Fr. Irenaeus Herscher, O.F.M.

1902-1981

St. Bonaventure University

Reflections

“A scholar librarian deeply interested in the university.”

Dr. Edward K. Eckert

Eckert, who has taught at St. Bonaventure since 1971, is a well known professor here on campus. He is currently writing a book on the history of St. Bonaventure University, where he is doing much research in the files of Fr. Irenaeus. Eckert first met Fr. Irenaeus as an incoming freshman, here at Bona’s, in 1961.

Eckert describes Fr. Irenaeus as a “mine of information,” apparent in his strong interests in the university and the Franciscan Order. Eckert’s first meeting with Irenaeus was a tour of Friedsam Library and the rare book vault. Any chance Fr. Irenaeus had to show off his collections and pass on his knowledge was immediately apparent to Eckert. When talking about his personality, Eckert says that Fr. Irenaeus, “was always happy to take the time to share his knowledge about Bonaventure to others.” Eckert describes his work ethic as scrupulous; an affirmation in hard work, focus, and achievement.

Fr. Dan Riley, O.F.M.

Fr. Dan is a well-known figure in the Bonaventure Community. He works out of the University Ministries Building here on campus.  Irenaeus was the first Friar that Fr. Dan met on campus in his college interview here at Bona’s in the summer of 1959.  Fr. Dan’s unhesitant description of Irenaeus was a “very, very helpful man, very generous with his time, always very warm and hospitable in the library, and obviously a very prayerful friar.” 

Fr. Dan remembers the demeanor of Irenaeus as tall and trim, with twinkling blue eyes and whitish-gray hair, moving quickly about with a great sense of direction.  And indeed he had one, not only for the University, but for Friedsam Library as well.  With the presence of Irenaeus, Fr. Dan remembers the library as a “very personal place, he made it feel like a home, with a very real atmosphere of a Franciscan setting.”

Fr. Dan remembers Irenaeus’ interests as being in his rare book and Bible collection, and a special interest in coincidences. Fr. Dan said, “He would be delighted to know that ours (coincidence) is Mt. Irenaeus, which we named after him, the first friary to exist so close to Bona’s.” Fr Dan also characterizes him for his generous work as a chaplain to the elderly at St. Joseph’s Manor.  Fr. Dan on the legend of Irenaeus: “In fact some people feel that he actually helped heal some people, that he prayed over them and they got better.”

Both of these references were quick to say that Fr. Irenaeus was very intelligible, and very willing to share his knowledge. Through his hard work and his efforts in the community, he contributed greatly to the feeling and character of St. Bonaventure University.

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Last updated:  01/26/04

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