Kieran T. Phelan, O.S.A.

1827 – 1915 (June 12)

Thomas Phelan, son of Patrick Phelan and Eleanor Eagan, was born in Kilkenny County, Ireland, in 1827. In 1848 he traveled to the United States, where, on February 9, 1849, he was vested at Villanova, and took the name Brother Kieran. Two of his sisters entered the Sisters of St. Joseph at Chestnut Hill.

For many years, Brother Kieran served at Villanova where he was in charge of the farm. In June, 1858, he was transferred to Lansingburg, New York, where he remained until May, 1859. He then returned to Villanova where he professed vows on June 7, 1860. He was known to the college personnel as "the Grand Old Man."

Brother Kieran died at Villanova on June 12, 1915 at the age of 88. He is buried there in the Community Cemetery.
 

Joseph K. Perry, O.S.A.

1909 – 1973 (March 17)

Joseph Kenneth Perry was born on August 17, 1909 in Fountain, Minnesota to John Perry and Mary Murphy Perry. He was baptized on September 19, 1909 at Saint Laurence O'Toole Catholic Church, Fountain. After receiving his elementary education in Filmore County public schools in Fountain, he studied for one year at Fountain Junior High School. He then enrolled in Saint John High School, Rochester, Minnesota, where he earned his diploma. In 1933, after working as a clerk, Joseph did post-graduate studies at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York. He was then received into Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, N.Y. on September 10, 1934. He professed simple vows on September 11, 1935 and solemn vows three years later. Joseph earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1939. He then pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the  priesthood on May 28, 1942. He did additional studies in English Literature and Engineering at Catholic University of America, Washington.

In 1943, Father Perry was assigned to Saint Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois.  He was transferred in 1946 to Saint Monica Seminary, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and he remained there until the time of his death in 1973. Among his positions held there over the years were Director of Monican Press, Sub-Master of Novices, and Director of Formation for Brothers.

Father Perry is remembered for his persistent yet fraternal efforts to prepare the Brothers for their life and work in a variety of community settings. He was a well-known preacher and retreat director in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. People found him to be wise and compassionate, and many visited St. Monica to seek his counsel.

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

John P. Pejza, O.S.A.

1934 – 2009 (December 12)

John Philip Pejza was born in Neshkoro, Wisconsin, on August 5, 1934. In 1947, he and his parents Philip and Regina Pejza and his sister Mary Jean, who became a Sister of St. Joseph of Orange, moved to San Diego when Jack was almost a teenager. He attended St. Didacus junior high school and Saint Augustine High School. After graduation in 1952, he entered the novitiate and was professed in August 1953. Jack graduated from Villanova University in 1957, and after four years of theology at Augustinian College in Washington, D.C., he was ordained to the priesthood in 1961.

Father Pejza’s love for religious life and for the priesthood was evident to those who knew him. Although he spent most of his priesthood celebrating mass on Sundays at various parishes, most notably Saint Rita’s in San Diego and Saint Thomas Aquinas in Ojai, Father Jack was never assigned as a parish priest. He was an academician. From the time of his ordination he served in a variety of capacities, as teacher, administrator, business manager, board member, principal and president at five schools - including Malvern Prep in Pennsylvania, Central Catholic High School in Modesto, and Marian High School in San Diego. The lion share of his educational ministry was spent serving at Villanova Prep School in Ojai, and Saint Augustine High School in San Diego. In 1987 he earned a doctorate in education from the University of San Diego. He also served in various leadership roles within the Augustinian community. At the time of his death he was the director of the Augustinian Guild.

Jack was a person of many hobbies, including working on his family genealogy, an offshoot, most likely, of his lifelong keen interest in history. As a young Augustinian Jack wrote a number of historical treatises related to the Order. He loved gadgets, and was always on the cutting edge of radio and computer technology. Science was a major interest for him. He made sure, however, that his interests did not preclude him from volunteerism. He took an active role in the NCEA and was a loyal Rotarian, devoting much of his time to their good works.

Father John Philip Pejza suffered a heart attack in San Diego on December 12th and died soon thereafter. The wake was held at Saint Patrick’s Church, San Diego on Wednesday morning, December 16th, followed by the Mass of Resurrection. Burial was at Holy Cross Cemetery, San Diego.

John F. Payne, O.S.A.

