Fr. Irenaeus Herscher, O.F.M.

1902-1981

St. Bonaventure University

 Seneca oil spring, Cuba, NY, and 

Father de la Roche

Fr. Joseph de la Roche D'Aillon, a missionary, was reported to be the first European and Franciscan to discover oil in North America in 1627. The location was in present-day Cuba, NY, a mere 20 miles from St. Bonaventure University. One could only imagine the excitement Fr. Irenaeus felt over this matter, being a huge Franciscan First enthusiast.

In 1934, the new Arts and Sciences building at St. Bonaventure was dedicated to Fr. de la Roche. Irenaeus had come to Bona's in 1934, and immediately took an interest in the history of petroleum and the story of Fr. de la Roche.

More recent study casts doubts on this tale but it is an interesting part of local lore and St. Bonaventure's story.

Here Fr. Irenaeus is recreating the discovery of oil with Seneca Indian Chief, Chief Soubarissen.

Fr. Irenaeus also founded the first Petroleum Sunday on April 24, 1949 at St. Bonaventure University. It was held on the fourth Sunday in April, in accordance with the time that Fr. de la Roche set sail from France to the New World, April 24, 1625. It was then that the Bonaventure community celebrated the discovery of oil and the prosperity and success of the petroleum industry with the Seneca Indians, and local businessmen involved with petroleum.

home

Last updated:  01/26/04

Home     Biography      Family Background      The Librarian    The Franciscan Life  

Bible Week      Oil, and Cuba, NY      Mt. Irenaeus    Reflections     References

    Irenaeus Herscher Collection   Archives Index page    SBU Homepage