Photos & Audio: Remembering Fr. Ken Phillips, TOR, MS
Posted on: January 9, 2026
Family, friends, members of the Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular (TOR), Province of the Immaculate Conception, and colleagues of Fr. Ambrose (Ken) Phillips, including some from Saint Luke Institute in Silver Spring, Maryland, gathered at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Altoona, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 for his Mass of Christian Burial. The presider and homilist for the liturgy was Fr. Frank Scornaienechi, TOR Provincial. Stephen Carroll, LCPC, Director of Continuing Care and Education at SLI, and longtime colleague of Fr. Ken offered words of eulogy at the conclusion of the liturgy.
Below are audio excerpts from the homily and eulogy. Fr. Ken is often referred to by his religious chosen name, “Ambrose.” Audio quality is limited due to echo. Also below are photos from the liturgy and church. Homily text is below the photos.
Homily Audio – Fr. Frank Scornaienechi, TOR
Eulogy Audio – Stephen Carroll, Ph.D., LCPC
Photos
Right click and “open image in a new tab” on any photo to see a larger version.
Homily Text – Fr. Frank Scornaienechi, TOR
(Note: In this text Fr. Ken is referred to by his religious chosen name “Ambrose.”)
“He has sent me to bring good news to the afflicted and to bind up the brokenhearted”. These words from the prophet Isaiah, which Ambrose chose for his funeral, are how our brother Ambrose spent his religious life of 59 years. Ambrose ministered mostly in pastoral care, chaplaincy and psychotherapy. Personally, I knew Ambrose for fifty-five and a half years, beginning when I was in formation, teaching, and administration.
While in Washington, DC, at our House of Studies, Ambrose enjoyed working in the garden and appreciated the beauty of nature. He was known for his kind spirit.
For forty years he ministered at St. Luke Institute in the Washington DC area, most recently as the Coordinator of Continuing Care. He was recently honored at the 2025 Annual Benefit for St. Luke Institute with a Special Service Award. I would like to quote a pastoral reflection by Father Pat McDevitt, President and CEO of St. Luke Institute, that was shared with the staff and Board Members. “For forty years, Fr. Ken Phillips was a steady presence and faithful witness within the St. Luke Institute Community. He never wavered in his dedication to our mission or in his commitment to those we serve.” These words also hold true to the Franciscan spirit that Ambrose had and lived by. Fr. Pat continued by saying “Ken leaves us a lasting legacy of love, care, and steadfast commitment to the well-being of clergy and religious.”
I spent a good deal of time with him during those last weeks of his life. The last time that I saw him while he was still able to speak, I said I will leave you with a blessing and he looked up at me and smiled that smile of his and grabbed my hand and placed his hand and my hand on his forehead and answered “amen” to the blessing with me.
To his sister, Marilyn and sister-in-law, Mary Ann, and his many family members and friends, I offer in the name of our Province our deepest sympathy and pray that God will send his spirit of consolation to you during this time of mourning and loss.
The last line of the First Letter of St. John, that Ambrose chose for today’s funeral said, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” A message that Ambrose lived and one we all need to follow.