1961 – 2014 (October 9)

John Francis Thornton Payne was born on June 27, 1961 in Washington, D.C., the son of Ellis Augustine Payne and Gloria Bernice Thornton, and the youngest of their five children. He was educated at Abram Simon Elementary School, Assumption School and, in 1979, graduated from Archbishop John Carroll High School. The following year he entered the formation program of the Province attended Villanova University, from which he received his B.A. degree in English. He was received as a novice on August 16, 1983 and made his first profession of vows on August 4, 1984. From 1984-1987 he attended the Washington Theological Union and earned an M.A. in systematic theology. He made his solemn profession on May 15, 1988, and was ordained to the priesthood on November 18, 1989 by Bishop John H. Ricard, S.S.J. at St. Augustine Parish, the Mother Church of African Americans. At this time he had already been ministering at St. Augustine and remained there as associate pastor until 1996. He was responsible for the widely-known music and liturgical traditions of the parish, and co-authored several pieces with the renowned songwriter Leon C. Roberts. During this period he was a member, of the Augustinian College Community in Washington. Later he became a member of St. Ezekiel Moreno Friary in Silver Spring, MD, and was assigned to St. Thomas of Villanova Friary, Villanova from 2008 until his death.

 In 1995 Father Payne became Director of the He Rose Project at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. He helped to increase scholarship opportunities for young men of color and worked to raise college acceptance rates. He also developed the Ennis Cosby Learning Center for parents and students, with a focus on introspection, empowerment and concrete goal setting.

In 2000 he was named Dean of Students at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and in 2007 Director of Student Affairs. In 2014, the Board of Directors appointed him Head of School, with an effective date of August 1, 2014. After a few short months in this latest position, Father John collapsed on Thursday, October 9, of an apparent heart attack, at the school. He was rushed to the hospital but died shortly after.

As the chancellor of Washington's public schools stated, "(Father Payne) had an abundance of faith in his students, showed them love every single day, and set an example that created a welcoming and thriving school community."

A wake was held on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at St. Augustine Church in Washington D.C.. His funeral Mass was celebrated at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in Washington, D.C., on Monday, October 20, 2014, with 4,000 people in attendance. A memorial Mass was celebrated at the church of St. Thomas of Villanova on Friday, October 24, 2014. The celebrant was Father Michael Di Gregorio, O. S.A., Prior Provincial. Fr. Payne is buried in the Augustinian Plot at Calvary Cemetery, Conshocken, Pa.

Peter J. Paul, O.S.A.

1902 – 1964 (July 30)

Peter Joseph Paul was born in Astoria, Long Island, New York on February 5, 1902, the son of Joseph Paul and Rose Hofman. He received his early education at Cathedral College in New York. In September 1922, he entered Saint Rita's Hall in Villanova, Pennsylvania, as a postulant to begin the third year of college. He was accepted into the novitiate on October 10, 1923, and made his simple profession of vows on October 12, 1924. He wass solemnly professed on May 25, 1927, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 11, 1927 in the Cathedral in Philadelphia by Bishop Michael Crane, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. He obtained his M.A. in History from the Catholic University of America in 1928.

For several months in 1928, Father Paul was sub-master at the novitiate in New Hamburg, N.Y. In 1929, he was assigned to Saint Rita's High School in Chicago, Illinois, where he lived while he worked on his Ph.D. in history at Chicago University. From 1947 to 1951, he was Professor of History at Villanova University. He later served at Saint Thomas Parish, Ojai, California from 1955 to 1956.

Father Paul was appointed prior of Augustinian Academy on Staten Island, N.Y in 1956. From 1959 until his death he was prior and pastor at Our Lady of Angels in Jacksonville, Florida He died on July 30, 1964 at the age of 62. Prior Provincial James Donnellon, O.S.A., was celebrant of his Funeral Mass at Villanova. Father Robert Regan, O.S.A. was homilist. Father Paul is buried at Villanova in the Community Cemetery.
 

Joseph M. Paquette, O.S.A.

1895 – 1968 (April 29)

Joseph M. Paquette was born in Hyde Park, MA, on July 19, 1895 to Daniel Paquette and Mary Ann White. He received his primary education at Saint Raphael School in Hyde Park. After the family moved to Prince Edward Island, Canada, he entered Souris High School and Saint Dunstan's College Preparatory School there. Joseph was received into the novitiate in July 1917, and made his profession of vows on July 23, 1918. He graduated from Villanova College in 1920 and did graduate work in Chemistry at the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, where he received his Master's degree in 1924. He was solemnly professed on July 23, 1921, and was ordained to the priesthood by Michael J. Crane, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, on September 22, 1923 at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, PA.

