Bernard J. O'Donnell, O.S.A.

1874 – 1925 (January 31)

Bernard Joseph O'Donnell, son of Patrick and Mary O'Donnell, was born in Foundryville, Pennsylvania, on February 11, 1874. On September 18, 1894, he entered the novitiate at Villanova and professed simple vows in September 19, 1895 and solemn vows on the same day in 1898. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Sebastian Martinelli, O.S.A., on September 29, 1898.

Father O'Donnell's first assignment was to the parish of Our Mother of Good Counsel, Bryn Mawr. That same year he was transferred to Saint Laurence O'Toole Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts. In 1901, he was assigned to Cuba and in 1902 became vice-president of the Colegio there. In 1906 he was transferred from Havana to Saint James Parish, Carthage, New York. In 1908 he was called to Villanova as vice-president of the College where he remained until June, 1911 when he resigned his position because of his health. In 1913 he went briefly to Schaghticoke, New York, and then returned to Villanova. In 1914 he was assigned briefly to Staten Island, New York, but shortly after and until his death he labored in various diocesan parishes in Richmond, Virginia, Salt Lake City, Utah, and New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Father O’Donnell died on January 31, 1925 of heart failure. His Requiem Mass was celebrated at Mater Dolorosa Church in New Orleans, in which city he was also buried.
 

Joseph F. O'Connor, O.S.A.

1915 – 1964 (October 26)

Joseph Francis O'Connor was born on September 19, 1915, in Brookline, Massachusetts to Joseph P. O’Connor and Mary M. Bowlen. He was baptized on September 25, 1915 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Brookline. Upon completion of elementary and secondary education at St. Mary Parochial School, Joseph entered the Augustinian program of formation as a post-graduate student on September 10, 1934. He was received into the novitiate on November 16, 1934, and professed simple vows on November 17, 1935 and solemn vows on November 17, 1938. He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1939, and then pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D. C. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 1942. He earned an M.A. in Sociology from Catholic University of America, Washington, in 1943.

Father O'Connor was assigned in 1943 to St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois, where he served until 1950. He taught history and was Athletic Director. During his time at St. Rita, he also served as a Chaplain for the Illinois National Guard.

In 1950, Father O'Connor was named assistant pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Flint, Michigan. He was transferred in 1958 to St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. Father O'Connor suffered the first of several heart attacks in 1959. He was assigned to St. Monica Novitiate, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, in 1961 to recover from a second heart attack. In 1962, he returned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, where he served as assistant procurator.  He died suddenly of another heart attack on October 26, 1964 in Needham, Massachusetts.
  
Father O'Connor is buried in the Augustinian plot at St. Mary Cemetery, Lawrence, Massachusetts.
 

Patrick J. O'Connell, O.S.A.

1855 – 1895 (February 25)

Patrick Joseph O'Connell was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, on April 10, 1855, to Pierce O’Connell and Helen Kenney. He entered the novitiate at Villanova, Pennsylvania on September 21, 1875, made his first profession on September 22, 1876, and his solemn profession of September 27, 1879. He was ordained by Archbishop James Wood at the Cathedral Chapel on January 16, 1880. 

His first assignment after ordination was to Saint John’s Parish in Schaghticoke, New York and, in October, 1881, was sent to Saint Mary’s Parish in Lawrence, Mass. He served as Master of Novices at Villanova from July, 1882 to 1883, after which he was re-assigned “pro-tempore” to Saint Mary's Parish in Lawrence as assistant pastor. In 1885 he was appointed to Saint James Parish in Carthage, New York, and in 1886 he was named pastor there, until June, 1890, when he became pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish, Hoosick Falls, N.Y. While at Hoosick Falls, Father O'Connell opened the parish school.

Because of failing health he was reassigned to Lawrence, where he died on February 25, 1895, at the age of 40. He is buried in Saint Mary's Cemetery in Lawrence, Mass. 

Francis E. O'Bryan, O.S.A.

