About Brother Joe

​

Brother Joe has been known as “Father Joe” for almost 70 years, but recently the Franciscan Order recommended that all friars use the title “Brother,” whether they are ordained or not. This is to avoid “clericalism,” which is when priests think they are better than other people.     

 

He grew up in Decatur, Illinois, went to St. Joseph Seminary in Westmont, Illinois out of eighth grade, became an official member of the Franciscan Order in 1955, was ordained to the priesthood in 1962, studied at Harvard from 1964 to 1969, got a Ph.D. in Sociology in 1973, taught at Quincy College from 1970 to the early 2000s. He still teaches Latin, when he has students.

​

He lives in Holy Cross Friary, associated with Quincy University, with four other friars. He admits they are all getting old. So what else is new?

 

You may find more of his writing on the blog: ivyrosary.blogspot.com