Arthur J. O'Neil, O.S.A.

1909 – 1984 (May 26)

Arthur Joseph O'Neil was born in Binghamton, NY, on March 18, 1909, the son of Edward O'Neil and Catherine Hayes. He attended Saint Mary's Parochial School in Binghamton and Binghamton Central High School. In his third year of high school he transferred to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island. He was received into the novitiate on September 9, 1936, and professed simple vows on September 10, 1940. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Villanova in 1941 and pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., where he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Corrigan at Trinity College on May 29, 1943. He also gained a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America in June 1944.

Father O'Neil was assigned to the Parish of Saint Augustine in Havana, Cuba, where he served as an assistant pastor. In October of 1946 he was transferred to the Parish of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine in the Bronx. In 1948 he was sent to the Colegio Santo Nino de Cebu in the Philippines, where he taught until the summer of 1950. He was then assigned once again to Cuba, to the parish of Saint Augustine in Marianao. He also taught at the University of Saint Thomas.
In 1951 he was assigned to work at various locations in the United States: Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, Jamaica, NY, from 1951 to 1954; Saint Denis, Havertown, PA, from 1954 to 1957; Saint Mary's, Waterford, NY, in 1957, and Saint Augustine, Troy, NY, from 1958 to 1968. He was then appointed prior and pastor of Our Lady of Angels Parish, Jacksonville, FL, until the Province withdrew from the parish in 1978.

In the seminary Father O'Neil was exceptionally studious. He kept scrupulous notes and prepared well for oral examinations. An avid sports fan, he knew of all the players and their teams. He was an enthusiastic conversationalist with a wide circle of influence.In 1978 Father O'Neil retired to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova. In 1983 he became ill, and when his malady became rather severe, he was cared for at Saint Joseph's Villa by the Sisters of Saint Joseph. He died on May 26, 1984. Father O'Neil is buried in the Augustinian plot at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.
 

Joseph J. O'Malley, O.S.A.

1904 – 1971 (October 28)

Joseph John O'Malley was born at Hoosick Falls, New York, on May 24, 1909, to John O’Malley and Mary Curry, and was baptized there in Immaculate Conception Church on June 13. In 1928 he entered the novitiate at New Hamburg, N.Y. and made his first profession on September 10, 1929. He was solemnly professed on September 10, 1932. After completing studies at Villanova with a B.A. in Philosophy, and in Washington, D.C. at Augustinian College, he was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 1936. He pursued additional studies at The Temple School in Washington, De Paul University, Chicago, IL., and the University of Southern California. 

From 1937 to 1941 Father was stationed at Saint Rita High School in Chicago. From 1941 to 1945 he taught at Saint Augustine High School in San Diego, CA. In 1945 he returned to Saint Rita High School he remained there until 1966 when he became prior and associate pastor of Saint Matthew parish in Flint, MI.

Father O'Malley was known for his work with athletic groups, both in Chicago and in Flint. In Chicago, he served as Athletic Director at St. Rita High School, coached baseball teams there, and also coached Pony League and Little League teams in the surrounding neighborhood. After his transfer to Flint, he coached baseball teams at St. Matthew School. In recognition of his contribution to the youth of Flint, the City Commission proclaimed May 27, 1979 as Father Joseph J. O'Malley Day. Father O'Malley died on October 28, 1971 in Flint and is buried at the Augustinian plot in Chicago.

