Patrick A. Stanton, O.S.A.

1826 – 1891 (February 28)

Patrick Augustine Stanton was born in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland on January 27, 1826, to William Stanton and Mary Kyle. His maternal uncle, Father Thomas Kyle, labored for a time at St. Augustine’s in Philadelphia, and his cousin, Father James Waldron, was a member of the Province. Patrick immigrated to the United States in 1841, presumably with the intention of entering the Order and within a short time was enrolled at St. Charles Seminary, then located in the city near Saint Augustine. The following year he and the two Mullen brothers left for Italy to make their novitiate at Tolentino. They were professed in 1843, after which, they did their studies in Perugia, where, in 1847, Patrick was ordained sub-deacon by Cardinal Pecci, the future Pope Leo XIII. He returned home in the summer of 1847 and was ordained to the priesthood in Saint Augustine's Church, Philadelphia, on July 30, 1848 by, Bishop Francis Kenrick. A month later, on September 1, he became a citizen of the United States.

Father Stanton served at Saint Augustine's for the next nine years and, in 1857, was named prior and pastor at Villanova. In 1858, he was appointed Commissary-Provincial, an office he held until 1866. In 1859, he took up residence in Saint Augustine's, Philadelphia where he lived until 1869, when he became President of Villanova College, a post he held until 1872. Two years later, in 1874, he was appointed to preside at the first Chapter of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova, which elected Father Thomas Galberry. Less than a year later, he was to become rector provincial, with Galberry’s appointment as bishop of Hartford, Connecticut. Something similar occurred a few years later, when Bishop Galberry’s successor as provincial, Pacifico Neno, was called to Rome, and Father Stanton once again was called upon to govern the province.

Cardinal Gibbons invited Father Stanton to become a delegate to the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore in 1884, where he served as theologian and notary. In 1886, he was appointed devil’s advocate in the cause of Bishop Neumann. In 1889, he attended the General Chapter in Rome as an ex-Assistant General.

Shortly after returning from Rome, Father Stanton became seriously ill. He died in Philadelphia on February 28, 1891, at the age of 65. A Solemn Requiem was celebrated on March 3rd by his cousin, Father Waldron, who was then Prior Provincial. Archbishop Patrick Ryan presided and pronounced the absolution of the body in church and at the tomb. Father Stanton is buried at Saint Augustine's in Philadelphia.

Edward V. Stanford, O.S.A.

1897 – 1966 (February 17)

Edward Valentine Stanford, son of Gorham Stanford and Catherine Fitzpatrick, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on February 14, 1897. His early education was obtained at Saint Raphael Grammar School, Hyde Park, Boston College High School, and Boston College. At the age of nineteen he entered the Province as a postulant, was received as a novice on June 14, 1917, and professed simple vows on July 23, 1918, and solemn vows on July 23, 1921. After completing his college education, he was awarded an A.B. degree and began theological training at Saint Mary's Hall, Villanova. He was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral in Philadelphia on June 10, 1922. 

Father Stanford's first appointment in 1922, was as teacher of descriptive geometry in the Engineering School at Villanova, in which he continued until 1932. Appointed chaplain in 1925 he devised a special technique for religious registration of collegians and originated a spiritual cartoon bulletin. From 1932 to 1944 he was president of the College and was instrumental in establishing the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps at Villanova. Deeply involved in all phases of the educational world, Father Stanford was a member of many academic organizations and was the recipient of a half-dozen honorary degrees. He was, at various times, president of the Association of American Colleges, director of Augustinian Schools, chairman of the Selection Board for Navy R.O.T.C, and full time administrative consultant of the Association of American Colleges. 

Father Stanford was rector of Augustinian College in Washington, D.C., from 1944 to 1950, after which he helped organize Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington as founding principal in 1950, and prior of the Augustinian community. During this period he organized and directed the Catholic Commission for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs, and wrote textbooks on such varied subjects as Geometry, Marriage, Faith, College Administration, as well as 18 pamphlets, 70 published articles, and 27 book reviews. 

It was while carrying out his duties as an official consultant at a meeting of the Board of Trustees at Biscayne College in Miami, Florida, that he was suddenly stricken at the Church of the Resurrection in Dania, Florida, and died on February 17, 1966. Father Stanford is buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova University. A dormitory at Villanova is named in his honor. 

Edward Stack, O.S.A.

