parish missions, retreats, recollection days, radio talks, and in the Sunday homily he still gives at St. Pio Parish next door, Father Scott Seethaler celebrates sixty years of religious profession as a Capuchin friar. Known also for his quick wit, his incisive skill at 5 questions (most of us need 20 questions, but Scott can get what he needs to know in 5), there is little that escapes Scott’s keen eye and thoughtful reflection. Scott continues to devote his time to offering spiritual direction to many, remains active in the support of marriages through his work with Renew the I Do, and remains in service on the Board of Directors of the Clinics founded in honor of his mom in Oaxaca, Mexico. Just last month, Scott was again running (I guess I mean directing) the Ole 5 K at North Park to raise support for the work of the Anna Seethaler Hospital. Scott has also served the province in formation as postulant director, novice director, and spiritual director at St. Fidelis Seminary and Chaplain to the Sisters of St. Francis here in Pittsburgh. While Scott has also endured challenges to his physical health, he still remains a vibrant part of the spiritual health of St. Augustine Friary in his preaching and his attention to the fraternal weekly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Scott, thank you for your faithful service as a friar and your example to so many in your 60 years as a Capuchin. Congratulations!
60 Years ProfessedEmett Schuler, OFM Cap.
Hometown: Washington, DC
Professed: July 14, 1964
Emett is one of the rare friars who came to the Province from the Washington area prior to the advent of the new millennium. Baptized “John” at Nativity Church in D.C., he took “Emett” as his religious name upon entering the novitiate and in 2009 made that name legal and permanent for all of his personal identification. Hopefully he will still remember his baptismal name when called before God’s throne to receive his eternal reward! Emett began his priestly ministry in the western half of the Province in 1970, serving for two years at Annunciation parish in Denver before coming to Baltimore in 1972. His parochial ministry continued for eight more years in Baltimore and in Charleston, WV. He returned to Capuchin College in 1980 to serve as treasurer and in pastoral supply and it was following this move that he entered what would prove to be the defining ministry of his priestly service to the Church. In 1981 Emett took on the ministry of Chaplain at the VA hospital in Washington on a part-time basis, continuing in that role for the next 11 years. In 1992 he moved to Pittsburgh and began full-time chaplaincy at the VA hospital, returning to D.C. and VA facility there, retiring from government service after 38 years in 2016. The government’s loss was a great gain for the Sacred Heart Home in Hyattsville, MD. You can still find Emett there caring for the sick, aged and suffering residents, a labor our brother shows no signs relinquishing. Emett, we admire your service and dedication to God’s suffering servants! Thank God for your presence to them and to us for so many exemplary years.
Reflection by Provincial Minister Robert Marva, OFM Cap.
October 18, 2024
While Emett is unable to be with us tonight physically, Emett’s spirit and influence has had deep impact on the Province of St. Augustine in his sixty years of vowed life as a Capuchin Friar. Emett may be described as a walking Encyclopedia, Thesaurus, Almanac, and Mainframe host to multiple surveys, studies, reports, and collections of data that most of us have never even thought about. The initials after his name could easily be changed from OFMCap to aAI! Keenly conscious of his own health, Emett over the years has been solicitous of the well being of all the brothers, especially while the bursar and purchaser at Capuchin College. While the student friars of Capuchin College never starved under his dietary watch, all were alerted to the dangers of high cholesterol, fatty foods, the challenge of salt in one’s diet, and the risk of diabetes due to too much sugar intake. Emett remains a friar faithful to prayer and to ministry, still tending to those at Sacred Heart Home in Washington DC. A native of Maryland, Emett has served most of his ministry in the eastern part of the Province in the care of Veterans in Washington, and for a time in Pittsburgh while living at St. Francis Friary. He also served as parochial vicar in Denver, Baltimore, and in Charleston WVa. Emett’s unique insights into life and many practical concerns bring a flavor and energy to our Capuchin life that is all his own. Emett, many blessings to you as you celebrate 60 years as a Capuchin Friar!
