Perry was born in
Indianapolis,
Indiana, in the
United States. He is a 1972 graduate of
Roncalli High School (Indiana). He earned a
Bachelor of Arts degree in
History and
Philosophy from
Quincy University. Following his university studies, he entered the
novitiate of the
Province of the
Sacred Heart of the
Franciscan Order on 25 June 1977, and professed temporary
religious vows on 11 August of the following year, the
feast day of Saint
Clare of Assisi. Perry was then sent to pursue his academic studies in preparation for
ordination as a
Catholic priest. He earned the degree of
Master of Arts in
Theology, and then a
Masters of Divinity from
Catholic Theological Union in
Chicago, IL. He professed
solemn vows as a full member of the Franciscan friars on 10 October 1981, and was ordained on 2 June 1984. == References ==