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

1904 – 1981 (August 6)

Joseph Francis O'Malley was born December 14, 1904 in Hoosick Falls, New York to Martin O’Malley and Mary McCormick O'Malley. He was baptized there on Christmas Day, 1904 at Immaculate Conception Church, and received the Sacrament of Confirmation May 18, 1916 at St. Joseph Church, Greenwich, New York. In 1921, he graduated from Greenwich High School, and began collegiate studies at Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1922. He was received into the novitiate on June 21, 1923, professed simple vows on June 22, 1924 and solemn vows on June 22, 1927. Joseph earned a B.A. in Philisophy from Villanova College, in 1926, and pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. from 1926 to 1930. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 10, 1929, and did additional studies at Catholic University of America, Washington, and at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

Father O'Malley was assigned in 1930 to teach in Havana, Cuba. In 1932 he returned to the United States, serving as Chaplain at Villanova College, Villanova. Beginning in 1933, he taught for ten years at St. Thomas High School, Rockford, Illinois. From 1943 to 1951 he served as assistant pastor at St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Chicago. He taught at St. Rita High School, Chicago, from 1951 to 1960, and was named pastor of St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Chicago, in 1960.

Father O’Malley served in the Augustinian Missions in Chulucanas, Peru during 1965 and 1966. He returned to the United States at the end of 1966 and joined the faculty of Augustinian Academy, St. Louis, Missouri. He was sent again to St. Rita High School, Chicago, in 1968. He was assigned in 1969 to St. Augustine Seminary, Holland, Michigan, where he served as Chaplain to the Augustinian Contemplative Nuns, whose convent was on the seminary grounds. In 1977 he moved to St. Monica Monastery, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. 

After a lengthy illness, Father O’Malley, known as a man of goodness, kindness and compassion, died on August 6, 1981. He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.
 

Daniel J. O'Mahoney, O.S.A.

1856 – 1951 (March 2)

Daniel John O'Mahoney, was born to Jeremiah O’Mahoney and Mary Toomey, on May 27, 1856, in Smithtown, New York. Three years later the family returned to Ireland where Daniel was educated and received First Communion and Confirmation. In 1871, when he was fifteen years old, the O'Mahoneys returned to America settling in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where Daniel worked in the card and drawing rooms of the Pacific Mill. In 1874, he began studies at Villanova College, and on January 26, 1877, he entered the novitiate. He made his first profession of vows on January 29, 1878 and solemn vows on February 2, 1881. On June 11, 1881, he was ordained to the priesthood at the Vincentian seminary, Germantown, Pa., by Bishop Jeremiah Shanahan.

On July 5, 1881, Father O'Mahoney received his first assignment to Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Chestnut Hill, Pa. In 1882, he was appointed to the Parish of the Immaculate Conception, Hoosick Falls, N.Y. He remained there until 1889, when he was assigned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Atlantic City, New Jersey. In September 1892, Father O'Mahoney became an assistant in Saint Mary's Parish, Lawrence, Mass. In 1898, he was elected fifth definitor and appointed prior and pastor of Saint Augustine Parish, Andover, Mass. Here he completed the reconstruction of the church begun by Father Thomas Field following a fire of November, 1894. 

In 1902, at the end of the Spanish-American War, Father O'Mahoney, together with Father John A. McErlain, O.S.A., volunteered to open a mission in Manila, the Philippine Islands. Father O'Mahoney conferred with William Howard Taft, Governor General of the Philippines, and later President of the United States, regarding the distribution of Augustinian property and the liberation of imprisoned friars. The plan for an American house there was reconsidered and the friars were recalled to Villanova in February, 1905. Father O'Mahoney then became a member of the Augustinian Mission Band, while residing at Saint Mary's in Lawrence. In 1917, he was appointed prior and pastor of Saint Augustine Parish, Philadelphia, Pa., and later became sub-prior of the Saint Mary community, Lawrence, where he served for 24 years, from 1922 to 1946. Ecumenical in spirit Father Dan was respected by people of all faiths. While walking in Lawrence or Andover he greeted everyone along the way. His quick humor and engaging personality made of ordinary people, friends. 

In 1946, his health failing, Father Dan retired to Saint Thomas Monastery. He died on March 2, 1951 at Our Lady Help of Christians Convalescent Home in Philadelphia. A Funeral Mass was offered in Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, and a second Requiem was celebrated at Saint Mary's, Lawrence, where hundreds of priests, religious and lay people filled the church. Interment was at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Lawrence. 

Albert C. O'Loughlin, O.S.A.

