November 13, 2014 Bethel Park PA

Fr. Francis W. Wright, CSSp. of Bethel Park, a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, died peacefully November 12, 2014.  He was 92 years old.

Father Wright was born July 24, 1922 in Floral Park NY.  He professed his vows as a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit on July 16, 1944 at Holy Ghost Novitiate in Ridgefield, CT and was ordained to the Priesthood June 3, 1949 at St. Mary’s Seminary, Ferndale, in Norwalk CT.

During his 65 years of priestly ministry Fr. Wright served the Congregation as Assistant Vocation Director (1950-1955), Director of the Holy Spirit Fathers Apostolic College, Bensalem PA (1955-1960), Vocation Director (1960-1964) and Mission Procurator (1964-1973). In 1973 Fr. Wright was named National Director of Holy Childhood Association in Pittsburgh PA.  He moved the headquarters to Washington DC in 1981 and held the role of National Director for twenty-eight years. Upon his departure from the Holy Childhood Association, Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, former president of the U.S. Conference stated: “Father Francis Wright has shown untiring service in his efforts of educating children of the importance of missions of the world. A key step toward achieving world peace in the future is educating youngsters now about their peers in developing nations.  Through the Holy Childhood, Father Wright has worked toward this noble goal.  The bishops of the United States are grateful to him and to his religious order for this dedicated service.”

In 2001 in recognition of his outreach to youth, Fr. Wright received the Papal Award, Cross Pro Eccelsiae et Pontifice, for his many years of dedicated service to the Association.  From 2001 until he retired to Libermann Hall, Bethel Park in 2013, Fr. Wright helped with ministry in parishes of St. Matthew, Forestville CT, St. Patrick, Bay Shore NJ, Holy Family, Hicksville, NY, and Our Lady of Guadalupe, Brooklyn NY.

Viewing will take place in the Chapel at the Spiritan Center, 6230 Brush Run Road, Bethel Park on Monday, November 17, 3:00-5:00 PM.   There will also be a viewing in the Chapel at Holy Ghost Prep School, Bensalem on Saturday, November 22 from 9:00-10.45 AM with Mass at 11:00 and burial in the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers Cemetery.

Messages of condolence may be sent to Father’s nephew, Michael Juda, 4 Horseshoe Circle, Simsbury CT 06050.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in God’s eternal peace!