Rev. Raphael D. Bonanno O.F.M.
Rev. Raphael D. Bonanno O.F.M., of Saint Anthony Shrine, Boston, formerly of Waltham, December 15, 2017.
Beloved son of the late Anthony J. and Carmela J. (Codina) Bonanno. Loving brother of Anthony P. and his wife Geraldine Bonnano of Waltham and Sandra M. and her husband William Wolfe of Mechanicsburg, PA. Fr. Raphael is survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and the Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province.
Visiting hours Monday December 18 in the First Floor Church at Saint Anthony Shrine, 100 Arch Street, Boston from 3:00-7:00 pm with a Wake Service at 5:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Second Floor Church at Saint Anthony Shrine, Tuesday December 19 at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury.
Guestbook Entries
Fr. Rafe, the leader of so many pilgrims to the Holy Land, enriched many souls of those seeking to deepen their lives in Christ by walking where Jesus lived; by visiting the places where his life is remembered. Rest in Peace dear friend and visit us with your Spirit from the “other side” to help us continue on our journeys to become one with him on this side. Thank you for your presence in my life. You witnessed my vow to become a nonviolent disciple. Give me the courage to continue on the Way. Blessings of love and peace on all your brothers and sisters for the living of these days. Sincerely your sister in Christ, Alice Kast
I knew father Raphael in Goiás in Ceres,
he was a very friendly frien
I laked him very good
God have him in heaven
Requiescat in pacem
Pax et Bonum!
I metFather Raphael 20 years ago when he came to my bedside and annointed me I had been very sick for almost a year unable to get out of bed until he came His Hands of Christ healed me he brought the Holy Spirit to me and I walked again to do God’s work I will always be eternally grateful to Father Raphael and I will miss him so much fly with the angels father you Were My Angel on Earth
Rest in peace Father.
We found Father Bonanno, or rather he found us in our parish church, St Anthony’s, in Jaffa in the early ’80s. At the time we were teachers at the American School in Israel. I, Bob, became his catechumen and was welcomed into his church at his monastic residence in Emmaus for a baptism/confirmation meal. My wife, who has been a Catholic for all of her 74 years, and I deeply admired his compassion, intellect, and good humor. After all this time we consider him to be a guiding light in our lives. Shalom. Bob Braman & Elaine Trudeau
Fr Rafe was a living saint in our lives. We became acquainted in Israel 1983-1986. He said Mass at the American International School in Herziliya for our small Catholic community. Our first spiritual director. Many great memories. Always a sense of humor enveloped in love & spirituality. Kept in touch through the years. Joined his pilgrimage to Italy about ten years ago; focused on the life of Saint Francis. Did our first retreat at Emmaus for couples, “Love is a decision” .. new concept for young couple who thought it was all about romance. Kept mentoring us through several decades. Thank you, Lord, for Father Rafe. We love you, Father. Please continue to look out for us in your new abode. Steve, Carol, Carrie, & Nelson Ham in Virginia.
Fr Rafe married Judith and I in Rome, Italy on December 14, 1993. Fr Rafe got flowers, candles, professional photographers to take pictures of our wedding and made video. Fr Rafe also set up private audience with Pope John Paul II on December 15,1993. We celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary this December, and we will miss Fr Rafe as we celebrate our 25th! We could not thank Fr Rafe enough for all has done for us. We love Fr Rafe and we miss him! We know he is enjoying God’s rewards in heaven now. 🙏🏻💗
I knew Father Raphael in the prenovitiate of the Order Of. Friars Minor. He had a gentle way about him. He touched my soul deeply. Go bless him in Heaven. Please pray for me.
I just learned of Father’s death. I knew Father Ray as a retreat master down here at the Malvern Retreat House in the Philadelphia area. He was a good man who truly lived the Gospels. May he rest in peace.