1894 – 1956 (January 3)

Albert Clement O'Loughlin, one of nine children of Colman P. O'Loughlin and Frances C. Burgoon, was born on September 23, 1894 in Brookville, Pennsylvania. He attended the local parochial grammar school and then entered the Augustinian Preparatory Scholasticate on September 24, 1909 at Saint Rita Hall, Villanova. Two of his sisters had previously joined the Sisters of Mercy at Merion, Pa. On June 13, 1913 Albert was admitted to the novitiate at Villanova and professed simple vows on June 19, 1914, and solemn vows on June 23, 1917. He pursued philosophical and theological studies at Villanova, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1917 and a Master of Arts degree in 1920. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Dougherty at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia on May 29, 1920. 

In September, 1920, Father O’Loughlin was assigned to Washington, DC, for graduate work in history at the Catholic University of America. Father discontinued his studies at the Catholic University in March, 1922, due to ill health, and was assigned to Hoosick Falls, New York, where he remained in parish work until September 1923, when he was transferred to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island. In the provincial chapter of 1924 he was transferred back to Hoosick Falls where he remained until 1929. There followed tours of duty at Saint Augustine, Troy, New York and Villanova Preparatory School, Ojai, California. Beset by continuing ill health he returned to Villanova Monastery in 1936. From 1946 until his death he taught at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island. 
Father O'Loughlin was a superb teacher of Latin, algebra, and American history. His fairness and deep concern for the spiritual and physical welfare of the students endeared him to the whole community. Father died on January 3, 1956, as he was returning by train from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. The cause was heart failure. His Funeral Mass was offered on Saturday, January 7, 1956 at Villanova by his cousin, Father Joseph Shannon, O.S.A. The homilist was Father James Gallagher, O.S.A.

Father O’Loughlin was buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.

John S. O'Leary, O.S.A.

1890 – 1964 (March 2)

John Stanislaus O'Leary, son of John O’Leary and Mary Ellen McCarthy, was born on October 13, 1890 in County Cork, Ireland. He received his early education at the National School, Blarney, Ireland, and the Christian Brothers of North Monastery, Cork. At the age of fifteen, he journeyed alone to the United States to join his father who had preceded him to Philadelphia. John entered Villanova Preparatory School on September 11, 1908, entered the novitiate on June 20, 1912, professed simple vows on June 20, 1913, and solemn vows on December 8, 1916. He obtained an A.B in June 1916, and an MS in June 1919, both from Villanova. He also did graduate work at the University of Pennsylvania. On June 8, 1919, John was ordained to the priesthood by Dennis Cardinal Dougherty in the chapel of Saint Charles Seminary, Overbrook, Pa. Father O'Leary was a member of Saint Thomas Monastery community from the time of his ordination to his death, fifty-six years later. 

As a Villanova faculty member, most of his teaching was in the Engineering School, though he is noted for his expertise in Mathematics. In addition he taught Chemistry, Philosophy, Theology, and Public Speaking. He also taught at Rosemont College. While most of his ministry was dedicated to collegians, he gained popularity, as well, as a homilist and poet, and among grade school children during his weekend ministry for over twenty-five years, at Holy Spirit Parish, in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Father John Klekotka, O.S.A., who was homilist at Father O’Leary’s funeral, and his former student, summed up his life as Augustinian, priest and teacher, when he said, “As a priest teacher and counselor in a men’s school, he gave outstanding personal example of a thoroughly manly religious life based on deep-seated conviction, implemented by a vigorous self-discipline. He demonstrated personaly as well as verbally, a priesthood of character, of vigor, of high ideals, of good common sense. For him religious life was first of all life. He lived intensely. He was always a priest, he took advantage of every opportunity to impart a proper message …”

Father O’Leary suffered a stroke while on vacation in 1958, necessitating the end of his classroom teaching. He died on March 2, 1964 in Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church by Prior Provincial James Donnellon, O.S.A. followed by burial in the Villanova community cemetery.  