60 Years Ordained Lester Knoll, OFM Cap.
Hometown: Chicora, Pennsylvania
Ordained: February 8, 1964
When he entered St. Fidelis High School and Seminary in 1951, young James Knoll was heading toward the life of a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh – or so he thought. At some point along the way he started to attend more to listening than just thinking, and he found “an interior voice” that led him steadily into Capuchin life, that change becoming concrete in a new name received at the beginning of his novitiate and the profession of his vows . During a time of Eucharistic Adoration he felt a call to “Move toward prayer and community” and has been working to balance these two drives since then. The prompting of that “inner voice” has been our brother Lester’s stock in trade through the years, leading him first to the Province mission in Papua New Guinea and then, when health concerns required his return to the U.S., to the establishment of our first Province hermitage in the former guest house of a Byzantine Benedictine monastery near Herman (even though the monks wanted more than fish for rent). In three words Lester describes himself as strong, sensitive and loyal. His hobbies include reading, hiking and reading. He says he feels “spoiled” by the Lord! What he has freely received he has readily shared with others, engaging in preaching ministry, acting as a spiritual director for diocesan and Capuchin seminarians alike in Latrobe at St. Vincent Seminary at our Capuchin Formation Program and the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe, Ohio, and in his ministry at Saint Augustine Friary. He always reminds those he encounters of the goodness of God made manifest in the gift of the Holy Spirit. Lester, we pray that God’s goodness will become ever more clearer to you as you live each day celebrating your life as a Capuchin friar, Peace to your heart.
Reflection by Provincial Minister Robert Marva, OFM Cap.
October 18, 2024
This friar continues to press on despite challenges to his physical health that may slow him down, but not keep him down. Today we celebrate the well known and loved Lester Knoll who marks 60 years of ordained ministry this year. Having served as a missionary in Papua New Guinea, in parochial ministry, seminary formator, and spiritual director, Lester has continued to nudge us friars to fidelity to our contemplative life as an essential part of our Capuchin Charism. Founding our first provincial hermitage in the wilds of Butler County, this effort through all of its forms and locations remains dear to his heart, even as we move closer to re-establishing this charismatic presence in our province again. If you cannot find Lester in his room or the chapel, it is because he is in the front parlor offering spiritual direction and guidance to the many who still come to seek his counsel. Lester is clear about where he stands in his faith and his politics and does not shy away from sharing his position. His religious and moral conviction continues to challenge and inspire and invites us all to be clear about what it means to be a Catholic, and a Capuchin. And of course, we cannot speak about Lester without mentioning his beloved Alvemo. May the whisperings of that Thin place continue to inspire you Lester in your faithfulness as a son of God and of St. Francis. Congratulations!
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60 Years Ordained Victor Kriley, OFM Cap.
Hometown: Butler, Pennsylvania
Ordained: February 8, 1964
Our brother Victor is one of a shrinking number of Capuchin “thoroughbreds,” having been under Capuchin influence from the beginning of his elementary school years all the way through profession and on into ordained ministry. He generously gave the first and most vigorous years of his priestly service to the people and Church in Papua New Guinea at Mendi, Kagua, Ialibu, Margarima and Tari before returning to the U.S. twenty-two years later in 1986. Like most long-term missionaries, Vic found the transition back to the culture of this country to be a challenge, but one that he never backed down from in accepting parochial assignments at our parishes in York, Pittsburgh/Lawrenceville, Cumberland and Herman until health concerns curtailed his active ministry. His ministry now is one of prayer for the friars and for all God’s people. He says “Our brotherhood and hopefully our attitudes lived within the community, leads to accepting and loving each and every individual. Our respect, our acceptance, our genuine love of each individual not only endears the people to the Capuchins, but also builds the confidence in their own importance that God has placed there already. At an earlier gathering Victor reflected that “Sometimes in ministry I have met people who did not seem to have any other members of their family that they communicated with -- no members of the family cared for one another. I could not understand that and didn’t really believe it until a death happened in that family. Other members hardly had time to come to the funeral to pay their respects to a brother or a sister. I am blessed with a wonderful family. It was very common for my sisters and brothers (along with their spouses) to make special efforts to come together for an evening - sometime each month. I’m grateful for my family and how we have stayed close to one another.” Victor is currently in residence at the Saxony Health Care Center in Saxonburg, PA. Victor, may God reward your generous heart and faithful service to the Church near and the Church very far away, and may you be blessed with peace in the years to come. A Blessed Jubilee, brother!
