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Friar Basil Heiser, Minister General
114th Successor of St. Francis
Seventy-five Years of Priesthood
Best wishes to Friar Basil Heiser who will celebrate the 75th anniversary of his priestly ordination on January 24th, 2007. He will preside over a solemn Eucharist at the Holy Apostles Basilica in Rome on January 21st at 10:30 am.
Friar Basil was born Herman Francis Heiser in Terre Haute, Indiana on January 4th, 1909. He entered Mount Saint Francis Seminary in southern Indiana in 1921. In 1925, at the Franciscan Novitiate in Syracuse, New York he was invested with the Franciscan habit and received the religious name of Basil. One year later, on July 18 and also in Syracuse, he made his Simple Profession of Vows. On February 11, 1930, in the Basilica of Twelve Apostles in Rome, Friar Basil made his Solemn Profession of Vows. Two year later, with his philosophical and theological studies complete, Friar Basil was ordained a priest in the chapel of the Lateran University in Rome.
Friar Basil taught philosophy at St Anthony-on-Hudson Seminary, Rensselaer, New York, Our Lady of Carey Seminary, Carey, Ohio and De Sales College, Toledo, Ohio. He was also Guardian and Rector of Our Lady of Carey Seminary and then Superior and Rector at Assumption Theological Seminary, Chaska, Minnesota.
He was elected Minister Provincial for Our Lady of Consolation Province (Midwestern United States) in 1954 and then Minister General of the Friars Minor Conventual in 1960. As Minister General, Friar Basil saw the Order through the many changes of the significant era in Church history. He was an active member at the Second Vatican Council. It was during this time, he became convinced and began to promote the idea that the Church could only thrive through an invigorated social ministry. After his second term as Minister General ended in 1972, Friar Basil filled the position of Under-secretary to the Congregation for Religious until his 73rd birthday.
He is slightly less active than during his years as Minister General in that he periodically indulges in a holiday. Friar Basil still participates in the activities of province chapters of Our Lady of Consolation Province, having stated in his 1994 memoirs, "I have no intention of fading away!"
Please share your thoughts and memories of Friar Basil with www.franciscans.org by emailing peter@franciscans.org. All comments will be posted here.
"When I was editor of Companion Magazine in Toronto I was surprised by the occasional note of encouragement from Fr. Basil. Not only did he read the magazine but he took the time to offer his support to a young friar. I realized then that he was a gentleman and a true brother!"
Friar Richard Riccioli, OFM Conv.
Pastor, The Franciscan Church of St. Bonaventure, Toronto, Ontario
Congratulations on 75th
It seems like a long time since I recall seeing you at MSF, but it is a memory that shines in my memory palace. I would like to say I remember you doing some outstanding thing, but alas it seems I recall you down in the orchard trimming the apple trees and painting the cut spots with black sealant. Guess someone had to do it. I recall a few of us helping with the sealant. No account for the vagaries of memory.
Best Wishes,
Fr. Keith O'Neill
Peace and all good things to you! I remember fondly your visits to the Friary in Terre haute during my assignment as pastor at Saint Joseph University Church. I always felt that you were interested in the ministry I was doing and were very affirming of me. God bless you for sharing the feeling of truly being a brother to you. You will be in my prayers as you celebrate this milestone.
Ad multos annos! Dismas J. Veeneman, OFMConv. Saint Paul Church & Friary Pleasure Ridge Park, Kentucky
Although our paths would periodically cross, I would often hear from Fr. Basil on a consistent basis. He would affirm my work in vocation ministry and encourage me in my Franciscan life. I was always amazed that at ninety-some years old he would simply jumped into emailing or be off to Scotland to help a "retired" priest with his summer Mass calls. Fr. Basil has been an inspiration to me and so many! Thank you and Happy Anniversary. --Jim Kent, OFM Conv.
Back in 1956 it was you, Basil, who received me into the order. You were in the hospital recuperating from automobile accident when you answered my request letter from your hospital bed. I had not yet met you but I was very impressed with your zeal. May the Lord give you some more wonderful years in this world.
Fr. Ivan J. Rohloff, ofm, conv.
Agurre, Basil! Thanks for the witness of service and the witness of hospitality. It's always been a pleasure to catch up with you in Rome and here stories of life back home in Indiana as well as life in your heart's home of Rome. Continued blessings on your wisdom and insight as you continue to offer both to all the friars. Peace and Congratulations from El Paso, Texas! Charles McCarthy, ofm conv (Ysleta Mission, Texas -- OLC Province)
I had such a great time at your 70th Birthday celelbration in Rome, I'm sorry I won't be able to be there for the 75th! You are a great example of a friar and I feel very privileged to know you! Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!
Paul Schloemer
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