Michael V. O'Halloran, O.S.A.

1934 – 1975 (June 17)

Michael Vincent O'Halloran, son of Michael O’Halloran and Delia Walsh, was born on Staten Island on July 9, 1934, and was baptized there at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church on July 29th. Following his early education, he attended Saint Peter’s High School, Staten Island, from 1949 to 1953, and the following year entered Augustinian Academy as a post graduate postulant. He was received into the Novitiate as a clerical novice in 1955. Michael professed simple vows on September 10, 1956 and, shortly thereafter, became ill with a blood disease that was to plague him for the rest of his short life. After major surgery in 1957, he was considered cured, only to have the disease recur some few years later. 

In 1959 he requested and received permission to change from the clerical state to the lay brotherhood and was granted a dispensation from the Congregation of Religious to make a second novitiate of only six months. He was professed on September 20, 1959 and made Solemn Profession on September 20, 1962

Brother Michael trained as a Practical Nurse and was assigned to the Villanova Monastery to care for the retired and infirm of the Province. Although in poor health himself, he cared for the friars with great gentleness, zeal and devotion.

The final years of his life were spent in great suffering, and he was forced to be hospitalized for long periods of time. He spent the greater part of the last two years of his life in Bryn Mawr Hospital or the Clinical Center of the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

Brother Michael died in Bryn Mawr Hospital on Tuesday, June 17, 1975 at the age of 41. Following a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, June 20th, at Saint Mary’s Hall Seminary Chapel, he was buried in the Saint Mary's Hall Cemetery, Villanova. His body was later transferred to Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA. 
 

Michael M. O'Farrell, O.S.A.

1942 – 1881 (August 28)

Michael Mary O'Farrell, son of Michael O’Farrell and Mary McHale, was born in Castlebar, Ireland, on September 27, 1842. He immigrated to the United States in 1865 and obtained a teaching position as professor of mathematics at Villanova College, having taught the same subject previously in Ireland. He entered the novitiate at Villanova, on January 5, 1866, and professed simple vows on January 19, 1867. He was solemnly professed on January 20, 1870. Following theological studies at Villanova, he was ordained to the priesthood at Saint Augustine Church, Philadelphia, on January 20, 1870, by Bishop Thomas A. Becker, the first bishop of Wilmington, Deleware.

Father O’Farrell was first stationed at Villanova where he was Vice-President of the College and Prefect of Discipline until 1876. For a part of this time he was also a member of the teaching faculty. In 1876 he was assigned to serve on the missions of New York at Lansingburg, and Hoosick Falls, and Carthage. He died at Princetown, New York, on August 28, 1881 at the age of 39. His Funeral Mass was offered on Wednesday, August 31st, after which Father O’Farrell was buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.
 

John P. O'Dwyer, O.S.A.

1814 – 1850 (May 24)

John Possidius O'Dwyer was born in Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland about 1814. After completing his preliminary education at the college in Kilkenny in 1835, he entered the novitiate at Grantstown, County Wexford, in 1836. After his profession of vows, he was sent to Italy to continue his studies in Perugia, after which he was ordained in Italy in December, 1838. 

In the late summer of 1840, Father O'Dwyer immigrated to the United States at the request of Father Patrick Moriarty. He served first at Saint Augustine's in Philadelphia, PA. Later he became seriously ill and returned to Ireland at the end of 1842 where he convalesced in Pesaro on the Italian Adriatic Sea. He returned to the United States in the summer of 1843, bringing with him Father Francis Ashe and cleric William Harnett. On August 7, 1843, Father O'Dwyer formally took possession of Villanova and opened the first classes in the Rudolph farmhouse. On August 28 of the same year, he offered the first Mass, blessed the new foundation and placed it under the patronage of Saint Thomas of Villanova. Acting as President of the new college and Professor of Latin and Greek, he enrolled seven students on September 17, 1843 to begin the first college year. 