After a brief stay at Saint John's Church in Schaghticoke, New York, Father Paquette taught in various schools of the Order in Ojai and San Diego, California. Aurora, Illinois,  and at Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, PA. In 1936 he was appointed to Villanova College where he served as Assistant Professor in the Chemistry and Mathematics Department until his retirement four years later. During his tenure at Villanova, he spent a year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology completing his studies for his Master's of Science degree which he received in 1940. He was elected to the Honor Society of Sigma Xi, becoming a member of the M.I.T. Chapter. He also spent a year at the University of Chicago in 1946 taking special courses in Chemistry.

During sixteen years at Villanova, Father assisted faithfully in the parish of Saint Henry in Bayonne, New Jersey. He had a great love for the opera and often used his visits to the New York area to attend the Saturday afternoon performances at the Metropolitan Opera.Father Paquette died on Monday, April, 29, 1968, at Fairmont Farms Hospital in Philadelphia of an embolism. Prior Provincial, Father James Sherman, was principal celebrant of the Funeral Mass that was celebrated in Saint Mary's Hall Collegiate Seminary Chapel, Villanova, on Thursday, May 2, 1968. Interment was in Saint Mary's Hall Cemetery. His remains were later transferred to Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pa.
 

Filippo Pambianco, O.S.A.

1879 – 1952 (December 30)

Francesco Pambianco was born on July 2, 1879, in Costacciari, Perugia, Italy. He was received into the Order on November 6, 1894, followed soon after by his brother, and professed his vows as a member of the Province of Umbria on November 7, 1895, taking the name Filippo. He did his studies at Collegio Santa Monica, Rome, and was ordained to the priesthood on December 21, 1901. Having obtained the title of Lector, he taught in Viterbo and later at Borgo a Buggiano. On December 30, 1911, he was awarded the title of Regent by the Prior General. At the Chapter of the Province of Umbria in October 1913, he was elected a definitor in the term of Prior Provincial, Pio Santolini, and was elected to this same position at the Chapter of 1919. He joined the Italian Mission to the United States in 1920 or 1921 and served both at Our Lady of Good Counsel and Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Churches in South Philadelphia, and was named pastor of the latter parish in February 1926. He relinquished this post in 1927 but in the interval purchased two houses next to the church on Watkins Street to make room for a new friary. He also converted the basement of the church into a lower chapel to accommodate the growing numbers of parishioners. On November 14, 1926, in the Church of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, he was awarded the ring of a Doctor of Theology from Father Charles M. Driscoll, O.S.A.

Accused by Cardinal Dougherty of writing an anonymous letter critical of several priests, including the Cardinal himself, - which he strenuously denied - he was forced to leave the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and went to Augustinian Academy on Staten Island, from where he served as chaplain to a community of Italian sisters and occasionally travelled preaching missions and retreats. He was a scholarly man and wrote poems in Latin with great ease. A manuscript he was writing in his later years, "Letters to Jesus", has been lost.

Father Pambianco remained a member of the Vice Province until his death which occurred on December 30, 1952 in Staten Island. He was buried on January 2, 1953 at Villanova.

Dominic J. Palladino, O.S.A.

1919 – 1955 (May 19)

Dominic Joseph Palladino, son of Antonio Palladino and Pasqualina Caggiano, was born in Revere, Massachuseetts, on August 23, 1919. After attending public grammar and high schools in Revere, he entered the House of Postulants as a post-graduate student on Staten Island, New York in September, 1939. He was received into the novitiate on September 9, 1941, and made his simple profession of vows on September 10, 1942. Following studies at Villanova College from 1942 to 1946, where he received his A.B. in Philosophy, he entered Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1945, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 7, 1949 at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. by Bishop John McNamara. 

Father Palladino spent the summer after his ordination at Marianao, Cuba. He was then assigned in July, 1950, as an assistant at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish in Jamaica, N.Y. where he served for three years. In 1953, he was sent to teach at Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C. 

On Thursday, May 19, the Feast of the Ascension, while on a crabbing trip on South River, Maryland, with another friar, Father John Skelly, and two Carroll students, the boat began to take on water and capsized. Father Skelly and one of the students swam more than a half-mile to shore, while Father Palladino drowned tyring, in vain, to save the other student, Joseph Monaldo. Joseph, a Carroll senior, was 18 years of age; Father Palladino was 35. The bodies of the two victims were recovered one week later.

More than 1,000 persons attended a Mass for Father Palladino in the auditorium of Carroll High School the following Tuesday. Father James Cain,  O.S.A., a classmate and also a member of the faculty, celebrated the Mass, and Father Frank Kelly, O.S.A., preached. Patrick O’Boyle, Archbishop of Washington, presided. A second Mass, for the benefit of the family, was celebrated in Saint Anthony Church, Revere, the home parish of the Palladino family, the previous day, by Father Vincent McQuade, O.S.A., President of Merrimack College, with Father John Lamond, O.S.A. as homilist.

