Ministry Then & Now
Then: +Friar Leon Krop (Kropiewnicki) OFM Conv. 1933 - 1986
Life as a missionary always intrigued Leon, especially hearing stories from visiting Franciscans who preached many parish missions. Inspired to join the Franciscans, Leon was welcomed into the novitiate in 1951. He professed simple vows a year later and then pursued studies in preparation for his ordination in 1960.
After ordination, Fr. Leon served briefly in the parochial apostolate as an assistant at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Bridgeport CT and then at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Athol Springs (south Buffalo). In this assignment he also taught part-time at St. Francis High School which was just across the street. And, for the next 25 years, Fr. Leon devoted his ministry to the education apostolate. In 1976, Fr. Leon was appointed principal of Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore. From 1979 to 1985, he was a member of the Province Definitory and was also appointed principal of St. Francis High School in Athol Springs.
St. Francis High School was founded under the leadership of the Very Rev. Justin Figas OFM Conv., also known for his radio ministry.
December 15, 1986, Fr. Leon’s earthly life came to an end. He was 54 years old, in the 35th year of his religious profession, and 27th year of his ordination.
Now: Friar Matt Foley OFM Conv.
Today, many friars continue to minister in education including Friar Matt Foley. Friar Matt served as the principal of St. Francis High School and is now the school’s President.
‘Franciscan friar, priest, high school president and teacher. I love my life and my ministry. I’d do it for free, wait I do…’
Friar Matt professed vows in 2004 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2009. He served 10 years at Archbishop Curley High School as a teacher and Campus Minister. Friar Matt then began serving at St. Francis High School as an instructor and Director of Campus Ministry. Later he was named principal and in 2022 welcomed as the new president.
Recently, September 25, 2025, St. Bonaventure University welcomed Friar Matt to its Board of Trustees.
“A Franciscan education forever changes a life,” said Fr. Matt. “Any school makes you smarter, but the relationships that are formed between brothers in the classroom or on the athletic field at a school like St. Francis, reflect the spirit of the friars.” [From ‘The Impact of a Franciscan Education’ The St. Anthony Companion, Feb. 18, 2025]