Father O'Dwyer established the first community life at Villanova, and in 1849, opened the first new building for students. In 1847, he was appointed Commissary-General to succeed Father Moriarty. And in 1848 he erected the college railroad station. After fire destroyed Saint Augustine's Church in 1844, he built the "Lady of Consolation Chapel" to supply service for the faithful. Father O'Dwyer attended the 7th Provincial Council of Baltimore in May, 1849, and was unanimously chosen as the first candidate on the terna for the new Episcopal See of Savannah, Georgia. When he became seriously ill late in 1849, and before the election took place, he was hospitalized at Mount Hope, Baltimore, and his name was removed from the terna.

During his last illness, John Neumann, C. SS. R. later bishop of Philadelphia, administered to his spiritual needs, including the last rites. Father O'Dwyer died on May 24, 1850 at the age of 36. He is buried in the vault of Saint Augustine's in Philadelphia. O'Dwyer Hall, a student dormitory at Villanova University, is named in his honor.

In 1893, at the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Villanova College, J. Henry Magee, a member of the first group of students to enroll at Villanova, offered this testimony on behalf of Father O’Dwyer.

“He was, indeed, a rare character, earnest and energetic in all his undertakings, profound in his faith and convictions, and most sympathetic towards the sufferings and misfortunes of others. During the period of the riots he displayed the highest courage and immediately set about rebuilding the burnt church, or at least, a small chapel in which the congregation might worship until a new church could be built.” 

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

1931 – 2011 (November 27)

Bernard Joseph O'Dowd was born on August 23, 1931, in West Brighton, Staten Island, New York, the son of Bernard Denis O’Dowd and Mary Ellen Tallon. He had two sisters, Angela and Mary Ellen and two brothers, Thomas and John. He was baptized on September 6, 1931, at Sacred Heart Church, Staten Island, and attended Sacred Heart Parish School and, from 1945 to 1949, Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, the last year of which he was a postulant. He was received as a novice on September 9, 1949, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, professed simple vows on September 10, 1950. He then attended Villanova University, professed solemn vows on September 10, 1953, and received a BA in Philosophy in 1954. He pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, and was ordained to the priesthood on February 8, 1958, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, by Bishop John McNamara.

Father O’Dowd, or Father Bernie as he was known within the community, was assigned to teach at Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, in 1958. From 1960 to 1962 he served in parochial ministry at Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Chestnut Hill, PA, St. Augustine Parish and St. Laurence O'Toole Parish in Lawrence, Massachusetts. From 1962 to 1966 he was assigned to St. John of Sahagun Friary and taught at Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, DC. From 1966 to 1968, he taught at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine High School, Bronx, New York. From 1968 to 1971 he was military chaplain in the United States Army in Vietnam. In 1971 he was assigned to Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Staten Island, returned to Msgr. Bonner High School in 1973, and in 1974, became a member of the community at St. Laurence O'Toole Parish, Lawrence, while serving as chaplain at the Lawrence General Hospital, until 1975. Father O’Dowd subsequently ministered at St. Mary Parish, Waterford, New York, at St. Thomas of Villanova Parish, Rosemont, Pennsylvania, and at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Atlantic City, New Jersey. In 1996, he was assigned to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova.

Father O’Dowd suffered from kidney disease in his later years, to such a degree that a transplant donor was sought, but never found. Instead, a long period of dialysis treatment followed, but in an unusual turn of events, his condition improved and the treatments were able to be discontinued.
 
 After a fall in the monastery, Father Bernie was rushed to Bryn Mawr Hospital where he died on Sunday morning, November 27, 2011.

Patrick H. O'Donnell, O.S.A.

1857 – 1912 (September 24)

Patrick Hugh Joseph O'Donnell was born on Arran Island, Donegal, Ireland, on March 7, 1857, to Hugh and Grace O’Donnell. He taught for some years in Ireland before entering the novitiate at Villanova, Pennsylvania, on February 25, 1886. He pronounced simple vows on February 26, 1887, and was solemnly professed with a dispensation on June 11, 1889. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Ryan four days later, on June 15, 1889, in the Cathedral in Philadelphia.