Reflection by Provincial Minister Robert Marva, OFM Cap.
October 18, 2024
Victor also celebrates 60 years of ordained ministry this year. Victor has been surrounded by Capuchins his whole life and has remained faithful to his vocation despite decline in his memory and health over the last number of years. A missionary, chaplain, and parish priest are among his ministerial roles, but in every one of them he brought to life his own lived reality as a Capuchin friar. We are pleased to have his family with us tonight, testifying to the fact that when one becomes a Capuchin, your family does not lose you, but your family gains a whole bunch more brothers besides. Victor could hum a tune the whole day long, and looked forward to the irregular pastoral schedule of Saturday evenings to make a trip to Hoss’s and enjoy his favorite steak. We celebrate with you, Victor, and hold you close to our fraternity in our prayers.
50 Years Professed Daniel Mindling, OFM Cap.
Hometown: Falls Church, VA
Professed: August 20, 1974
Reflection by Provincial Minister Robert Marva, OFM Cap.
October 18, 2024
Marking 50 years of religious life as a Capuchin and serving as our festive preacher, Daniel Mindling, the YOUNGER brother to sibling and fellow Capuchin Joseph, has spent most of his life in service of the wider Church as educator and formator to seminarian and priests from throughout the world. While serving a short time in parish ministry in West Virginia, Dan’s intellect and clarity of thinking set him on a path of academic preparation in Rome, England, and Spain to serve as spiritual director, professor of moral theology, and dean at Mount Saint Mary Seminary. I am proud to say that Dan and I are fellow alumni of the Washington Theological Union, something that might come as a surprise to many! As a moral theologian of the Church, Dan’s perspective is necessarily a conservative one, but not that of refusal to reason and dialogue. His ability to think with the Church while facing contemporary moral issues has gained him a role as member of various committees for ethics for hospitals and health care, as personal advisor to individual bishops, and in service to the USCCB. Dan has also served for many years as chaplain to presidents and their staffs at Camp David, about which I can say nothing further as his ministry is classified. On a more humerous note, as one not being worried about setting trends or receiving fashion criticism, Dan may be single handedly responsible for the survival of polyester as a viable material for clothing in an age when natural and renewable fibers are all the rage! I would be remiss if I did not mention Dan’s facility in the Spanish language and sensitivity to the cultural formation of seminarians for service in the Church in the United States. Felicidades y bendiciones, Daniel. Gracias por su fidelidad y ejemplo! Congratulations!
50 Years Professed John Pfannenstiel, OFM Cap.
Hometown: Hays, KS
Professed: August 20, 1974
John has had a varied Career as a capuchin friar. He has served the poor at McKenna House in Washington, DC, served 13 years as pastor at St. Ambrose in Baltimore, served two terms on the provincial council, and is currently filling several jobs here in Pittsburgh. He is Secretary for the Missions; Director of the Seraphic Mass Association; Director of the Development Office; MEMM Manager and Director of Communications. His leadership and attention to detail were invested in the development and construction of the new St. Augustine Friary, Provincial Offices, and Hyacinth Epp Events Hall, all of which opened in 2020. John says “It has been a great privilege being a Capuchin friar and a blessing serving the poor.” I am blessed in that for all of my capuchin and priestly life God has remained faithful. There were all of the ups and downs of life that all people experience, but I have learned, and will hopefully remember, that the God who has called me has loved me totally. I have made many mistakes and disappointed people, and even myself at times. God has never disappointed me. Jack, your hard work and enduring service have helped to grow the Province’s diversity and security. May God who has begun such good work in you bless the years ahead abundantly for you.
