Francis J. Parater

(October 10, 1897, – February 7, 1920) 

Francis J. Parater is Servant of God, a seminarian who died at the age of twenty-two while studying in Rome at the North American College. 

Frank joined the Boy Scouts, eventually earning the rank of Eagle Scout. 

Discerning a call to religious life, he first thought about joining the order that educated him, the Benedictines. Later, he opted for the diocesan priesthood and was sent to the “Eternal City” for studies. 

He was only in Rome for a few months before he became ill with rheumatic fever. He died with the last sacraments and with great piety and joy just eleven days after being admitted to the hospital.