From 1889 to 1893, Father O'Donnell taught at Villanova and, at the same time, was in charge of the mission at Saint Denis in Ardmore, Pa. In 1893, he was assigned to Saint Augustine, Lansingburgh, N.Y., and in 1898 to and Saint Joseph, Greenwich, N.Y, before returning to Lansinghburgh the following year. In 1906 he was stationed in Havana, Cuba, and in 1907 in Lawrence, MA. at Saint Mary’s Parish. In 1911, Father O’Donnell was assigned to Saint James Parish, Carthage, N.Y.

Father O'Donnell died in Philadelphia's Saint Joseph's Hospital of throat cancer on September 24, 1912 at the age of 55. He is buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.
 

Nicholas O'Donnell, O.S.A.

1802 – 1863 (July 1)

Nicholas O'Donnell was born near Cahir, County Tipperary, Ireland, to Nicholas O’Donnell and Joanna Condon, in December, 1802. One of his two brothers, William, also became an Augustinian. Nicholas was received as a novice on December 17, 1823, at Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome, Italy, and made his solemn profession on December 18, 1824. He studied for the priesthood at Santa Maria in Posterula, the Roman house of the Irish Province, and was ordained, with a dispensation because of his age, at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, Rome, in September, 1828.

That same year, the Prior General sent Father Nicholas and his brother, Father William, to the United States. They arrived in November and were warmly welcomed by Father Michael Hurley at Saint Augustine's in Philadelphia. Father Nicholas began to care for the Catholics in Ardmore, Belle Aire, Norristown, Manayunk and areas west of the city. As a young priest, he edited the newly established "Catholic Herald," for three years, under the direction of Bishop Kenrick. Later, in 1842, he directed the "Catholic Register" of New York.

Father O'Donnell was Rector of Saint Paul's Church in Brooklyn, New York, from 1839 to 1846. In that latter year, he went to Rome, and four years later was sent by the Prior General to open a mission at Bristol, England. In 1858, Father O'Donnell returned to the United States and again served in Brooklyn. At his request, the Bishop gave our Order the charge of the two missions at Lansingburg and Waterford in New York.

From that time until his death, Father O'Donnell was in charge of Saint Patrick's at Verplank Point in Westchester County, New York. He died there on July 1, 1863 at the age of 61, and was buried there beside the door of the Church.
 

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

1905 – 1969 (March 6)

Michael Joseph O'Donnell, son of Michael J. O'Donnell and Mary Morley, was born on February 7, 1905, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was baptized in Saint Columba Church there, and received his early education at that parish school. When his family moved to Atlantic City, Michael continued his studies at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Elementary School. In September, 1919, he entered Villanova Preparatory School where, upon graduation, he was awarded the General Excellence Medal. On June 21, 1923, he was accepted as a novice at Villanova, professed simple vows on June 22, 1924, and solemn vows three years later. In June 1927, he received a B.A. degree from Villanova College and then studied theology at Augustinian College in Washington, D.C., receiving an M.A. in June, 1931 from The Catholic University. On June 10, 1930, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John M. McNamara, at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

In 1931, Father O'Donnell was assigned to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, where he taught Greek and Algebra. On July 6, 1932, he was transferred to Saint Mary's Hall, Villanova, where he taught English to the Augustinian formation students and served as community treasurer. From 1938 to 1941, he assumed an additional assignment as Director of the Augustinian Seminary Guild. He worked in Villanova's Turf & Tinsel Club, was moderator of Shamokinaki, a fund raiser for the Augustinian Missions, and served as archivist for Villanova University. In July, 1942, Father O'Donnell became a military chaplain, with his first assignment at the Coast Guard Training Station, Manhattan Beach, N.Y. and later, was sent to the Pacific as a Navy "Sea Bee." He served as a Navy Chaplain, morale officer, librarian and recreation officer until January 19, 1946, when he was discharged with the rank of lieutenant commander, and resumed teaching at Villanova.