A solemn high Mass of requiem was offered on Friday, May 27th, at Saint Mary’s Church, Lawrence, Mass., following the recovery of the bodies the previous day. Father Edward Stanford, rector of Carroll High School, was celebrant. Father Palladino’s parents, four brothers and two sisters were present. Burial followed in the Augustinian plot of Saint Mary's Cemetery in Lawrence, MA. 

Alfred A. Pacitto, O.S.A.

1906 – 1985 (October 29)

Alfred A.Pacitto, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 12, 1906, to Luciano Pacitto and Angelina Coia, and was baptized in Saint Paul’s Church on Christian Street on December 16. As a youth in the Parish of Saint Rita, he was one of the first boys sent to the Augustinian minor seminary, Staten Island, by Father Matthew Corcoran, O.S.A., of Saint Rita. He attended Saint Rita Grammar School and then entered the Augustinian Order at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island. After novitiate, he professed vows on August 16, 1927 and began philosophical studies at Villanova. Upon graduation from Villanova University in June 1931, he pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, where he was ordained to the priesthood at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on June 12, 1934 by Bishop McNamara.

After ordination Father Pacitto was assigned to Holy Rosary Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts. In 1938 he was transferred to the Colegio San Agustin, Havana, Cuba, where there was much unrest following the Batista takeover of the government. Despite the uneasiness he felt as a foreigner, he managed to teach classes during the week, to celebrate Mass on Sundays in Marianao, and to serve as an auxiliary chaplain during World War II. In that capacity, he was flown regularly from Camp Colombia, Marianao, to San Julian, at the eastern end of Cuba, to celebrate Mass at a U.S. Naval installation.In 1946, Father Pacitto returned to the United States and was assistant pastor in Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Staten Island. In 1950 he returned to Saint Augustine Church in Cuba and served there until 1961 when he was transferred once again to Holy Rosary Parish in Lawrence. Subsequent assignments were: Our Lady of Good Counsel, Staten Island from 1966 to 1968; Saint Augustine, Andover, Massachusetts in 1968; Our Lady of the Angels, Jacksonville, Florida from 1968 to 1975. In 1975, because of ill health he retired to the community at Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. Later he took up residence at Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts, and then at Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, Pennsylvania.

After a stroke and lengthy illness Father Pacitto died at Fitzgerald-Mercy Hospital on October 29, 1985. He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
 

Nicholas D. Osuna, O.S.A.

1934 – 2001 (February 8)

Alexander Daniel Osuna, son of Alexander Osuna and Jessie Romero, was born in San Diego, California, on May 28, 1934. He was baptized in the church of the Immaculate Conception, attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish School and Saint Augustine High School, all located in San Diego. While at Saint Augustine's he was a member of the Yearbook staff, band, manager for track and J.V. Football. After graduating from high school in 1954, he entered the Order and began his oblature and postulancy at the community of Saint Augustine, San Diego. In 1958, he began his novitiate at New Hamburg, New York, and professed first vows on January 23, 1959, choosing Nicholas as his religious name. Brother Nicholas professed solemn vows on January 23, 1962. 

From 1959 to 1964, Brother Nicholas was assigned to Saint Augustine, San Diego, where he was the community sacristan and maintained the school property. From 1964 to 1966, he became a member of the Villanova Preparatory School community in Ojai, California, where he served as sacristan and continued his maintenance skills. From August 1966 to June of 1969, Brother Nicholas became a vital part of the new house of studies at Camarillo, CA., where he maintained the property and procured and prepared food for the community. He was assigned to Mount Augustine Retreat House on Staten Island, N. Y., from June 1969 to August 1971. There, he continued his service in maintenance and took on the task of driver, which included transporting personnel and retreatants to and from the Staten Island Ferry and assisted in the organizational details for the retreat center. In August 1971, Brother Nicholas was assigned to Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Staten Island, and in April 1973, to Our Mother of Good Counsel Community in New Hamburg, N.Y. There, he supervised the maintenance of the four buildings and the
99-acre property. After brief assignments at Austin Preparatory School, Reading, Mass., Saint Thomas of Villanova, Rosemont Pa, and Saint Augustine Friary, Villanova, Pa, Brother Nicholas was assigned, in 1984, to Saint Thomas Monastery, on the campus of Villanova University. There, he assisted the older friars, introduced and maintained community projects, and worked as sacristan for the parish and university. His carpentry and machinery skills were expressed in creative designs, repairs and grounds keeping. 