1895 – 1948 (April 16)

Francis Earl O'Bryan was born in Mechanicville, New York, on March 31, 1895, to Henry O’Brien and Margaret Leonard. He attended Mechanicville public schools and Villanova Preparatory School. Sometime during his time at Villanova he changed the spelling of his name from O’Brien to O’Bryan. He entered the novitiate at Villanova in 1914, and made his profession of vows on July 2, 1915. Following studies, he was ordained to the priesthood in the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Paul of Philadelphia by Archbishop Denis Dougherty on June 10, 1922. 

Father O'Bryan was assigned to Augustinian Academy in September, 1922. In 1925 he was transferred to Saint Rita's High School in Chicago, Illinois. The following year, he was assigned to Aurora, Il., where he remained until 1932. Father O’Bryan was appointed sub-master and procurator of the novitiate at New Hamburg, New York, in 1932, and subprior, as well, in 1935. He was stationed as procurator at the House of Postulants on Staten Island, N.Y. in 1941.

In February, 1942, Father O'Bryan was named assistant at Saint Mary's Parish in Waterford, New York where he died suddenly on April 16, 1948 at the age of 53. Father Edward Quinn, O.S.A. was celebrant of the Funeral Mass celebrated at Saint Mary’s, at which Father Joseph Dougherty, O.S.A., prior of the Villanova Monastery preached. The Prior Provincial, Father Mortimer Sullivan, O.S.A. presided. Father O’Bryan was buried at Saint Augustine's in Troy, New York. 

Nicholas O'Brien, O.S.A.

1825 – 1881 (July 7)

James O’Brien, son of Michael O’Brien and Bridget Hogan, was born in 1825 at Mullinahone, County Tipperary, Ireland. He was vested at Villanova on August 15, 1848, and was professed on May 8, 1856, taking the name Brother Nicholas. 

Brother Nicholas was a farmer for his entire religious life, thus contributing to the life of the monastery community and the college. He had a proficiency that saw him win a ploughing contest on Askin’s Farm at Wayne, Pa., in September, 1871. He died at Villanova on July 7, 1881, and is buried there in the community cemetery. 

John J. O'Brien, O.S.A.

1859 – 1904 (December 4)

John Joseph O'Brien, son of Thomas O’Brien and Margaret Cotter, was born in North Andover, Massachusetts, on February 22, 1859. He entered the novitiate at Villanova, Pennsylvania on February 2, 1880, and made his profession of simple vows on February 2, 1881. He was solemnly professed on February 3, 1884, ans was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Patrick Ryan on January 11, 1885 in Philadelphia.

Father O'Brien was assigned to Saint Mary's Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1885, and was particularly responsible for ministry at Saint Laurence O’Toole Church.  In June, 1892, he was appointed Rector of Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Bryn Mawr, Pa. Here he saw the construction of the friary that had been planned by his predecessor, a tangible sign to the parishioners of the Province’s commitment to the parish. In 1896, under his pastorate, the cornerstone of the church was placed.

In 1902, Father O'Brien returned to Saint Mary's where he served for the last two years of his life as assistant pastor. He was 45 years old when he died suddenly on December 4, 1904, while on a visit to a cousin in Lowell. Prior Provincial Martin Geraghty, O.S.A. celebrated the Funeral Mass on Wednesday, December 7th. 

Father O’Brien is buried in Saint Mary's Cemetery in Lawrence.
 

John F. O'Brien, O.S.A.

1892 – 1938 (September 18)

John Francis O'Brien, son of Timothy O’Brien and Mary Donohue, was born in New York City, New York, on October 24, 1892. He was raised in the Parish of St. Francis Xavier there. After completing a year’s education at St. Peter High School in Jersey City, New Jersey, he spent three years at Villanova, and entered the novitiate there on June 25, 1915. He professed simple vows on June 25, 1916, and solemn vows on June 25, 1919. Following studies, he was ordained to the priesthood on September 24, 1922. He received an M.A. from the Catholic University of America in 1923, and was awarded a Doctorate of Literature, honoris causa, in 1928 from Dayton University.

Father O’Brien first taught at Saint Rita High School in Chicago, Illinois, and later he was assigned to Villanova College, where he taught English for many years. He was the author of "The Philosophy of Composition," and "An Outline History of American Literature."