Reflection by Provincial Minister Robert Marva, OFM Cap.
October 18, 2024
John is also unable to be with us tonight as he visits with family in Kansas. Celebrating 50 years of religious profession, Jack continues to be behind the scenes of many good works of the Province. As director of the SMA, he oversees the care of our missions and provides for Capuchins around the world. He continues to oversee the good order of St. Margaret Chapel here in the house and works to maintain a beautiful entry and dining room patio with flowers, fruits, and vegetables, even over and against the rabbits who enjoy his gardens for different reasons. Behind the scenes, at the fringe, tending to the marginalized have been hallmarks of Jack’s Capuchin life. Always clear and direct in his thinking and action, he still admits at times to acting quickly or falling short of the desired outcome. But not often! Congratulations, Jack, enjoy your time with family, and we look forward to your return to doing good things for the province, the order, and the church. Many blessings!
25 Years Ordained Paul Dressier, OFM Cap.
Hometown: Olney, MD
Professed: June 12, 1999
Our brother Paul entered the Church while still a student at Sherwood High School in Sandy Spring, MD. He attended Mount St. Mary College in Emmitsburg, MD and, later, graduate studies at the University of Maryland while teaching at St. Vincent Palotti High School in Laurel, MD, it was during this time that he discerned a call to the Capuchins. He completed priestly studies with academic distinction at WTU in May, 1998 and was ordained to the diaconate the following September. Following his ordination as a priest Paul was assigned to Philadelphia, to St. John the Evangelist parish and began work in Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese. Three years later Paul was sent to Rome to participate in a new 1-year program of Franciscan Studies at the Antonianum. Upon his return to the Province in 2008 he was assigned to the Formation Staff at Capuchin College, becoming Guardian and Director of Post-novitiate Formation two years later. With this assignment Paul seemed to find the ideal context for exercising his passion for Capuchin Franciscan life with young adult friars as well as finding numerous opportunities to exercise his affinity and considerable giftedness as a preacher. In addition to his duties at Cap College Paul also served the Province as its Director of Initial Formation. In 2023 Paul returned to parish ministry at St Bernard Parish in Indiana PA. Currently Paul serves at Resurrection Parish and is the Catholic Chaplain at Indiana Hospital as well as at the Indiana Area prisons. Paul cites the Capuchin Constitutions’ and the statement that our life is “a daring adventure of love.” He responds that Indeed, it has been. Thank you, brother Paul, for including us in your adventure.
Reflection by Provincial Minister Robert Marva, OFM Cap.
October 18, 2024
In 1999, a bright, relatively young, and articulate friar was ordained a Capuchin priest. Twenty five years later, we celebrate a still bright, well, less young, and still articulate friar in Paul Dressier who marks his silver priestly jubilee. Paul has always sported a personality that entered the room before he did, but it is a gift that has allowed him to minister effectively in parochial work, young adult ministry, and for a record breaking 12 years as guardian and formation director of Capuchin College. Paul’s ability to reach out to the young and the old endeared him to the student friars in formation (well, most of them), and connected him to our senior friars as both a beneficiary of their wisdom and friar friend in their later years. Returning again to parish ministry, Paul’s preaching continues to bring accolades and attracts a wide range of persons to hear and respond to the call to live the Gospel life. Despite deep losses in the passing of family members and facing his own health issues, Paul has made his way forward to continue to be an effective priest and preacher in Indiana County. Congratulations, Paul and all the best to you in the next twenty-five and beyond!
