We have just learned that our brother, Fr. Alexis Anania, O.F.M. passed to his eternal reward at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Youngstown, Ohio. Alexis had been hospitalized due to a heart attack, and was in rehab when he was suddenly transferred back to the hospital where he died. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Fr. Alexis just turned 90 in May. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in East Liberty. He entered the minor seminary at age 15, and upon completing the province’s formation program, was ordained a priest in 1958. His assignments included Christopher Columbus High School in Boston, Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Pittsburgh, Serra High School in McKeesport, (where he taught for thirty-five years), and Pastor of St. Pamphilus Church for twenty years. In 2018, when the parish was merged with other local churches, he retired to Mt. Alverna Friary and Retreat Center, in Youngstown, Ohio.

Heavenly Father, we commend to your mercy our brother, and all who have embraced Sister Death and we thank you for the gift of their lives. United in faith and prayer, through the intercession of our Immaculate Mother Mary and our holy Father Saint Francis, keep us ever steadfast in your love as we strive for your vision of a world made new.