1826 – 1895 (October 14)

Edward Stack was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland on November 26, 1826 to James Stack and Mary Mancy. He arrived at Villanova and was received as a postulant on November 18, 1849. He began his novitiate on December 31, 1849 and in 1852 left for the Trappists with Brother Sylvester, but returned in 1853. 

Brother Edward made his first profession on April 16, 1859. In August, 1861 he was assigned to Saint Augustine Church in Philadelphia where he served as sexton, and in July 1886 was transferred to Atlantic City, New Jersey for several months, after which he was stationed at Villanova.

Brother Edward was 69 when he died at Villanova on October 14, 1895. The Office of the Dead was held the next day, followed by a funeral Mass in St. Thomas of Villanova Church. Brother Edward was buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.
 

Lorenzo M. Spirali, O.S.A.

1882 – 1965 (July 4)

Lorenzo Maria Spirali was born in Guardiagrele, Province of Chieti, Italy on December 26, 1882. The baptismal register of the town’s church records next to the entry for his parents, “unknown”. He was adopted and raised in the nearby town of Rapino by a young couple, Donato Michelli and Filomena Damiani. At the age of 20, he left Italy for the United States and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With much encouragement from friends, including a diocesan priest, he attended night school, then Saint Charles College, Ellicott City, MD, and Saint Charles Seminary, Overbrook, PA. He made the acquaintance of Father James McGowan, O.S.A. at the newly established church of Saint Rita, and in 1910 he entered the novitiate at Villanova. He received his bachelor's degree from Villanova College in 1914 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1916 in the Philadelphia Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul by Archbishop Edmond Prendergast.

After ordination, Father Spirali was assigned to Saint Rita's Church in Philadelphia where he served until 1926, when he was appointed prior and pastor at El Cristo Church in Havana, Cuba. He was named rector of the Colegio S. Agustin in Havana in 1929. In 1931-1932 Father Spirali was called to Rome and appointed General Oeconome for the Order. He returned to Cuba in 1937 where he remained until he was expelled along with other American and Spanish clergy by the Communist Government of in 1961. While in Cuba, Father Spirali built five churches, opened the San Lorenzo Dispensary for the Poor, started a night school for the workers and started the University of Santo Tomas de Villanueva. He was called the "Don Bosco" of Cuba. After leaving Cuba he lived in the Augustinian house in Florida, on the campus of Biscayne College, Opa-Locka, a Miami suburb.

Father Spirali was an Augustinian priest for 49 years when he died in West Palm Beach Hospital, West Palm Beach, Florida, on July 4, 1965 at the age of 82. He is buried in the community cemetery at Villanova.
 

John A. Sparrow, O.S.A.

1894 – 1953 (September 9)

John Aloysius Sparrow was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on May 8, 1894, to Thomas Sparrow and Mary McPeake. He was baptized at Saint Mary’s Church, Lawrence, on May 11th and received his early education at Saint Mary’s Parochial School. He obtained his high school education at Saint John's Preparatory School in Danvers, after which he entered Saint Rita’s Hall, Villanova, in the Fall of 1911. He was accepted into the novitiate at Villanova on June 20, 1912 and professed simple vows on June 20, 1913. He made his solemn profession on June 23, 1916, and following theological studies, was ordained to the priesthood in the Passionist Monastery in Hoboken, New York, by Bishop O'Connor of Newark, on May 16, 1918.

From 1919 to 1940, Father Sparrow was Professor of Classics and Philosophy at Villanova College and Saint Mary's Hall. He also taught these subjects at Rosemont and Bryn Mawr Colleges. In 1935, he was elected Definitor of the Province of Saint Thomas. From 1940 to 1953, he was a professor of at Villanova Preparatory School in Ojai, California. And at the Provincial Chapter of 1953, he was appointed prior and rector of Saint Augustine's High School in San Diego, California.

Father Sparrow died suddenly in his office in San Diego on September 9, 1953 at the age of 59. A Requiem Mass was held at Saint Patrick’s Church, San Diego, on Friday, September 11, 1953. His body was then brought to Villanova where the Office of the Dead was sung on Sunday, September 13th. The following morning the Funeral Mass was celebrated by Father James Donnellon, O.S.A., prior of the Villanova Monastery. Father Robert Regan, O.S.A. preached the sermon.

Father Sparrow is buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.
 

William J. Sofranko, O.S.A.

