Francis Xavier Lasance
Francis Xavier Lasance was an American priest and writer of Roman Catholic devotional works.
Early years
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was the son of Augustine and Philamena Lasance. He was educated at St. Mary's School and St. Xavier College (Cincinnati) and St. Meinrad Archabbey, and was ordained by the Most Reverend William Henry Elder, Archbishop of Cincinnati, on May 24, 1883.Parish work
During the next seven years, Lasance served as curate in various parishes in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati including churches in Kenton, Reading, Dayton, Lebanon, and Monroe, Ohio. He also served as chaplain at Our Lady's Summit, in East Walnut Hills, in Cincinnati. Ill health forced him to relinquish parish work in 1890; from then on, he lived a "retired, semi-invalid existence" at St. Francis Hospital, Cincinnati, writing various books on spiritual subjects and serving as spiritual director of the Tabernacle Society.Writings
He wrote thirty-nine volumes, including:Thoughts on the Religious Life My Prayer Book Reflections for Religious Our Lady Book The New Roman Missal Patience: Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Suffering Kindness, The Bloom of Charity, Thoughts on Fraternal Charity The Catholic Girl's GuideManna of the SoulVisits to Jesus in the Tabernacle, Hours and Half-hours of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament Road to HappinessWith Saints and SagesThe Young Man's GuideLet Us PrayCome Holy Spirit: Prayer Book for ReligiousLift Up Your HeartsBlessed Sacrament BookMy God and My AllHoly Souls BookSacred Heart BookLittle Manual of St. AnthonyRejoice in the LordThe Prisoner of LoveWith God Sweet Sacrament, We Thee AdoreEmmanuelHoliness and HappinessNovenas and Devotions in Honor of the Holy GhostSelf-ConquestRememberLet Us Go to JesusManual of the Holy Eucharist: Conferences on the Blessed Sacrament and Eucharistic DevotionsMass Devotions and Readings on the MassPeace, Not as the World GivesPious Preparation for First Holy Communion: With a Retreat of Three DaysPrayer Book for ReligiousSermons on the Blessed Sacrament: and Especially for the Forty Hours' AdorationShort Visits to the Blessed SacramentHe also compiled and edited the Blessed Sacrament Book.
His works were translated into numerous languages. In total, his texts were published in the millions. He refused all compensation for his work and asked that any profits be donated to charity or toward providing his works free of charge to those unable to purchase them. For his devotional works, he was given a special blessing by Pope Pius XI on May 10, 1927.
A number of Lasance's writings have been reprinted and are currently available from various traditionalist Catholic publishers, including My Prayer Book, Manna of the Soul, Blessed Sacrament Book, and The New Roman Missal, which at present is one of the most popular hand missals favored by American traditionalist Catholics.