Brother Nicholas had expressed his desire to join the Order when he witnessed the commitment of friars in community living, especially in their exercise of common prayer. Following the example of the religious he met in his youth, he lived a life of dedication to internal community ministry. Although, during his later years, progressive illness reduced his daily schedule, he never lost his sense of humor.  

Brother Nicholas died on February 8, 2001, at Bryn Mawr Hospital, Pa. A Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at the campus church of Saint Thomas of Villanova, and burial took place at the Augustinian plot, Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pa. 

John M. O'Sullivan, O.S.A.

1853 – 1880 (November 28)

John Mary O'Sullivan, the son of Thomas O’Sullivan and Mary McLaughlin, was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on June 3, 1853. He entered the novitiate at Villanova, Pennsylvania on Septmber 22, 1876, and professed simple vows on September 23, 1877. He was solemnly professed at Saint Mary's in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on Septmber 24, 1880.

John O’Sullivan was 27 years old when he died in Lawrence on Sunday morning, November 28, 1880, of consumption. He is buried at Saint Mary's in Lawrence.
 

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

1859 – 1926 (April 8)

Daniel James O'Sullivan, son of James Sullivan and Mary Dennis, was born on April 2, 1859, in Greenmount, County Cork, Ireland. When he was still a boy his parents immigrated to Lawrence, Massachusetts, where he received his early education in St. Mary's parish school. On July 3, 1882, he entered the novitiate at Villanova, Pa., professed first vows on July 4, 1883, and solemn vows on July 5, 1886. According to the records in the province archives, Father Sullivan began using O'Sullivan as his sir name beginning with the signing of his Will & Testament, dated June 15, 1915, and continuing throughout the rest of his life. On November 17, 1886, Daniel was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Patrick J. Ryan, in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, Pa.

On December 3, 1886, Father O'Sullivan was assigned to St. Augustine Parish, Troy, New York. In 1888, he was assigned to the Augustinian Mission Band and served that ministry for several years, while a member of the Villanova community. In 1890, he was appointed sub-prior at St. Augustine Parish in Philadelphia, Pa., where, in 1894, he became the treasurer. In 1898, Father O'Sullivan was appointed pastor of Our Mother of Consolation Parish in Chestnut Hill, Pa. From 1902 to 1917, he was pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Mechanicville, New York, where he directed the construction of the new church, encouraging his parishioners with these words. "Let us prepare to build a new church worthy of the God, whose home it is to be, and a fitting monument of faith and zeal of the people of this parish." Later, Father O'Sullivan looked back on his sixteen years at St. Paul's parish as most fruitful and enjoyable in his forty years as an Augustinian priest. In 1918, he was selected to be the pastor of St. Mary's Church, Waterford, New York. In 1922, he was assigned Prior and Pastor of St. Augustine, Troy. 

Father O’Sullivan died on April 8, 1926 at the age of 67. The Lawrence newpaper article that announced his passing, said, "His enthusiasm and magnetic personality instilled in those with whom he came in contact a respect and admiration that could not be mistaken." Prior Provincial Nicholas J. Vasey  was the celebrant of the Solemn Requiem Mass which was celebrated in the church of St. Augustine, Troy, New York, in the presence of more than a hundred priests from states including Michigan, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York and the District of Columbia. Sisters of St. Joseph, Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of Charity were members of the congregation. Several town officials, including the mayor, were present along with the Knights of Columbus and hundreds of parishioners from the surrounding districts. Father John A. McErlain, O.S.A. preached the homily, and interment was in St. John's Cemetery, Troy. 

Patrick F. O'Shea, O.S.A.

1900 – 1942 (December 14)

Patrick Francis O'Shea, son of John O’Shea and Sarah Hughes, was born in Braddock, Pennsylvania, on October 10, 1900. He attended Saint Brendan’s Parochial School and Braaddock High School, and then entered Saint Rita's Hall at Villanova as a postulant, in 1917. He was received into the novitiate on June 27, 1920, and made his simple profession on June 28, 1921. He was solemnly professed on June 28, 1924 and, after completing his studies, was ordained to the priesthood in the Cathedral in Philadelphia by Bishop Michael Crane, Auxiliary of Philadelphia, on June 11, 1927. He then completed graduate work in history at the Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

Father O'Shea was assigned to Saint Rita Parish in Chicago, Illinois, in 1928. Later he taught at Cascia Hall in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but ill health forced him to relinquish teaching at the end of the school year. In 1930 Father O’Shea became an assistant at Saint James Parish, Carthage, New York, and after five years was transferred to Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish, Rosemont, Pa. In 1937 he was appointed assistant at Saint Mary's Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts.
 