1913 – 1987 (February 16)

William Joseph Sofranko was born to John Sofranko and Mary Janigan on March 24, 1913, in East Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, later renamed Jim Thorpe, Pa. He had two sisters and a brother. He was baptized in Saint Joseph Parish there and attended the parish school. After three years at Mauch Chunk Catholic High School, he transferred to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, as a postulant, and graduated in 1932. In September of that year he entered the Novitiate of Our Mother of Good Counsel, New Hamburg, N.Y., and professed simple vows on September 11, 1933. Three years later, in 1936, he made his solemn profession at Saint Mary's Hall, Villanova, Pa. In 1937 he graduated from Villanova with a B.A. in philosophy and began his theological studies at Augustinian College in Washington, DC. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 10, 1940 by Bishop John McNamara at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Upon completion of his theological studies in 1941, Father Sofranko was appointed submaster of novices and assigned to Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg. In 1943, he was assigned to teach physics at Villanova, and two years later was transferred as assistant pastor to Saint Laurence O'Toole Parish, Lawrence, MA. After six months in Lawrence he was assigned to San Agustin, Marianao Havana, Cuba, where he taught chemistry and math at the University of Santo Tomas, headed the Department of Science, and helped set up the Department of Chemical Engineering. In 1954 Father Sofranko was assigned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine in the Bronx, N.Y., where he remained for almost 25 years serving in the parish, teaching science in the high school, and serving as subprior of the Augustinian community. In 1978 he was assigned as associate pastor to the Church of the Assumption/Saint Paul in Mechanicville, N.Y. 

In 1983 Father Sofranko retired to Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery, Villanova. For two years he patiently endured the suffering of cancer and died on February 16, 1987. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church on the campus, on Wednesday, February 18, after which he was buried in his family plot at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Jim Thorpe, PA. 

Stanley C. Smith, O.S.A.

1935 – 2010 (January 1)

Stanley Charles Smith was born on February 9, 1935, in Andover, Massachusetts, the son of Stanley Smith and Helen Winters, and was baptized at Saint Augustine Church, Andover, on February 24, 1935. He attended Saint Augustine Parish School, from 1940 until 1948, and Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, NY, from 1948 to 1952. He was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1952, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, NY, he professed first vows on September 10, 1953. He studied at Villanova University, from 1953 to 1957, where he was awarded a BA in Philosophy. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1956, and then pursued theological studies at the Collegio Santa Monica, Rome, Italy, from 1957 until 1961. He was ordained to the priesthood there by Cardinal Traglia on December 17, 1960 in the Basilica of St. John Lateran. 

Father Stan was first assigned to Saint Mary Parish, Lawrence, MA, in 1961, and then to Saint Joseph Parish, Greenwich, NY, from 1962 to 1963. From 1963 to 1971, he was a member of Saint John of Sahagun Friary and taught at Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, DC. In 1971 he returned to Massachusetts and was assigned to Saint Mary Parish, Lawrence. In 1972 he went to Saint Augustine Parish, Andover, and in 1975 to Our Mother of Good Counsel Monastery, Merrimack College, North Andover, where he remained for two years. In 1977 he was assigned to Assumption Parish, Lawrence, and in 1980 to Saint Augustine Parish, in the same city. He returned to Our Mother of Good Counsel Monastery, Merrimack College in 1992. In 1994, Father Stan left Massachusetts to become a member of the Saint Augustine Friary community at Villanova, PA, and in 2006, he moved to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova. 

Over the years, Fr. Stan pursued studies in the spirituality of aging, and was an advocate for valuing the wisdom of the elder friars. As chaplain to communities of religious sisters, he shared the importance of the spirituality of the later years of life. 

Father Stan died early in the morning of New Year's Day, January 1, 2010, at the age of 74, after a period of illness. His Funeral Mass was celebrated at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, in the evening of January 5, 2010, with burial the following day in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pa. 

Joseph A. Smith, O.S.A.

1906 – 1974 (December 31)

Joseph Augustine Smith was born December 21, 1906 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Martin Smith and Julia Horahan. He was baptized January 6, 1907, and was confirmed on April 15, 1914, at the Church of the Visitation, Philadelphia. After postulancy, he was received into the novitiate on June 25, 1924, professed simple vows on June 26, 1925 and solemn vows on June 26, 1928. He earned a B. A. in Philosophy and an M. A. in French from Villanova College, Villanova, Pa., and did theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. He was ordained a Priest June 9, 1931.

