Francis Xavier Lasance [F. X. Lasance] (January 24, 1860 – December 11, 1946) 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 (Detert) Lasance. He was educated at St. Mary's School and St. Xavier College (Cincinnati) and St. Meinrad Archabbey (Indiana), 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: He also compiled and edited the Blessed Sacrament Book (1913). 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 (reprinted in 1993 by Christian Book Club of America), which at present is one of the most popular hand missals favored by American traditionalist Catholics.

Death

Father Lasance died at the age of eighty-six, in his native city.