Fr. Brennan-Joseph Farleo, OFM Conv.
Spiritual Testimony

Hello! My name is Brennan-Joseph. I am a 75-year-old Conventual Franciscan priest of Our Lady of Angels Province (USA). Right now, I am missioned as the Guardian of St. Peter Friary in Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ. I was born on April 29, 1944 in Buffalo, NY. My mother was Irish came from Ireland and my Father was Italian and came from Italy. I had two brothers, Donald and Joseph who along with my parents are now deceased.   I was taught by Franciscans throughout all my years in school. I had both OFM as well as Conventual friars and I loved to witness the community they shared with one another.
I entered the Conventual Franciscans on August 17, 1979 in Holyoke, MA. After my postulancy there, I entered our novitiate at St. Francis Friary, Staten Island, NY…my novice master was Fr. Bill Robinson and my classmates were Jobe Abbass and Maurice Richard. And so, at the end of my novitiate, August of 1981, I professed my first vows as a Franciscan friar. My solemn profession followed three years later in 1984 at our seminary, St. Anthony-on-Hudson, Rensselaer, NY where I was studying for the priesthood. I was ordained in 1986 and my classmates are Richard-Jacob Forcier and Dennis Grumsey.
My first assignment as friar-priest was at St. Joseph’s Parish in Enicott, NY but I would have to say that my ‘favorite’ assignment was at Immaculate Conception Parish and Friary in Trenton, NJ. In all honesty, I really loved all of my assignments and had fun times with most of the friars I lived with.
I have a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and I love any and all prayers to Him and to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
I would encourage anyone considering a vocation to our Order and Province to “pray each day to know God’s Will. It’s in doing His Will that we find our peace. Stay close to the Sacred Heart.”
And to our current student friars: “Be honest and open to what God is asking you to do each day. Your prayers are so important in our way of life. Be sincere and honest dealing with God, each other and our superiors.”
I give thanks and praise to God for calling me to serve Him and His people.