Father O'Shea was 42 when he died on December 14, 1942 following an emergency operation at Braddock where he had been visiting his mother. A Requiem Mass was celebrated in Saint Brendan’s Church, Braddock, on Wednesday, December 16th after which Father O’Shea’s body was brought to Villanova where Father Joseph Hickey, O.S.A., Assistant General celebrated the Funeral Mass the following day. Father Charles Shine, O.S.A. preached the sermon. Father O’Shea was buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.

Father O’Shea always took a great interest in ministering to the young people of the parishes where he was stationed. In Carthage, New York, he successfully championed the cause of the children who walked to the Catholic schools from the rural districts, and saw them provided with bus transportation together with public school students. In Rosemont and Lawrence he organized study clubs and societies for the youth.
 

Terence J. O'Rourke, O.S.A.

1937 – 2004 (December 21)

Terence Joseph O'Rourke, son of John O'Rourke and Elizabeth O'Brien, was born on February 9, 1937, on Staten Island, New York. He was baptized on February 21, 1937, in the church of the Immaculate Conception and received his early education at that parish school. From 1951, to 1955, he attended St. Peter's High School, Staten Island, and then entered Augustinian Academy there as a post graduate postulant. He entered the novitiate of Our Mother of Good Counsel, New Hamburg, N.Y., professed simple vows on October 30, 1956 and solemn vows on October 30, 1959. In June 1960, he received a B.A. degree from Villanova University. He then studied theology at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., graduating with an M.A. degree in Religious Education in May 1964. He also earned an M.A. in History from Villanova University. On February 1, 1964, Terence was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John Maguire at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, New York.

In August 1964, Father O‘Rourke was assigned to Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pa., where he taught theology, history and economics. In September, 1968, he began parochial ministry at St. Mary's Parish, Lawrence, Ma., where he directed the C.C.D., the CYO, and served as chaplain to Central Catholic High school and the Lawrence City Jail. He also worked with those suffering from drug addiction. In July 1969, he returned to Monsignor Bonner High School where he taught theology, and later joined the faculty at Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, Pa., where he taught theology and history. He also taught at Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, D.C. From 1976 to 1980.

Father Terry served as Director of the House of Prayer in St. Patrick's Parish in Oswego, N.Y. During the sickness of his father, he taught at Bishop Moore High School, Staten Island. From 1981 to 1994, he served as chaplain at Kings County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, N.Y. He assisted at the parishes of St. Clare, Our Lady Star of the Sea, and Holy Child, Staten Island, St. Monica's Parish in Johnsonville, N.Y., and at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish in Atlantic City, N.J. From 1997 until he became seriously ill, Father Terry served at St. Ann Parish on Staten Island, N.Y. He died on December 21, 2004 at the Hospital for Joint Diseases, Manhattan.

The Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated on December 24, 2004 at Father Terry's home parish of Immaculate Conception Church, Staten Island. Interment was at his family's cemetery plot at St. Peter's Cemetery, Staten Island, New York.
 

Arthur G. O'Rourke, O.S.A.

1930 – 2003 (January 14)

Arthur Gerard O'Rourke, son of Herbert O'Rourke and Mary Ellen Reilly, was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, on May 26, 1930. He was baptized in St. Mary Church, Brookline, on June 29, 1930, where he received his elementary and high school education. In September 1948, he became a post graduate postulant at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, N.Y. In September 1949, Arthur entered Our Lady of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, N.Y, and on September 10, 1950, professed simple vows. He attended Villanova from 1950 to 1953, where he received his BA Degree in Philosophy, and continued his studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. receiving an MA in Theology and Religious Education. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1953 and was ordained to the priesthood at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C. on June 8, 1957. In August 1957, he completed an MA degree from Strayer Business School, Villanova University.

Father Art's first assignment was as a member of the faculty of Augustinian Academy, Staten Island from 1957 to 1958. From 1958 to 1971, he served as assistant pastor at Saint Mary’s Church, Waterford, N.Y., and in 1962, was elected sub-prior. In August, 1971, he was appointed pastor and treasurer of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Atlantic City, N.J., and in 1975, was given the added responsibility of prior of that community. From 1980 to 1982, Father Art served as associate pastor at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Jamaica, N.Y., where he celebrated his silver jubilee of ordination. In August, 1982, he returned to Upstate New York and served again in Saint Mary’s Church, Waterford, for one year, when he became associate pastor at the Assumption/Saint Paul parish in Mechanicville, where he remained for five years.