25 Years Professed Clifford "Kip" Ledger, OFM Cap.
Hometown: North Brookfield, MA
Professed: November 20, 1999
Br. Clifford or Kip as he prefers to be known entered the order from Saint Joseph parish in North Brookfield MA. It seems that Kip is always kept busy with the maintenance of our buildings. Even while in Novitiate he was involved in repairs to the building’s foundation. He professed vows in November of 1999 and joined the post-novitiate program at Capuchin College. While there he took courses in Spiritual Direction and Contemporary Spirituality. He served as the Assistant Director of the Cap Corps Lay Volunteer program and after two years became the Director. He began his time on the formation staff in 2006 when he was made the Assistant Director of the Postulancy program as well as working at St John’s Hospice and the Ministry of Caring. In 2012 he went to Capuchin College as a member of the formation staff and Maintenance Manager, he became Vicar of the house in 2013. When the Province opened the new Postulancy house in Philadelphia, Kip packed up his tools and went to Philadelphia as Director and Guardian. In what seems to have become a way of life for him he first had to repair and remodel the house before moving in. Currently Kip is the Novice Director at the NAPCC Novitiate in Santa Ynez CA. Kip sees himself living out the Capuchin charism in the witness of his life. He says that what he finds most satisfying about religious life is recognizing that God never stops showering him with gifts.
Reflection by Provincial Minister Robert Marva, OFM Cap.
October 18, 2024
His given name is Clifford, but we all know this friar as Kip, or for some, Kipster! Celebrating twenty five years as a Capuchin friar, Kip Ledger is one who has taken on many a Capuchin ministry and has done them with faithfulness and dedication. From formator and building director at Capuchin College, to formator and renovator at Padre Pio Friary in Philadelphia, to Novice Director in Santa Inez, forming friars and environments in which they might thrive as Capuchins seems to be at the heart of Kip’s own vocation. Imparting knowledge of our Franciscan charism by his teaching and by example, Kip has also worked to empower and support the Secular Franciscans in their own calling. Coming from way up New England way, Kip’s time in the Province can’t completely erase a touch of East Coast accent in his speech, but it may well give some timbre and voice to his singing. Kip, a gifted musician and vocalist, worked with John Petrikovic in composing the musical rendering of Padre Pio’s prayer, “ Stay with me Lord.” This emotive rendition has made its way into the Capuchin repertoire along with the works of Paschal Schaller and Bernard Finerty. Kip, may your love for Capuchin life continue to be the song of your heart as you form yet another generation of Capuchins at San Lorenzo. Many blessings and congratulations to you!
25 Years Professed Matthew Palkowski , OFM Cap.
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Professed: November 20, 1999
Reflection by Provincial Minister Robert Marva, OFM Cap.
October 18, 2024
Twenty five years ago, it seemed that the tradition of the Capuchin beard might be carried forth only by our late brother Jerome Dunn. But on November 20, 1999, Matthew Palkowski sealed the deal and insured that the beard would remain alive in our Province, and inspire a future generation of friars to follow in his steps. The physical similarities between Matthew Palkowski and Matthew Hau, one of our founding friars, have again raised the question about whether or not we all have a double somewhere in history. But all of us who know him know that Matthew Palkowski is a unique friar filled with faith, a love for the poor and marginalized, and an endless desire for study. Matthew has generously responded to the needs of the Province at various times, and is an accomplished preacher. While he has served in parish ministry, his heart and ministerial gifts lie with his pastoral care to the incarcerated, both previously in Philadelphia and now in Michigan while living in fraternity with St. Joseph Province at Washington Retreat House. This collaborative effort has allowed Matthew to be a nourishing presence in fraternity with his delicious cooking, as well as to be near to his mom in her advanced years. Probably Matthew’s most famous moment came when the Holy Father visited Philadelphia and made a stop at the jail. Matthew was a gracious host, and a testimony to the work he and so many of our friars do on the fringes. God bless you Matthew, and congratulations on 25 years as a Capuchin Friar.