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REV. FRANCIS JOSEPH "FRANK" MONTALBANO OMI

1922 - 2019

BORN

1922

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Angelus Funeral Home - San Antonio

1119 N Saint Marys

San Antonio, Texas

FRANCIS MONTALBANO Obituary

Name: Vigil for REV. FRANCIS JOSEPH "FRANK" MONTALBANO OMI
Start: 2020-01-03T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Immaculate Conception Chapel

Rev. Francis "Frank" Joseph Montalbano, OMI, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 31, 1922 and died in San Antonio, Texas on December 24, 2019 at the age of 97 years. Fr. Montalbano entered St. Peter's Novitiate on June 28, 1940, in Mission, Texas and professed vows as a member of the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate on June 29, 1941. Fr. Montalbano completed his studies in philosophy and theology in San Antonio, Texas. He was ordained to the priesthood on February 24, 1947, at St. Mary's Church in San Antonio, by Archbishop Robert E. Lucey, DD. Fr. Montalbano's degrees in Theology were from Gregorian University (1948) and Scripture degree from Pontifical Biblical Institute (1950) both in Rome. He had a great love bringing Scripture, "the soul of theology" to future priests and laity. He also loved teaching the New Testament Scriptures as well as Johannine studies and Pauline Letters at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans when he was also assigned as Associate Rector at St. Louis of France Cathedral, New Orleans. He continued his teaching at Notre Dame Seminary and in 2000, Fr. Montalbano was bestowed the Papal Honor of Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice by Pope John Paul II. A well-deserved honor and recognition for a great scholar's service to God and neighbor. In 2010, he received Honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. In his own words written in 2002, "It has been a special gift of God to enable me to bring His word to seminarians for 46 years; 29 yrs. in San Antonio, and 17 in New Orleans. Full time pastoral ministry includes Midland, Texas; Dallas; Aurora, Colorado; and New Orleans." He continued his teaching ministry in New Orleans until 2005. In 2005 he was assigned to Madonna Residence in San Antonio, Texas. Fr. Montalbano celebrated his 70th Anniversary of Ordination in 2017.His assignments were many and he was regarded with esteem for his knowledge in Scripture. His prayer was that all priests be gentle, ardent and courageous ministers of the Sacred, men of joy in priestly service like Christ, the Eternal high priest, and "that we be men of joy when celebrating the Eucharist – not performers on stage – but serving you (God) at two tables – the table of the word and sacrament." (Montalbano) He is survived by a brother, John Montalbano and a sister, Theresa Thumfort, and numerous nieces and nephews. FUNERAL SERVICES Funeral services will be held at Immaculate Conception Chapel at 285 Oblate Drive, San Antonio, Texas. A Vigil/Rosary will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2020 at 7:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, January 3, 2020 at 10:00 AM.

He will be buried at the Oblate cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. MEMORIAL

CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Oblate Madonna Residence, 5722 Blanco Road, San Antonio, Texas 78216.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Express-News on Dec. 31, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for FRANCIS MONTALBANO

Sponsored by Angelus Funeral Home - San Antonio.

13 Entries

Caroline Moffitt

May 1, 2022

I met Fr. Montalbano many years ago when he was at Mary Immaculate Catholic church in Farmers Branch, Texas. I asked him to be my spiritual director. I had been looking for so long and was about to give up when I met him. He always listened so intently and was very kind and patient with me. Regardless of what I was going through in my spiritual life or my marriage, he would forever lift me up and never, ever put me down.
He shared with me a wonderful experience that he had with Our Lord one day in prayer. He said he felt Jesus hugging him, Jesus hugged him so tightly that he said he could hardly breath. He told me that Jesus loves us all so much that he holds on to us sometimes too tightly. I wish I could express myself better. Fr. Frank was an amazing priest and shepherd for God's children, but more than that he was an enlightened and very special soul. I feel extremely blessed for having known him. Please pray for me and my family Father and give a great big hug to Jesus for me.

Mike Bendich

February 8, 2020

Fr Frank - You and Fr "V" Liberto at St Mary's Italian in the French Quarter were instrumental in my development into the content, spiritual man I am today. As one of your Altar Boys, you always made each of us feel special and purposeful. Thank you for being a wonderful Priest and man of God. You are now singing with the Saints for an eternity. God bless your soul.

Janet Gallardo

January 15, 2020

Father, you will always have a place in my heart. I've missed our walks, talks, and your prayers. I know now, that you are my guardian angel. Love always and forever.

William Chin

January 4, 2020

Fr. Frank, you have been a great friend, mentor, and an inspiration of faith and devotion to duty to me during your tenure at St Louis Cathedral Church in New Orleans. It was your devoutness to the Lord that inspired me to become a Catholic via RICA 17 years ago. I consider you a priest's priest. I have never encounter another priest like you before, and I do not expect to encounter a priest like you again in the future. I learned so much from you about Catholicism through your homilies, our talks when I was sacristan during the time you were at the Cathedral, and just by being around you. I was saddened by your passing, but I also find solace in knowing that you are now in the God's company and see Him as He is. May God bless you Fr. Frank, I will remember you always.

Madeline Petri

January 3, 2020

Father Frank was a priest at Mount Sacred Heart school when I was a student there. I am happy to say that I was lucky enough to altar serve during his masses, and enjoyed talking with him. His homilies were heartfelt and I always liked listening to them. I am so sad to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful person that was greatly loved and will be missed. My deepest condolences to his family and close friends.

Priscilla Mahaffey

January 2, 2020

Fr Montalbano was a blessing to the community at Mary Immaculate Parish, Diocese of Dallas,Tx. He taught the Scriptures with great love and love for Jesus and his church. He will always have a special place in our hearts- may he rest in peace.

Janice Delaune

January 2, 2020

I love you father Frank. Thank you for always helping me help the homeless . I will always remember and treasure the times we spend together . RIP Love Janice and Keith ❤

John Kelleher

January 1, 2020

Father Montz was a dear friend to our family while at Mary Immaculate in Farmers Branch. His powerful sermons, sense of humor, generosity, and deep faith were a gift Ill always treasure.

He Loved Pope John=Od

Susan Montalbano Martiny

January 1, 2020

I Love You Father Frank, I will Cherish our Memories Forever, Love Susie

Angie Johnson

January 1, 2020

I loved Father Montalbano. We exchanged Christmas letters for years.
He was a priest who loved being a priest, and shared that love with all of us at Mary Immaculate in Farmers Branch, Texas.

Pablo Bustamante

January 1, 2020

Father Montalbano was so very religiously intelligent, his homilies were so deep yet simple and notable. He lived a beautiful holy life. My condolences to the Montalbano family and the Oblate family.

Anna-Laura Petri

December 29, 2019

Our deepest condolences to the Montalbano family on the loss of Father Frank. He was very beloved and will be missed.
Anna-Laura Petri

suzanne wahline

December 28, 2019

thank you dear Father Frank for being such a loving lifting up priest. you were with me during rough times and good times you will be missed

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