A heart attack curtailed Father O'Donnell's teaching, but he managed to compile a history of Villanova's football and basketball statistics under the titles: "Villanova Football: a Statistical History," and, “Basketball - A Statistical History.” Just prior to his death he compiled a history of Villanova's track teams. In his youth he had been given to creative writing. 

In January, 1967, Father O'Donnell was assigned to Saint Augustine Parish, Troy, New York, and the following year was appointed prior of the community. On March 6, 1969, Father O'Donnell died at Saint Mary's Hospital, Troy, at the age of 64. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Augustine Church by Bishop Frederick Hall, a Mill Hill missionary as principal celebrant. Father O'Donnell's body was then brought to the Collegiate Seminary at St. Mary's Hall, Villanova, for a Mass of the Resurrection followed by interment in the Augustinian Plot at Calvary Cemetery, Conshohocken, Pa. 

James O'Donnell, O.S.A.

1806 – 1861 (April 7)

James O'Donnell, son of John O'Donnell and Mary Fitzgibbons, was born on April 13, 1806, at Black Castle, Cashel-Roesgreen, Tipperary, Ireland. Following his primary and secondary education which he completed in 1821, he worked as a clerk in Cashel for the next ten years. On October 26, 1831, he arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and on January 1, 1832, he was received into the novitiate at St. Augustine's Church in the city. On December 22, 1832, he received Tonsure and Minor Orders from Bishop Francis P. Kenrick, in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, in Philadelphia. From 1832 to 1834, James O'Donnell studied theology under the tutelage of Bishop Kenrick, in the newly established St. Charles Seminary. On January 1, 1833, he made his profession of vows. From March 1834 to December 1836, James continued studies in theology at Mount St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Upon his return to Philadelphia he taught at St. Augustine's School and, on January 13, 1837, was ordained to the priesthood by John Dubois, S.S., third bishop of the diocese of New York.

Upon his ordination, Father O'Donnell was appointed chaplain to Bishop Dubois, who, on June 18, 1837, sent him to the mission of Salina, now Syracuse, New York, which included Baldwinsville, Fulton, Phoenix, and Solon. That same year, he was elected to the corporation of The Brothers of the Order of Hermits. In 1838, he was assigned to St. Augustine parish in Philadelphia, but in July, 1838, Bishop Dubois asked Father James and his cousin, Father Nicholas O'Donnell, to assume charge of the newly erected church of St. Paul, in Brooklyn. While stationed there, Father James served Long Island, an area over 1,000 square miles. In 1846, the Augustinians withdrew from St. Paul's parish.

The first known celebration of Mass, in what is now Nassau County, Long Island, New York, was offered by Father James O'Donnell, in 1840. Father James established the church of St. Monica, in Jamaica, New York and, with his cousin, Nicholas, directed the building of St. Mary's Church in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, which was added to the Augustinian corporation. Other communities Father James visited were, Flatbush, in Brooklyn and Sag Harbor on Long Island.

From 1844 to 1848, Father O'Donnell was stationed at St. Augustine's in Philadelphia and at Villanova, where he was a member of the College's first board of trustees, prefect of studies, and professor of English and history. In 1848, at the request of John B. Fitzpatrick, bishop of the Boston Diocese, Father O'Donnell established St. Mary's Parish in Lawrence, Massachusetts, became its first pastor and built the first church, a wooden structure. Then, in 1851, he built a stone church over and around the original building. In 1852, he founded St. Augustine Parish in Andover, Massachusetts.

On April 7, 1861, Father O'Donnell, at the age of 55, died at St. Mary's in Lawrence. Bishop John Fitzpatrick presided at his funeral, after which he was interred in the school yard, but later his body was transferred to St. Mary's Cemetery, in Lawrence. Upon Father O'Donnell's death, part of a letter from one Augustinian to another read, "There is great grief and lamentation through the whole city. He certainly fell in the zenith of his glory and popularity."
 

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.