Father O'Brien died in Saint Mary's Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 18, 1938 at the age of 46. Among his survivors was his father, a brother and two sisters.

Following the Funeral Mass at Villanova on Wednesday, September 21, 1938, Father O’Brien was buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.
 

James O'Brien, O.S.A.

1805 – 1884 (October 24)

Brother James was born in November, 1805, in County Tipperary, Ireland, the son of Cornelius O’Brien and Catherine Mullaly. He was vested at Villanova in 1845 together with Brothers Joseph Whittendale and Philip Shea, and was professed with them on September 8, 1852, before Father William Harnett.
 
Brother James was remembered as a very prayerful man who, in his spare time, could usually be found in church. He was not given much to conversations or to large gatherings. He died the afternoon of Friday, October 24, 1884, of a heart condition at the age of 79. Brother James was buried at Villanova in the community cemetery, on Sunday, October 26, 1884. 

John J. Nugent, O.S.A.

1867 – 1931 (July 3)

John Joseph Nugent was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on June 1, 1867 to Maurice Nugent and Mary Moriarty. He was baptized the following day at Saint Mary’s Church in that city by Father Louis Edge, O.S.A. Following his early education, he entered the novitiate at Villanova, Pennsylvania, on July 5,  1886, professed simple vows on July 6, 1887, and solemn vows on the same date in 1890. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Ryan in the Philadelphia Cathedral on September 12, 1890.

Father Nugent was assigned, following ordination, to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Atlantic City, New Jersey. In November, 1894, he was transferred to Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Bryn Mawr, and in April, 1895, to Saint Denis Parish in Ardmore, PA. The following year he was assigned to the Province Mission Band, and in 1902 returned to Saint Denis as rector. Father Nugent was appointed pastor of the Bryn Mawr Parish in 1906 and remained there until he was named rector at Saint Augustine Parish, Andover, Mass. In 1918. In 1926 he returned as prior to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine in Atlantic City.

Father Nugent, who for much of his life was partly blind, died in London, England, on July 3, 1931 at the age of 64. His body was returned to the United States and buried at Villanova in the Community Cemetery.
 

Patrick J. Nowlan, O.S.A.

1931 – 1995 (January 27)

Patrick Joseph Nowlan, son of Philip F. Nowlan and Teresa Junker, was born on August 6, 1931, in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. He was baptized in Saint Matthias Church on August 27, 1931 and attended the parish grammar school. After completing secondary education at Saint Thomas More High School in 1949, he received a full scholarship to La Salle College, which he attended for one year. In November 1950, he entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, as a postgraduate postulant, and was received into the Novitiate of Our Mother of Good Counsel, New Hamburg, New York, on January 26, 1951. He professed simple vows on January 27, 1952, and solemn vows on January 27, 1955. In 1954, he graduated from Villanova University with a BA degree in Philosophy and a minor in English. He then studied theology at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. and was ordained to the priesthood on February 8, 1958 at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C. In 1960, he received an M.S. in Physics and Mathematics from the Catholic University of America.

In June 1958, Father Nowlan joined the faculty at Monsignor Bonner High School where he taught Physics and Mathematics until 1976, when he was appointed principal of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine High School, the Bronx, New York. In 1977, he was assigned to Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, Pennsylvania, where he taught and was prior and treasurer of the community. In 1985, he was appointed prior and treasurer of the community at Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Bryn Mawr, Pa. He also served as chaplain to the patients at Bryn Mawr Hospital until 1994 when his health began to fail. As a result, he was assigned to the health care unit at Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, Pa.

During his religious priesthood Father Pat excelled as a student, teacher and counselor. In 1967, he authored, "A Laboratory Guide and Notebook for an Introductory Physical Science," a publication that sold over 200,000 copies across the nation. He also planned an IPS Syllabus for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He conducted several science workshops and, in 1971, delivered a paper at the Eastern Regional of the National Science Convention.

