Conventual Franciscan Friar Sebastian Cunningham died Aug. 12 in Las Cruces, N.M. He was 90 and had been a Franciscan since professing simple vows in 1953.
Friar Cunningham’s decades of service focused on pastoral ministry, promotion of the Franciscan mission and military chaplaincy. He served in New Mexico, Ohio, Indiana — including Mount St. Francis — and in the Archdiocese of Louisville.
Before entering religious life, Friar Cunningham served in the Army and was a veteran of World War II in the Pacific theater. Afterward, he attended the University of Louisville. He was known in his community as “Sarge” until the end of his life.
He is survived by his sisters Mary Lou Greaves and Doris Jean Manning.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 19 and burial was in the Friar’s Cemetery at Mount St. Francis in Southern Indiana.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Conventual Franciscan Province of Our Lady of Consolation, Development Office, 103 St. Francis Blvd., Mount St. Francis, Ind., 47146. For more information about his life or to make a gift online, visit franciscansusa.org.
