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April 29, 2019
Father Kenan Bernard Osborne, OFM, whose ministry of more than 60 years was devoted to higher theological education and writing, died peacefully in Santa Barbara on April 19.
Born on May 29, 1930, in Santa Barbara and raised there, Father Osborne was invested in the Franciscan order in 1947 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1955 at Old Mission Santa Barbara. After earning his doctorate in 1967 from Ludwig-Maximilians Universitat, Munich, Germany, he served the Franciscan School of Theology at the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, for more than 40 years
A popular professor, dean and president, Father Osborne was also an intellectual leader in the worldwide Franciscan order. He is the author, or co-author of more than 20 books and numerous scholarly articles. Throughout his career he was a highly sought-after speaker and lecturer on current theological and pastoral issues in the Vatican II renewal tradition.
Ever a lifelong learner, in his later years he engaged in Asian theological studies and perspectives with great enthusiasm. He was a frequent visiting professor to China and other Asian nations over the past 20 years.
A vigil prayer service was held April 26 at the Serra Chapel of the Old Mission, followed by Mass April 27 in the Mission church and interment with his friar brothers in the Mission mausoleum.
Donations in memory of Father Osborne may be made to the Kenan Osborne Endowed Chair of Franciscan Theology at the Franciscan School of Theology, Old Mission San Luis Rey, 4050 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA 92057.