Remembering Fr. Joe Nangle, OFM

Editor’s Note: In this memorial blog post, Franciscan Mission Service shares the news of Fr. Joe Nangle, OFM’s passing and commemorates his life and legacy with love.

For many in the FMS family, it is impossible to think of FMS- its beginning years, its spirit, or their personal experiences- without thinking of Fr. Joe Nangle, OFM.  As Fr. Joe entered hospice on November 22, FMS lifelong missioners recalled in a special way how Fr. Joe was an essential part of their formation and in many cases remained a part of their lifelong call to mission.  Read some of their stories below.

Fr. Joe served as co-director of FMS for twelve years, with Meegen White-Testa for six of them. He served on the Board of Directors following his tenure and continued to play an integral role in Formation for many years. Fr. Joe brought his experiences as a missioner himself to his roles with FMS. He had spent fifteen years on mission in Bolivia and Peru. Fr. Joe integrated Catholic Social Teaching, a radical Franciscan commitment to the Gospel, a preferential option for those made poor, and his own sense of humor to the formation of 80 lay missioners while co-director.  

In addition to being a beloved member of the FMS family, Fr. Joe was also a member of the Assisi Community in Washington, DC, an intentional Catholic community of lay and religious men and women dedicated to a simple lifestyle and social change.

When he was presented with the Anselm Moons Award in 2006, Fr. Joe was described as someone who “continues to challenge the Church and US society to proclaim justice for the oppressed.” That remained true in the years since, and is something we continue to need today.  

We mourn his passing from his earthly life, but we marvel at how we know we will continue to see his influence in the many people his life touched. FMS is grateful to be just one of the connectors of Fr. Joe to so many, as well as a connector of those individuals to each other. We hope that in the coming days, weeks, and well into the future, we as an FMS community can support each other by lifting up memories, stories, and prayers for Joe, and that we could continue to bring his witness into the world.

In 2022, FMS interviewed Fr. Joe about his reflections on the organization through the years.  Listen to him reflect on “this Franciscan moment” and FMS’ impact in this video.

Read Pax Christi’s obituary for Fr. Joe.

Read a reflection by FMS Board member Fr. John O’Connor, OFM, on Fr. Joe’s impact and legacy at FMS.

If you would like to share a story about Fr. Joe or your condolences for him, please use this Google Form to share them with us. 

Fr. Joe has written several contributions for the FMS blog. Read Fr. Joe’s stories on the FMS blog here.

Funeral arrangements: Fr. Joe’s funeral will be held on Saturday, December 21 at noon at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Arlington, Virginia, with the viewing taking place at 11:00 am. The funeral will be livestreamed via the parish’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Visit the parish website for more information.

“This man so truly lives the holy Gospel. Every interaction with him for us, since 1997, has been one of seeing Christ’s love through, with, and in him.”

“For the past few days I’ve heard from some fellow returned missioners and it’s been so beautiful to hear everyone’s reflections on how Joe has impacted their lives.”

“He is one of my heroes.”

“Mostly tears of joy for having known Joe for at least the small bit I was able.”

“Knowing Fr. Joe is held by the loving God who he loved and served in so many ways … including  forming and walking with so many via FMS and beyond. His influence will continue in all the people his life touched. I am grateful for being in the FMS missioner family which Fr. Joe is a part. Be assured of my prayers as he journeys toward his eternal home.”

“Not a day goes by when I don’t think about you and my FMS family. I’m especially grateful that, years ago, you made the journey up 95 to give a parish mission at St. Peter’s in River Edge, NJ – still my ‘home’ parish. Your dedication to mission life is unparalleled, a Friar through and through.”

“Thank you, Fr Joe for your guidance and leadership and stories shared with Franciscan Mission Service’s formation program and retreats. You make Franciscan life and charisma seem possible and truly needed in our world today. May you be at peace and feel God return to you the many blessings you have given to others.”

“We thank God for you everyday. Your steadfast witness of love, solidarity, courage, Franciscan joy, and hope continue to inspire and spur us on to continue the great work of non-violent gospel justice and peace as your journey changes. You are loved by so many of us and by the great lover of us all, Jesus, whose reign of love that casts out all fear we celebrate today. May God’s spirit of love, light and peace embrace you, that you may feel and know how much we love you and how much our hearts are filled with gratitude and tears. 🙏❤️”