Father Nowlan was a quiet man with a subtle sense of humor, dedicated to priestly ministry. His love for the Eucharist and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary reinforced his commitment to service. A full teaching schedule and his continuing studies in science helped strengthen his religious calling to teach young students.

Father Patrick Nowlan died on January 27, 1995, the anniversary of his profession, in Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, Pa. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in the Church of Our Mother of Good Counsel, Bryn Mawr, Pa., and the interment took place in the Augustinian section of Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pa.

Robert J. Newburg, O.S.A.

1903 – 1981 (July 27)

Robert Joseph Newburg, the son of Frederick Newburg and Catherine Mulherne, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 9, 1903. He attended Saint Aloysius Parish School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, and Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York. Received as a novice in the Order on September 10, 1929, he spent his novitiate year at Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, N.Y. He professed simple vows on September 8, 1930 and solemn vows on October 12, 1934. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree at Villanova in 1935 and completed his theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, where he was ordained to the priesthood on June 7, 1938.Father Newburg's first assignment was to our parish of Saint Augustine in Troy, N.Y. on July 7, 1939. He served there as associate pastor until 1948 when he was transferred to Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Chestnut Hill, PA. From 1956 on he was plagued by ill health and eventually resided at Saint Mary's Home in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, for the remaining years of his life.

Before entering the Order, Father Newburg served in the United States Navy, which experience colored his later life. Everything had to be done in Navy fashion. He was very orderly and punctual in his life style. As dean of the house in Washington he had charge of instructing the ordinands in the rubrics of the Mass, about which he was most precise. Later, as a parish priest he was most attentive in his hospital rounds and visiting the sick. who greatly appreciated his spiritual and friendly rapport. He met people easily and was a kindly father to all.
After enduring a lengthy illness, Father Newburg died at Saint Mary's Home, Manitowoc, on July 27, 1981. Following the Funeral Mass celebrated at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church on Thursday, July 30, he was buried in the Augustinian plot at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
 

Pacifico A. Neno, O.S.A.

1833 – 1889 (February 21)

Antonio Neno was born at Grotte di Castro in the ancient Patrimony of Saint Peter (the Papal States) on June 17, 1833, the third child of Angelo Neno and Pacifica Cristofori. On May 31, 1850 he entered the novitiate at Genazzano, and was professed on June 1, 1851 with the religious name, Pacifico. He pursued studies at the General House of Sant’Agostino, Rome, and was ordained priest on February 16, 1856 at Saint John Lateran by Cardinal Patrizi. After additional studies at Recanati, he was awarded the lectorship in philosophy in 1857. He taught at Recanati for five years and then returned to Sant’Agostino, Rome, where he was made Regent of Studies.

On June 12, 1865, Father Neno and Father Filippo Izzo were sent by the Prior General to Villanova to assist in establishing a theological faculty at the college. Father Neno was appointed the first prefect of studies, a position he held until 1881. He directed the education of clerics and taught dogma, moral theology, canon law and church history, assisting on the weekends in area parishes. In 1869 he was appointed master of novices, and the following year became a naturalized citizen.

At the first Provincial Chapter of 1874, Father Neno was elected first definitor to Father Thomas Galberry. When Father Galberry was named bishop of Hartford, the second Provincial Chapter elected Father Neno as his successor in 1878. He attended the First Provincial Council of Philadelphia in 1880 and served as vice president of the committee on dogma. He rushed to Thomas Galberry’s side as the bishop lay dying in New York. Father Neno later preached the eulogy at his predecessor’s funeral.

After 16 years of fruitful ministry in America, ope Leo XIII recalled Father Neno to Rome to serve as Commissary General of the Order in 1881. Almost seven years later, on December 3, 1887, he was elected Prior General.

Stricken with apoplexy, Father Neno died in Rome on February 21, 1889, at the age of fifty-five, and was interred in the Augustinian mausoleum in Campo Verano, Rome, Italy. 

Alfred M. Natali, O.S.A.