In 1988, Father Art was appointed treasurer of Our Mother of Good Counsel Monastery at Merrimack College, No. Andover, Mass., where he assisted with the care of the elderly friars. In 1995, he was assigned as associate pastor of Saint Mary’s Parish, Lawrence, where his health began to fail, such that in August, 2001, he retired to the health care unit at Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova. In January 2003, during the renovation of the monastery, the health care unit was moved to Saint Joseph Friary at Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pa., and Father Art died there on January 14, 2003.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Saint Mary/Immaculate Conception Church, Lawrence, on Sunday, January 19. Interment was conducted the following day at Saint Mary/Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence.

Father Art was known throughout his life as a man of gentleness and good humor,a loyal brother and a faithful priest. His spontaneous compassion toward everyone he met and his conscientious care for those hospitalized and the infirm friars, were his dominant traits. His sense of justice was reflected in the amount of a gratuity he offered in restaurant services. Over the years Father Art showed dedication to his sister, Sister Mary O'Rourke, CSJ, who, at the time of his death, was actively involved in ministry in the parish of the Blessed Sacrament, Saugus, Ma.
 

James T. O'Reilly, O.S.A.

1851 – 1925 (November 12)

James Thomas O'Reilly was born on May 1, 1851 in Lansingburg, New York, to Edward O’Reilly and Maria McGrane. After receiving his early education from the Christian Brothers in Troy, he enrolled at Villanova College in September 1866. In January 1868, he entered the novitiate at Villanova, and professed simple vows on May 4, 1869. He made solemn profession on May 5, 1872, and following studies, was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Wood of Philadelphia on March 15, 1874 at the Overbrook Seminary.

After ordination, Father O'Reilly was served at Villanova as Professor, Procurator and depositarius. In addition, he served as pastor of Saint Denis' in Ardmore where he took up residence in February 1879. On August 14, he was appointed prior and pastor of Saint John in Schaghticoke, New York, where he served until July 26, 1886 when he appointed prior and pastor of Saint Mary's in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Father O'Reilly was pastor of Saint Mary's for 39 years and he served his people, community, Order, and church with outstanding devotion and distinction. A local paper, The Evening Tribune, paid tribute to him when, on November 12, 1925 it wrote that "In practically every one of his 39 years as head of Saint Mary's parish, some notable achievement stood out."

Among Father O'Reilly's numerous contributions were: the building of Saint Monica's church at Johnsonville, New York; Saint Monica's in Methuen; Saint Augustine's in Lawrence, and The Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He also introduced the Xaverian Brothers into the Lawrence school and established parishes for the Greek, Melchite, Maronite, Portuguese, and Lithuanian people of the area. Father O'Reilly was also instrumental in bringing about a satisfactory settlement of the Textile Strike of 1922, which affected more than 20,000 workers.

In addition, he cooperated in inventing and patenting a sanctuary votive candleholder, which became popular in many churches. Father O'Reilly was considered to be an eloquent orator, and he demonstrated his versatility and knowledge on many occasions. Father O'Reilly was 74 when he died on November 12, 1925, after suffering from poor health from some months. A Solemn High Requiem Mass was celebrated at Saint Mary’s on Monday, November 16, 1925 with the Father Joseph Hickey, O.S.A., Assistant General as celebrant. In attendance were William Cardinal O’Connell, Archbishop of Boston, and Father Nicholas Vasey, O.S.A., Prior Provincial.

Father O’Reilly was buried in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Lawrence. The Business Administration Building at Merrimack College and a bridge connecting North Andover with Lawrence in Massachusetts, were named in his honor.

Edward A. O'Reilly, O.S.A.

1849 – 1889 (January 2)

Edward Augustine O'Reilly, son of John O'Reilly and Margaret Corcoran, was born in Maryborough, Ireland, September 8, 1849. He began his studies in Laois County, Ireland, and later, with the Oblate Fathers in England. Coming to America he entered the novitiate at Villanova, Pennsylvania, on January 21, 1871, pronounced simple vows on January 22, 1872, and solemn vows on January 24, 1875. After four years study at Villanova he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Stephen V. Ryan of Buffalo at Germantown, Pa., on July 18, 1875.

Father O'Reilly's first assignment was as an assistant at Old Saint Augustine's in Philadelphia, Pa., from 1875 to 1877. Afterward he served for four years as assistant pastor at Saint Mary's Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts, from 1877 to 1881. The remaining years of his ministry were spent as a professor of Latin and Greek at Villanova College. During this period, Father O'Reilly tended also to the spiritual welfare of the parishioners of the Berwyn Mission. Known as a zealous laborer in the Lord's vineyard he was deeply loved by the people. 

Father O’Reilly had been ailing for several months with apoplexy, but seemed to be on the road to recovery. His spirits were good and he entered the new year with great promise. His death, therefore, came as a great shock not only in its timing, but also in its manner. He was overcome in his room in the Villanova Monastery from gas vapors during the night of January 2, 1889, and despite the efforts of the friars to revive him, his already weakened condition made him most vulnerable. He was 39 years of age.

