In Loving Memory
+Friar Peter Damian Massengill, OFM Conv.

Friar Peter Damian Massengill, OFM Conv., 76, died at Mesilla Valley Hospice in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on June 14, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martha Lee Bauer Massengill and Herbert Massengill, as well as a brother, Douglas Craig Massengill. 

Michael Massengill was born in Louisville, KY, on November 18, 1948. Upon his entry to the Conventual Franciscan Order in 1967, he took the name Peter Damian. Friar Peter Damian completed his novitiate at St. Anthony Novitiate in Auburn, IN, where his profession of first vows took place on July 15, 1968. He professed solemn vows on September 9, 1972; he was ordained to the priesthood on May 8, 1976. 

Friar Peter Damian served as an Associate Pastor at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Grand Rapids, MI, from 1976 to 1979. In 1979, he was appointed Guardian and Retreat Director at Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center in Prior Lake, MN. From 1985 to 1989, he served as Guardian and Pastor of St. Paul Catholic Church in Louisville, KY. 

In 1989, the Minister General of the Franciscan Order, friar Lanfranco Serrini, OFM Conv., appointed friar Peter Damian as the first General Delegate to organize and lead the Office of Justice, Peace and Safeguarding Creation. Friar Peter Damian opened this office in Assisi, Italy, in January of 1990. He coordinated the work of this office within 72 Conventual Franciscan jurisdictions located in 55 different countries and collaborated with other parts of the Franciscan Family in the areas of peace, justice, and safeguarding creation. In addition, friar Peter Damian worked closely with governments and international organizations to develop initiatives for peace and reconciliation. He also worked with the non-governmental organization of Franciscans at the United Nations, Franciscans International. 

In 1997, he returned to the United States and served as Guardian, pastor, and rector of the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, OH. In 2001, he was elected Minister Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation. In 2007, he was asked by the Franciscan Conventual Minister General, friar Marco Tasca, OFM Conv., to serve as Guardian of the Friary of the Twelve Apostles, which serves as the headquarters of the Conventual Franciscan Friars in Rome. He held this position until 2013, when he was elected Custos of the Conventual Custody of Great Britain and Ireland. 

In 2017, friar Peter Damian was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and returned to the United States, where he served as Guardian of Holy Cross Friary in Mesilla Park, NM. 

He had a passion for the liturgy and the liturgical music of the Roman Catholic Church and a deep appreciation for the international character of the Conventual Franciscan Order, but he never lost his connection to the friars of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation. 

Memorial gifts may be made using the form on this page or mailed to the Province of Our Lady of Consolation, Office of Mission Advancement, 103 St. Francis Blvd., Mount Saint Francis, Indiana 47146. Memorial donations will support the renovation of the Chapel at Mount Saint Francis.

FUNERAL / MEMORIAL MASS ARRANGEMENTS

Christian Wake Service – Las Cruces, New Mexico
Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Chapel at Holy Cross Retreat Center
Mesilla Park, NM
Presider: Friar Valentine Jankowski, OFM Conv.
Reception to follow in the HCRC Dining Room

Rosary – Las Cruces, New Mexico
Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Chapel at Holy Cross Retreat Center
Led by Friar Joseph Bach, OFM Conv.

Funeral Memorial Mass – Las Cruces, New Mexico
Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
Presider: Friar Phil Ley, OFM Conv., Vicar Provincial
Reception to follow in the HCRC Dining Room

Christian Wake Service – Mount St. Francis, Indiana
Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Chapel at Mount St. Francis, Indiana

Mass of Christian Burial – Mount St. Francis, Indiana
Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Chapel at Mount St. Francis, Indiana
Luncheon to follow