1915 – 1999 (December 14)

Alfred Maxim Natali was born on March 9, 1915, in Genoa, Italy, to Hamilcar Salvatore Natali and Victoria Daziani, and was baptized in Genoa on April 14, 1915, in the church of St. John the Baptist. He was educated in Italy, at the Marist Brothers "School Ship Garaventa," and at the home of Don Fassicomo. The Natali family moved to the United States in 1928. Between their arrival and 1930, Alfred attended the Pierce Public School and St. Mary of the Eternal School, Philadelphia, PA. On September 10, 1931, he began high school as a postulant at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York. He proved himself an athlete in football, baseball, basketball and tennis. On September 9, 1935, he entered Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, N.Y., professed simple vows on September 10, 1936, and solemn vows on September 10, 1939. In June 1940, he received his B.A. degree from Villanova College and studied theology at Augustinian College, Washington, DC. On May 29, 1943, Alfred was ordained to the priesthood at Holy Trinity Chapel, Washington, DC. During the summer months he studied History, and in June 1944, earned his M.A. degree from Villanova.

On August 7, 1944, Father Natali received his first assignment to the national parish of Holy Rosary, Lawrence, Massachusetts. On September 1, 1945, he was assigned to work in Australia, as an assistant in the Cathedral of Cairns, and to minister to the Italian population, within the territory of the Irish Augustinians. He established and became pastor of St. John's Presbytery, in Silkwood, No. Queensland. He also served in the town churches of Innisfail, Atherton, Heberton, Tully, Babinda and El-Arish. In May 1952, Father Natali returned to the United States, and assisted at St. Rita Parish, Philadelphia, In 1955, he was assigned to Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Staten Island, NY, and in 1956, he assisted at St. Augustine Parish, Lawrence, MA. In 1962, he was appointed to Holy Rosary Parish, Lawrence, MA., where he served as sub-prior, pastor and treasurer. In 1972, he began caring for his mother while assisting at Augustinian and diocesan parishes in New Jersey and Philadelphia, especially in the former Good Counsel Vice Province, East Vineland, NJ. From 1985 until he became ill, he served at the parish of St. Mary Magdalen De Piazzi in Philadelphia.

Father Natali, a gifted writer, authored Venom, a mystery novel based on his Australian experiences, and Italians in America, a humorous novel describing the arrival of a boy from Italy, learning the English language. He composed lyrics and music for several songs, including these titles - Christmas Forever; Hear the Lord; A Workman's Prayer.

Father Alfred Natali passed away on December 14, 1999, in St. Agnes Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, Philadelphia, PA, by Prior Provincial John Deegan, O.S.A. Father Michael Di Gregorio, O.S.A. was homilist. Interment followed in the Augustinian plot at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.

Thomas E. Nash, O.S.A.

1912 – 1983 (October 23)

Thomas Edward Nash was born September 9, 1912 in Chicago, Illinois to Thomas Nash and Barbara Cullen. He was baptized September 15, 1912 at Good Counsel Church, Chicago, and was confirmed on October 11, 1924 at St. Rita Church, Chicago. After graduation in 1931 from St. Rita High School, he undertook pre-law studies at DePaul University, Chicago, from 1931 to 1935, then worked for a short time as a bank teller. He was received into the novitiate on December 10, 1936, and professed simple vows on December 11, 1937, and solemn vows on December 11, 1940. He completed his undergraduate college education at Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, and earned a B. A. in 1940. He pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., from 1940 to 1944, and was ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 1943. He received an M.A. in Sociology from Catholic University of America, Washington, in 1944.

Father Nash was assigned in 1944 to teach at St. Rita High School, Chicago. When Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago, opened its doors in 1951, Father Nash became a member of its first faculty. In 1958 he was appointed associate pastor at St. Matthew Parish, Flint, Michigan. Two years later, in 1960, he returned to teaching at Mendel Catholic High School. From 1961 to 1967 he taught at Cascia Hall School, Tulsa, Oklahoma. He again returned in 1967 to Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago, where he taught until 1971.

Father Nash was assigned in 1971 to St. Augustine Seminary, Holland, Michigan, where he was prior of the Augustinian community. He served as prior at St. Monica Monastery, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, from 1972 to 1979. Declining health caused him to be assigned to St. Rita Monastery, Chicago, where, after a lengthy struggle with cancer, he died October 23, 1983.

