Conventual Franciscan Father Richard Rossell observes 65 years in religious life

October 16, 2020 at 2:24 p.m.
Conventual Franciscan Father Richard Rossell observes 65 years in religious life
Conventual Franciscan Father Richard Rossell observes 65 years in religious life


Conventual Franciscan Father Richard Rossell, 85, grew up in Trenton, the son of Marcella and Ralph Rossell and one of five brothers.

He graduated from Trenton Catholic High School, going on to enter the Franciscan order in 1952 at the St. Francis Friary, Staten Island, N.Y. He completed his novitiate in Middleburg, N.Y., in 1955, and professed his first vows as a friar the same year. Father Rossell’s solemn procession followed in 1958. After completion of studies at the friars’ seminary, St. Anthony-on-Hudson, Rensselaer, N.Y., he was ordained on May 27, 1961, at the Cathedral in Albany, N.Y.

Father Rossell’s first assignment as friar-priest was in his alma mater, (now Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton) as high school teacher. He also taught in Canevin High School, Pittsburgh, Pa.

“My favorite assignment was and is right here at St. Peter Parish and Friary in Point Pleasant – a wonderful town and such good people,” Father Rossell reflected of his current assignment in retirement as Guardian of the friary.


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Conventual Franciscan Father Richard Rossell, 85, grew up in Trenton, the son of Marcella and Ralph Rossell and one of five brothers.

He graduated from Trenton Catholic High School, going on to enter the Franciscan order in 1952 at the St. Francis Friary, Staten Island, N.Y. He completed his novitiate in Middleburg, N.Y., in 1955, and professed his first vows as a friar the same year. Father Rossell’s solemn procession followed in 1958. After completion of studies at the friars’ seminary, St. Anthony-on-Hudson, Rensselaer, N.Y., he was ordained on May 27, 1961, at the Cathedral in Albany, N.Y.

Father Rossell’s first assignment as friar-priest was in his alma mater, (now Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton) as high school teacher. He also taught in Canevin High School, Pittsburgh, Pa.

“My favorite assignment was and is right here at St. Peter Parish and Friary in Point Pleasant – a wonderful town and such good people,” Father Rossell reflected of his current assignment in retirement as Guardian of the friary.

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