St. Anthony Messenger Press and Franciscan Communications mourns the passing of our beloved editor and co-worker, Father Norman Perry, O.F.M., on March 1, 1999. Father Norman was a national leader in the Catholic Press during his 33 years of service at St. Anthony Messenger.

In May of 1997 Father Norman received the highest award of the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada, the St. Francis de Sales Award for lifetime achievement.

Here are some highlights from the judges’ comments: "In an era of polarization and name-calling among Catholics, Father Norman has been a powerful voice for thoughtfulness, fairness and reason," said the Catholic Press Association. During his [then] 31 years with St. Anthony Messenger, the past 16 as its editor, he has "never been one to sing his own praises," but is usually quietly present in meetings and Catholic Press Association gatherings, listening diligently, considering the facts carefully and offering wisdom. "Perhaps his most inspiring witness, though, is the simplicity with which he has embraced the Franciscan life-style. For his remarkable dedication to a ministry of compassion and presence and dedication to the Catholic Press," he is given the St. Francis de Sales Award.

His anonymous monthly column, "Ask the Wise Man," was awarded repeatedly and was the first stop for a large percentage of St Anthony Messenger’s 350,000 subscribers. That column, over 100 years old, was in his care since 1966. It will now be taken up by other unnamed friars.

A Short Biography of Father Norman

Funeral Arrangements