Father Nash was known for his wit and his dedicated love for God and God's people. He was both poet and priest, and shared his heart, his talents and his love of God with many people. A diocesan priest friend, who knew him from their days in the seminary said, “Pleasant, good natured, friendly, already then a seminarian studying for the priesthood, Tom showed that one could really enjoy life and still walk in the footsteps of the Lord.  We called him “Darbie” because he always had his hair combed and wore a clean shirt every day, along with a sharp crease in his trousers.  The name stayed with him until his death which came after a long, painful illness.”

He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.
 

Edward J. Murtaugh, O.S.A.

1874 – 1951 (March 5)

Edward James Murtaugh, son of Edward Murtaugh and Mary Seagraves, was born on September 30, 1874, in Mechanicsville, Lehigh Co., Pennsylvania. He was baptized in Saint Lawrence Church, Catasaqua, received his early education at the parochial school, graduated in 1891, and then entered Villanova College. In 1895, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Villanova. On September 19, 1895, he entered the novitiate, professed first vows on September 20, 1896, and solemn vows three years later. He was ordained to the priesthood on September 23, 1899, by Patrick J. Ryan,  Archbishop of Philadelphia, in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. Father Murtaugh celebrated his first mass in St. Lawrence Church, Catasaqua, at which he gave first communion to his mother who had recently become a convert to Catholicism. 

Father Murtaugh's first assignment was to Saint Mary's Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts. In 1900, he was transferred to Saint John the Baptist Parish, Schaghticoke, New York, and in 1903, to Saint James Parish, Carthage, N. Y. From 1900 to 1903, Father Murtaugh also served on the Mission Band. In 1904, he became an assistant at the parish of Saint Denis, Havertown, Pa. In May, 1905, he was transferred to Saint Augustine Parish, Philadelphia, and was an assistant there for sixteen years. In September 1921, he was appointed prior and pastor of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Jamaica, N. Y. The parish school and Sisters' convent were built during his term of office, and blessed on May 19, 1929. In June 1932, Father Murtaugh returned to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and was appointed pastor of Saint Denis Church, Havertown. In June, 1938, he began six years of service as prior and pastor of Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Bryn Mawr, and in June, 1944, returned as pastor to Saint Denis Parish. 

This last assignment marked significant improvements to the parish of Saint Denis. Father Murtaugh had a new church built which was dedicated on July 8, 1948. An annex to the friary was completed in February, 1950. In addition to the ordinary duties of parish work, Father Murtaugh was elected definitor to the Provincial, Chairman of the Provincial Building Commission for many years, and Chaplain of the Jamaica Knights of Columbus, Council #337. 

On March 5, 1951, at the age of 77, Father Edward Murtaugh died at Saint. A Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated in the church there with over 70 clergy in attendance. Interment was in the parish cemetery. 

William J. Murray, O.S.A.

1921 – 2006 (September 12)

William Jerome Murray was born on July 20, 1921, in Jersey City, New Jersey, the son and only child of William Murray and Sarah Stuart. He was baptized at Saint Mary's Church, Jersey City, on August 16, 1921. He attended public school, Our Lady of the Angels School, Brooklyn, New York, and Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Staten Island, N.Y. He entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, N.Y. as a postulant in 1935 and completed high school there in 1939. He was received into the novitiate on Sept. 9, 1939, at New Hamburg, N.Y., and professed simple vows on Sept. 10, 1940. From 1940 to 1944 he studied at Villanova College, graduating with an A.B. in Philosophy. He professed solemn vows on Sept. 10, 1943. From 1944 to 1948, he completed his theological studies at Augustinian College, and also studied Physics at The Catholic University, Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Bartholomew Eustace, at the Church of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, Atlantic City, N.J. on Sept. 8, 1947.

Father Murray's first assignment was to Saint Augustine High School, San Diego, CA, where he taught from 1949 to 1954. In 1954, he was transferred to Archbishop Prendergast High School- later Msgr. Bonner High School, - Drexel Hill, PA, where he taught until 1959. During this time he completed an MA in Guidance and Counseling at Villanova University.