The Funeral Mass was offered at Saint Thoams of Villanova Church with a large participation of friars, faculty and students, after which Father O’Reilly was buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova. 

Martin J. O'Neill, O.S.A.

1910 – 1993 (February 27)

Martin John O'Neill was born June 23, 1910 in New York City to Thomas O’Neill and Alice Robinson. He had one brother and four sisters, and was baptized on July 17, 1910 at Saint Angela Merici Church in New York. He was received into the novitiate on September 11, 1930. He professed simple vows on September 12, 1931 and solemn vows on September 12, 1934. Martin received a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1935, and pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., from 1935 to 1939. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 7, 1938 in Washington.

Father O'Neill was assigned to teach at Saint Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois, in 1939. In 1941, when the Augustinian Province or Our Mother of Good Counsel was formed, he was affiliated to this new Province. In 1942 he was assigned to Saint Monica High School Seminary, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, to teach. He was transferred in 1944 to Cascia Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he served as teacher, procurator from 1944 to 1947, and assistant headmaster from 1947 to 1959. That latter year he became rector at Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago. He was also elected to the Province Council in that year. From 1962 to 1965 he served as principal of Augustinian Academy, St. Louis, Missouri.

In 1965 Father O’Neill returned to Cascia Hall, as headmaster, a post he held until 1968. From 1968 until 1971, he was in charge of recruitment, and in 1971 he resumed teaching.

Because of failing eyesight, he gradually relinquished teaching duties at Cascia Hall. His years as a senior member of the Cascia Hall community were filled with activities and service for others. He died on February 27, 1993, following a long and debilitating heart ailment. He was 82. Father O'Neill is remembered as a caring and sensitive priest who lived the Augustinian life with a faith-filled spirit.

He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Calvary Cemetery, Tulsa.
 

Hugh P. O'Neill, O.S.A.

1893 – 1965 (January 4)

Hugh Patrick O'Neill, son of Hugh O'Neill and Rose Ann Hughes, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, on September 16, 1893. He attended Lisburn National School for five years and Saint Malachy College in Belfast for three years before immigrating to the United States. From Old Saint Augustine parish in Philadelphia he enrolled in the Augustinian Preparatory Scholasticate, Saint Rita Hall, Villanova, as a postulant in September 1911. He was received as a novice on June 19, 1913, pronounced simple vows on June 19, 1914 and solemn vows on June 24, 1917. All of his formal philosophical and theological training he obtained at Villanova where he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1917 and a Master of Arts degree in 1920. After completing his studies for the priesthood, he was ordained by Archbishop Dougherty at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul May 29, 1920.

In 1921 Father O'Neill was assigned to Saint Augustine parish, Havana, Cuba, and the following year he was named procurator of the community. On returning to the States he was stationed at Saint Rita Parish, Philadelphia from 1923 to 1924, Our Mother of Good Counsel parish, Bryn Mawr, from 1924 to 1932, and Saint Thomas of Villanova parish, Rosemont, from 1932 to 1933. Father O'Neill was then transferred to Saint Mary's parish, Lawrence, MA, where he remained until 1962. During these many years at Saint Mary's he served the parish and the Augustinian Community in a number of capacities. His specific assignment was responsibility for the west end district of the parish, and was in charge of editing Our Parish Calendar, a monthly parish publication.

A gentle, unassuming friar, Father O'Neill quietly went about his labors in the Lord's vineyards bringing God's counsel and solace to a generation of grateful Lawrencians. Beset by prolonged illness in his later years, he was cared for by the Grey Nuns at the Mary Immaculate Nursing Home in Lawrence from 1962 until his death on January 4, 1965. The Funeral Mass was celebrated by Prior Provincial, James Donnellon, O.S.A., at Saint Mary’s Church, Lawrence, on January 8, 1965, with burial in the Augustinian plot in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Lawrence. 

Charles P. O'Neill, O.S.A.

1871 – 1927 (April 19)

Charles Patrick O'Neill was born in County Carlow, Ireland on March 17, 1871. He entered the novitiate at Villanova, Pennsylvania on June 29, 1902, and was ordained a priest at Villanova by Bishop O'Reilly of Baker City Oregon on July 11, 1906. Father O'Neill spent his whole life as a priest in teaching and preaching. He taught at Villanova College and at Saint Rita's High School in Chicago, Illinois, where he died at Saint Rita's on April 19, 1927 at the age of 58. He is buried in Chicago.