Fr. Peter Hajna, OFM Conv., son of Ignatius and Christine (Niemiec) Hajna, was born on June 11, 1888, in Exeter, NH. His parents then moved to Chicopee, MA where he received his elementary education at St. Stanislaus and Holy Name Schools, and his secondary at St. Francis College, Trenton, NJ. Prompted by the grace of God to enter the priestly ministry, he joined the Conventual Franciscans and entered the Novitiate in the province of Immaculate Conception, Syracuse, NY, making his simple profession on August 30, 1908. For his philosophical and theological training Friar Peter was sent to the Seraphic College, Rome, Italy where he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on August 10, 1913.
Returning to the United States, Fr. Peter became Vice-Rector and Procurator of St. Francis High School, Athol Springs, NY. In time he moved to the parochial apostolate. From 1922 to 1924, he was in Fall River, MA, organizing the parish of Holy Cross, raising funds for the construction of the Sisters' Convent and assembling a number of portable classrooms for the parochial education of the youth. In 1928, he was assigned to the Pastorate of Holy Trinity Church, Lawrence, MA and labored zealously to liquidate the parish debt. He also purchased a building for the rectory, and had the old rectory converted in the Sisters' Convent. From 1957 to 1963, he served as Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Church, Bridgeport, CT. His interest centered on the school, and he made numerous improvements to the school building. From 1963 to 1969, Fr. Peter served as pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Church, Haverhill, MA. He remained in Haverhill following his term as pastor, serving as an associate to Fr. Sixtus Wawrzaszek, OFM Conv.
As a person, he was rough and quick in his actions. Whatever he thought, he expressed. He was always kind and always at hand to help everyone. As a Friar, he was greatly respected in his Franciscan community and in his decisions. In the sports field, he was an avid golfer and played the game well. He took great interest in the Seminary and seminarians, as was evidenced by his constant supply of sports equipment. He was called to join the Friars who proceeded him in death on February 9, 1985, in the 97th year of his age, 77th of his Profession and 72nd of his Priesthood. At his death, Fr. Peter was the oldest friar in the Order. According to his expressed wishes, the Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated in the Seminary Chapel, Granby, MA, in the presence of the Minister Provincial, his confreres, members of his family and friends. His mortal remains were laid to rest at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Chicopee, MA, on February 11, 1985 (Priests' Circle, No. 23.)

Fr. Peter Hajna, OFM Conv., son of Ignatius and Christine (Niemiec) Hajna, was born on June 11, 1888, in Exeter, NH. His parents then moved to Chicopee, MA where he received his elementary education at St. Stanislaus and Holy Name Schools, and his secondary at St. Francis College, Trenton, NJ. Prompted by the grace of God to enter the priestly ministry, he joined the Conventual Franciscans and entered the Novitiate in the province of Immaculate Conception, Syracuse, NY, making his simple profession on August 30, 1908. For his philosophical and theological training Friar Peter was sent to the Seraphic College, Rome, Italy where he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on August 10, 1913.
Returning to the United States, Fr. Peter became Vice-Rector and Procurator of St. Francis High School, Athol Springs, NY. In time he moved to the parochial apostolate. From 1922 to 1924, he was in Fall River, MA, organizing the parish of Holy Cross, raising funds for the construction of the Sisters' Convent and assembling a number of portable classrooms for the parochial education of the youth. In 1928, he was assigned to the Pastorate of Holy Trinity Church, Lawrence, MA and labored zealously to liquidate the parish debt. He also purchased a building for the rectory, and had the old rectory converted in the Sisters' Convent. From 1957 to 1963, he served as Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Church, Bridgeport, CT. His interest centered on the school, and he made numerous improvements to the school building. From 1963 to 1969, Fr. Peter served as pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Church, Haverhill, MA. He remained in Haverhill following his term as pastor, serving as an associate to Fr. Sixtus Wawrzaszek, OFM Conv.
As a person, he was rough and quick in his actions. Whatever he thought, he expressed. He was always kind and always at hand to help everyone. As a Friar, he was greatly respected in his Franciscan community and in his decisions. In the sports field, he was an avid golfer and played the game well. He took great interest in the Seminary and seminarians, as was evidenced by his constant supply of sports equipment. He was called to join the Friars who proceeded him in death on February 9, 1985, in the 97th year of his age, 77th of his Profession and 72nd of his Priesthood. At his death, Fr. Peter was the oldest friar in the Order. According to his expressed wishes, the Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated in the Seminary Chapel, Granby, MA, in the presence of the Minister Provincial, his confreres, members of his family and friends. His mortal remains were laid to rest at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Chicopee, MA, on February 11, 1985 (Priests' Circle, No. 23.)