In 1959, Father Murray began 24 years of service and ministry at Merrimack College, North Andover, MA, where he served in a variety of roles. From 1959 to 1960 he served as the College's Director of Guidance; from 1960 to 1970 he served as the College's Dean of Men, and from 1970 to 1983 he served as the College's Vice President for Student Services. He was prior of the community from 1971 to 1979, and treasurer from 1979 to 1983. A plaque, placed in the Student Lounge of Gildea Hall in his honor at the time of his departure from the college, was inscribed: "To an Augustinian who served the students of Merrimack College and the college community for 24 years with warmth, generosity, and unfailing kindness."

From 1983 to 1986, Father Murray served at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish in Dania Beach, FL, and from 1986 to 1990 at Saint Elizabeth Seton Parish, Golden Gate, FL. After suffering a stroke in 1990, Father Murray was transferred to the Merrimack College Monastery. He resided there until 1995, when he was transferred to the Province's Health Care facility at Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, PA, where he remained until his death. He was as active as he could be, and with the help of his motorized scooter he drove around the university campus.

Fr. Murray passed over to the Lord on Tuesday, September 12, 2006, in the early hours of the morning. His funeral liturgy took place on Saturday, September 16, 2006, in the Saint Thomas Monastery Chapel with burial in the Augustinian section of Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA, All who knew Fr. Bill concur with the testimonial of the Merrimack College community. He was a warm, generous and kind friar, a dedicated priest, and a gracious person of cheerful optimism.

Joseph P. Murray, O.S.A.

1916 – 1962 (January 8)

Joseph Patrick Murray, son of John Murray and Catherine Sharkey, was born in Philadelphia, on January 22, 1916. His early education was obtained at Saint Columba and Saint Helena parochial schools, La Salle College High School and Northeast Catholic High School. He entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, NY, as a postulant in September 1934 and two months later was received as a novice on November 16, 1934. He made first profession of vows at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, NY, on November 17, 1935 and solemn profession on November 17, 1938. He attended Villanova College where he obtained his BA degree in philosophy in 1939, and then pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the priesthood in Trinity College Chapel, Washington, D.C., on May 28, 1942.

Father Murray was awarded a Master of Arts degree in Romance Languages by The Catholic University in 1943 and a doctorate in 1948. His first assignment was as a member of the faculty of the Catholic University of St. Thomas, Marianao, Cuba in 1949. In September 1950, he was transferred to Merrimack College, North Andover, MA, where he served as a professor until 1960, when he was appointed dean of the faculty and vice-President of the College. On April 13th of the same year Prior General, Luciano Rubio, honored Father Murray with a lectorate in theology. In 1961, he suffered a severe heart attack at the college, and upon recovery, was assigned in September 1961, to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York.

On the afternoon of January 8, 1962, when he failed to appear in his customary place at the evening community exercise, he was found to have passed away in his room while reading in his chair. He was 45 years old.

A gentlemanly, perfectly mannered person, Father Murray was an effective professor, an admired member of the faculty, and a pleasant contributor to Augustinian common life. 

A Requiem Mass was celebrated on January 10, 1962 at Augustinian Academy, and the Funeral Mass the following day at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova. Father John Coffey, O.S.A. was celebrant and Father James Sherman, O.S.A. preached the homily.

Father Murray is buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.

Burchard V. Murray, O.S.A.

1907 – 1966 (May 2)

Burchard V. Murray was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 30, 1907, the son of Augustine Murray and Helen Finnigan. He attended Augustinian Preparatory Seminary on Staten Island and entered the novitiate in New Hamburg, NY, on August 15, 1926. After his profession of simple vows on August 16, 1927, he spent four years at Villanova College and graduated in 1931. He made solemn profession of vows on August 16, 1930. He pursued theological studies at Augustinian College in Washington, D.C., and was ordained to the priesthood there in the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception by Bishop John McNamara on June 12, 1934.

