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   Pamfilo da Magliano was one of the founders of  St. Bonaventure, he was among the first friars present when the first corner stone was built, and eventually became the school's first president. He was regarded as a prime example of a Franciscan man. Born in the town of Magliano de'Marsi, in Abruzzi on April 22,1824, his town is located next to the Franciscan monastery of St. Martin. As a boy he learned of the faith from the friars and attended mass at  the Franciscan church close to home. When he was no more than fifteen he decided that the way of  St. Francis was for him. He was given the name Pamfilo  when he pronounced his solemn vows on July 5, 1839. During his scholastic years he gained praise for his love of knowledge and solid piety. For that reason, once he had reached the goal of the priesthood on December 18, 1846, and finished his theological course, he was appointed to teach Philosophy and later Theology. After being called back to Rome in 1852, he was appointed lector in the Irish college of St. Isidore. It was during his three years at St. Isidore that he became fluent in the use of the English language.   

    Throughout his life he strived to live as St. Francis did.  He wanted to spread his knowledge and faith to others, this drove him to come to the United States to set up a monastery and school.  On May 5, 1855 Fr. Pamfilo  and three other friars met with Pope Pius IX and received his blessing as they embarked on their missionary journey.  The Friars had been promised two hundred acres and 5000 dollars so that a house for the religious could be conveniently and properly erected. They received this from a wealthy and illustrious citizen of Utica, New York by the name of Nicholas Devereux. 

    Finally, on April 20, 1856, the cornerstone of the first building that was to be St. Bonaventure University was laid. It was not until February 1, 1859 that St. Bonaventure was formally opened to students. On March 1,1861, Fr. Pamfilo went to the Diocese of Buffalo to establish a Custody of Order, and in April of that year the Minister General named Fr. Pamfilo Custos of the Province. Throughout its first years Fr. Pamfilo  guided the seminarians and students of the college in worship and study.  In 1864 Fr. Pamfilo relinquished the post of Guardian of the Franciscan Community. Up to this time he had held these positions : Custos of the province, President of the college and seminary, guardian of the religious community, and pastor of the parish churches in Allegany and Olean. In 1867 Fr. Pamfilo  left the US to return to Rome and the college and seminary were left in charge of  Fr. Diomede Falconio. 

For more information about Fr. Pamfilo visit here.

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Biographical Data

NAME: MAGLIANO, PAMFILO DA (FR) (O.S.F)

BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED WHILE PRESIDENT: COLLEGE BUILDING, ACADEMY BUILDING AND A MONASTERY 1856-08-20 LAID CORNERSTONE OF FIRST BUILDING AT ST. BONAVENTURE\1858-10-04 DEDICATED FIRST BUILDING

Bibliography

St. Bonaventure University Archives Presidents Files

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This page was created by Kevin Lawless as part of an internship during the Fall 2004 semester.  Any changes, other than minor editing, are noted at the bottom of the page.

Created 08/30/04 by Kevin Lawless
Last updated:  02/27/08