Friar Juniper Cummings, OFM Conv., died Friday, May 26, 2017, in Shakopee, MN. He was born Francis Leonard on September 4, 1924, in Louisville, KY, to Francis and Wilhelmina (Krimm) Cummings. He is pre-deceased by his parents, his brothers, Albert and Frank, and his sister, Mary Frances (Jones.) He is survived by his niece, Jane Gray of Henderson, KY, his nephew, Danny Jones of Louisville, KY, and his cousin, Cathy Targonski of Bardstown, KY, and countless cousins and dear friends.
He attended minor seminary at Mount St. Francis, Indiana, and entered the Conventual Franciscan Order in 1944. He professed Simple Vows on July 15, 1945, and Solemn Vows on October 4, 1948, at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy. He was ordained a Priest on October 15, 1950, at the Church of Cordeliers, Fribourg, Switzerland.
Fr. Juniper was a gifted teacher, administrator, and spiritual director, whose leadership skills combined with a commitment to bringing people closer to God and one another, always in a spirit of Franciscan joy. He served the Conventual Franciscan Order in the US, Europe, and Africa.
Visitation will take place Tuesday at 5:30 pm with Mass of the Resurrection to follow at 6:30 pm at Franciscan Retreats & Spirituality Center, 16385 St. Francis Lane, Prior Lake, MN 55372
Memorial gifts to the Conventual Franciscan Friars may be sent to The Province of Our Lady of Consolation, Development Office, 103 St. Anthony Dr., Mount St. Francis, IN 47146. For more information and photos celebrating Fr. Juniper’s life, please visit the Province website: franciscansUSA.org
Funeral arrangements by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, Prior Lake.