Father Murray's first assignment, in 1935, was as a teacher at Saint Augustine High School in San Diego. He then served in the U.S. Navy as a Chaplain from 1939 to 1942. In 1942, he was assigned to Malvern Preparatory School, and taught there until 1945 when he was named assistant pastor at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Staten Island, where he remained until October, 1946, when he was transferred to Saint Rita's Church in Philadelphia. Thereafter, his assignments were to various parishes of the Province where he was appointed associate pastor: Saint Patrick’s Parish in Cambridge, N.Y., Saint Nicholas of Tolentine in the Bronx, where at the Chapter of 1953 he was also elected sub-prior, Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish in Jamaica, Long Island, Saint John in Schaghticoke, N.Y., Saint Denis in Havertown, Saint Mary's Church in Waterford, N.Y.

Father Murray’s last assignment was as assistant pastor at Saint James Church in Carthage, NY. It was here that he died very suddenly of a heart attack while attending a meeting in a nearby parish on May 2, 1966 at the age of 59. His brother, Joseph Murray, an Oblate of Saint Francis de Sales, celebrated his Requiem at Villanova, after which burial took place in the community cemetery at Villanova. 

Nicholas J. Murphy, O.S.A.

1855 – 1917 (February 19)

Nicholas John Murphy, one of sixteen children born to Sylvester Murphy and Mary Smith, was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 15, 1855. He enrolled at Villanova in 1868 and entered the novitiate there on January 22, 1873, professing simple vows on January 25, 1874, and solemn vows on January 26, 1877. In October 1876, he was sent to Troy, N.Y. because of illness. He recovered and was ordained to the priesthood at Saint Joseph Seminary, Troy, N.Y., by Bishop Goesbriand of Burlington, VT, on December 22, 1877.

Father Murphy served at Saint Mary's Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts, Saint John’s Parish, Schaghticoke, N.Y. and, from 1890 until 1899, was pastor of Old Saint Augustine in Philadelphia. In April 1894, he established a monthly magazine called Our Lady of Good Counsel, a devotional publication intended to serve primarily the members of the Pious Union of Our Lady of Good Counsel, a religious society that he had initiated and promoted widely, with a membership of about 10,000. Saint Augustine’s Good Counsel Shrine was also constructed by Father Murphy. He became prior and pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Staten Island, N.Y., and president of Augustinian Academy there. On September 1, 1904, he was designated by the Secretary of the Navy as navy chaplain of US vessels at Staten Island Station. The Order awarded him the degree of Bachelor of Theology on May 3, 1908. On December 14, 1910 he was appointed prior and rector of the Church of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine in the Bronx and, in the Provincial Chapter of June 1914, he was elected Prior Provincial.

Father Murphy died suddenly at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, Bronx, on February 19, 1917, the first Prior Provincial to die in office.

On Thursday, February 22, a Requiem Mass was offered at the Bronx church by Father Charles M. Driscoll, who now assumed the role of Vicar Provincial. Father Edward Dohan, O.S.A. president of Villanova, preached the eulogy, and John Cardinal Farley performed the rite of absolution over the body. The following day, a Pontifical Requiem Mass was celebrated at Villanova by Bishop John McCort, auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia. Father Edward Dohan once again preached the eulogy. 

Father Murphy was buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.
 

Michael J. Murphy, O.S.A.

1874 – 1929 (November 17)

Michael John Murphy, son of William Murphy and Margaret Riordan, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 3, 1874 and was baptized at Saint Augustine Church there on November 8, of the same year. He entered the novitiate at Villanova, Pennsylvania in 1895, and made his simple profession on May 4, 1896. He was solemnly professed on May 13, 1899, and was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Ryan on May 27, that year.

After ordination, Father Murphy taught for 15 years at Villanova. In 1914, he was stationed at Saint Denis' in Ardmore, and in 1915 was assigned to Saint Augustine's, Philadelphia. Father Murphy returned to Villanova to teach philosophy in the College and the Scholasticate. His next teaching assignments were at Saint Rita High School, Chicago and Saint Peter's in Aurora, Illinois.

Father Murphy was 55 when he died at Saint Peter's on November 17, 1929 of heart disease. He is buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.