Rev. Frank M. Papa, CRSP, 84, of the Barnabite Fathers at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Niagara Hospice House. Born in Tocco Caudio, Benevento, Italy, he was the beloved son of the late Giuseppe and Filomena (Saccomanno) Papa. Fr. Frank is survived by his dear siblings, Antonino Papa and Maria Papa, as well as many nieces, nephews, confreres,and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Isabella Papa, and his brother, Fernando Papa and his priest uncles who inspired his vocation, Fr. Antonino Saccomanno, Barnabite, and Dom Augustino Saccomanno, Benedictine monk of Monte Cassino.
Fr. Frank studied theology at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome, St. John Vianney Seminary in East Aurora, NY and received his Licentiate in Sacred Theology in 1967 from the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. He was also a certified Hospital Chaplain.
He first entered the Barnabites at their minor seminary in Arpino in 1951 making his solemn Profession in 1962 at San Felice a Cancello and ordained a priest by Bishop Pius Benincasa at St. Joseph Cathedral Buffalo, NY on May 21, 1966. Father served as Chaplain at Sister’s Hospital in Buffalo from 1966-1971 when he was transferred to Fatima Shrine as Director of Students (Seminarians) and Youth Ministry. From 1977 to 1982 Fr. Papa was pastor at Assumption Parish, Elfrida, Ontario. Father was then transferred to Bethlehem, PA (1982-1986) again working in formation of seminarians and teaching religion at Bethlehem Catholic High School, returning to Western NY in 1986 as a Co-Director of Fatima Shrine and Novice Master for three years before beginning a whole new ministry. He also served as Pastor of Holy Family Parish on the Tuscarora Nation from 1987-1989, overseeing the construction of its current church.
In 1989 Fr. Frank was tasked by the Barnabite Superior General to be the Founder of the Barnabite Community in the Philippines. He would spend almost 8 years there recruiting the first Barnabite Seminarians, building the Motherhouse Seminary in Marikina Heights, Metro Manila and forming the first Barnabites there who today are the core of the English Speaking Province.
Having done the ask so well the General called again. In 2007 Fr. Frank Papa began the Barnabite adventure in India. He remained there until 2010 setting in motion the foundation that hosts a seminary, an orphanage and soon to be opened family living center. After spending some time assisting in the Philippines and the North American Province Fr. Papa was elected in 2012 to the Order’s General Council in Rome and named Vicar General. At the conclusion of his mandate he again came to the Shrine in 2019 serving as Associate Director until his passing. Father has been chaplain to many movements and groups including Cursillo, Knights of Columbus, Engaged Encounter, and Cerebral Palsy Foundation. He has at various time been a Master of Novices, Formation Director, Superior, Provincial Chancellor, Treasurer, and Counsellor.
The list of places and jobs do not do his priesthood justice. Father was a tireless worker expending his energy for love of his Order and the People of God. He was at home in the pulpit, in, the confessional, the hospital, on a ladder with a hammer or paintbrush, as well as the altar and the chapel. Diligent in prayer and reading, he loved to help people understand God’s love and apply the Faith directly and simply to their lives. He enjoyed engaging people in conversation and inevitably drawing them toward collaborating in the mission. He will be missed by confreres and faithful alike.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 15 from 1–9 PM in Fatima Hall at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, 1023 Swann Road, Lewiston, NY. Visitation will continue Wednesday, July 16 in the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima from 9–11:15 AM, followed by Rev. Frank’s Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM. Interment will follow at Barnabite Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Fr. Frank’s memory may be honored through offerings to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima (fatimashrine.com) or the Barnabite Mission (barnabites.com/mission).
Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road Niagara Falls, NY. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
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Visitation
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Fatima Hall at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
1023 Swann Road
Lewiston, NY 14092
Get Directions on Google Maps
Visitation
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
9:00 AM – 11:15 AM
National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
1023 Swann Road
Lewiston, NY 14092
Get Directions on Google Maps
Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
11:30 AM
National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
1023 Swann Road
Lewiston, NY 14092
Get Directions on Google Maps
