Harvard-educated friar stays busy as a writer at 90
Author: Teresa Peterson
Date Published: April 29, 2026
His dad quit school after 7th grade, but that didn't stop Br. Joseph Zimmerman, OFM, from earning a Ph.D. from one of the most prestigious universities in the country.
“Neither of my parents went to high school, and I think that as a result of that, I didn't get coaching in what you might call scholarship,” said Br. Joe.
The friars saw his potential for academia and nurtured that in a big way. Shortly after his ordination in 1962, he was asked to further his studies so he could become a college professor. At the suggestion of Quincy University’s president at the time, he applied at Harvard to study sociology – and he made it into the program.
“I hit it at just the right time when they were looking for more diversity in their admitting for students. And here I am, a Catholic priest, and they must have thought my grades were OK,” said Br. Joe in a soft-spoken, humble manner.
He graduated from Harvard in 1970 with a doctorate in sociology and taught at Quincy, a Franciscan college in Quincy, Illinois, for 38 years, including five years in administration.
Br. Joe Zimmerman, OFM, is in the top right corner of this photo taken after his ordination on June 13, 1962. In the center, is the late Bishop Ambrose Pinger, OFM, a Chinese missionary who had spent five years in a Chinese Communist prison. (Photo from Br. Joe)
His first encounter with a Franciscan
Although both of his parents were Secular Franciscans, the first time Br. Joe met a Franciscan friar was during the sixth grade. He was an altar server when friars visited to celebrate Mass. It left a lasting impression.
“I asked one of them what I had to do to become a Franciscan and he sent me a letter with a little booklet, and I decided, this sounds good,” said Br. Joe.
After attending a high school seminary, he professed first vows in 1956 at the age of 20. That was 70 years ago.
Br. Joe congratulates a student after a Qunicy University graduation. He taught sociology at the school for 38 years. (Photo from Br. Joe)
A book and a blog
At 90, the pace of life has slowed down quite a bit for Br. Joe. His focus now is on writing.
“As long as God gives me my mind and the ability to think and share my thinking, I plan to keep doing what I can to live the gospel, and not take my efforts too seriously,” he shared with his gentle humor.
In 2023, he published a book about the legacy Sacred Heart Province that was headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, before joining other provinces around the U.S. to unite as the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
“Cura Animarum: The Sacred Heart Province of the Order of Friars Minor in North America: 1858–2023,” details how Franciscan friars shaped Catholicism in the United States and responded to cultural trends.
Back then, over 700 friars served at parishes, schools and Native American reservations around the Midwest and beyond, bringing the spirit of St. Francis to others.
Br. Joe is ready for cake while attending a birthday party for his 60th birthday. (Photo from Br. Joe)
During his years of active ministry, Br. Joe strengthened marriages through his involvement with Marriage Encounter. In the 1990s, he researched the Black community’s experience of the Catholic faith.
“I wanted to make the Catholic community more aware of what the Catholic black community has to offer the Church at large. They have wonderful spirituality and liturgy. It's a contribution that would really enrich the Church,” said Br. Joe.
For about 20 years, he participated in an interracial study group that met weekly.
“We talked about all kinds of things. I learned a lot there. You need face-to-face contact to overcome prejudice and discrimination,” said Br. Joe.
Keeping up with current events
In 2011, at the age of 75, Br. Joe created a website and started blogging. At 90, he continues to publish reflections on spirituality, politics and current events. He estimates that he has “about 400 little essays” there.
“What I'm doing now is rereading them and trying to get them into categories because there might be a half a dozen decent ideas in all of that and I would like to share those,” said Br. Joe.
As a sociology professor and a Franciscan, Br. Joe is passionate about social justice, equality and human dignity.
“I do what I can” has been the spirit of his collaboration with many people of many faiths, and no faith.
Although some shy away from discussing politics, he enjoys conversations on the topic. He tries to stay informed and encourages others to do the same.
“I hope people are learning to pay more attention to politics instead of just cruising along,” said Br. Joe.
In our emotionally charged and divisive culture, he encourages people to be respectful, which he describes as basic courtesy.
“Faithfulness means you don't shut down future interactions. You don't call people names. You treat people with respect, and you don't deliberately hurt them,” said Br. Joe.