Father Smith was assigned in 1932 to teach at Cascia Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma. When the new Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel was established in 1941, he became affiliated to that Province and was appointed prior of Cascia Hall Monastery. From 1944 to 1947 he was assistant pastor of Saint Clare of Montefalco Church, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, and prior of the Augustinian Community there. He taught from 1947 to 1952 at Saint Thomas High School, Rockford, Illinois, and when Austin Catholic High School, in Detroit opened its doors in 1952, he was transferred there as a member of the first faculty. He also served as the first prior there.

Father Smith returned in 1959 to Saint Thomas High School, Rockford, as teacher and prior. He was again assigned in 1962 to Saint Clare of Montefalco Catholic Parish, where he was assistant pastor and prior. From 1968 to 1971 he was prior at Austin Catholic High School, Detroit. He retired in 1971 and continued to reside in the friary at Austin.

While visiting his family in Rochester, New York, Father Smith suffered a heart attack. He died there December 31, 1974. Father Smith is remembered as a man of peace, a quiet man who was comfortable with himself and with others. He was a peacemaker who gave support and encouragement to all, particularly to his fellow Augustinian friars.

He was buried in the Community Plot at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pa.
 

Henry B. Smith, O.S.A.

1905 – 1963 (July 25)

Henry Bernard Smith, son of John Smith and Joan Sullivan, was born on July 6, 1905, in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania and baptized in Our Mother of Consolation Church there. Following his high school education as a postulant at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, he was accepted into the novitiate in 1925 and made simple profession on August 16, 1926. He made his solemn profession of vows on the same date in 1929. Henry completed his studies at Villanova in 1930 receiving his A.B. degree, and was ordained to the priesthood in the National Shrine on June 13, 1933.

His first assignment was to Saint Augustine's parish in Detroit, Michigan, on July 6, 1934. On November 29, 1935 Father Smith was assigned to Saint Augustine's in Andover, Massachusetts, the parish he served for the remainder of his life. For 27 years he was the assistant at Saint Augustine's and during his last seven years he was pastor. During his term he also served the Province as Fourth Definitor from the 1951 and 1953 Chapters and Third Definitor in 1956.

Father Smith was greatly respected in Andover not only for his efforts in the parish but his great civic and ecumenical activities, as well as for his work for the entire community.

He died suddenly at Bon Secours Hospital on July 35, 1963 and was buried in Saint Augustine's Cemetery, Andover, Massachusetts.
 

Cyril J. Smith, O.S.A.

1929 – 2009 (July 23)

Cyril Joseph Smith was born on February 9, 1929, in McSherrystown, PA, one of three sons and six daughters of Paul F. Smith and Marie G. Lawrence. Cyril was baptized on February 10, 1929, at Annunciation BVM Church in McSherrystown, and attended Annunciation Parish School, and Delone Catholic High School, in McSherrystown. He completed his last year of high school, from 1945 to 1946, as a postulant at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, NY, and was admitted to the Order as a novice on September 9, 1946. Following his year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, NY, he professed first vows on September 10, 1947. He then attended Villanova College and received his BA in Philosophy in 1951. He proceeded to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, for his theological studies, and also pursued an MS in Biology at the Catholic University of America. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1950. Cyril was ordained to the priesthood on February 5, 1955, at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, by Bishop John McNamara.

Father Smith was assigned to Saint John of Sahagun Friary and Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, DC, where he served from 1955 to 1975, as a teacher, disciplinarian, and from 1962 as Vice-Rector, until he was appointed Rector in 1971. In 1975 he was assigned to Casa San Lorenzo and Biscayne College, Miami FL, where he served as Registrar until 1982. In that year he served as Assistant Principal at Bishop John Neumann High School, Golden Gate, FL. In 1985 he returned to Casa San Lorenzo and began serving at Msgr. Edward Pace High School, Miami, FL, as teacher, assistant principal, and supervisor of academic affairs and of religious services. In 1990 he was appointed prior and treasurer of Casa San Lorenzo. He spent all of his years of priestly ministry in education, and in every place he assisted at local parishes on weekends.

Father Smith died at Palm Springs Hospital, Hialeah, Florida, on July 23, 2009 with friars of his community and his sister, Sr. Louis, M.M.S. at his side. A Requiem Mass was celebrated at Little Flower Church in Hollywood on Tuesday, July 28th, and the Funeral Mass was celebrated two days later at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.
 

Arthur F. Smith, O.S.A.

1925 – 2007 (February 17)

Arthur Francis Smith was born on November 16, 1925, in Albany, New York, the son of Arthur Smith and Anne Hess. His grandfather was the Honorable Alfred Emanuel "Al" Smith, former governor of New York and Democratic presidential candidate in 1928. Art had one sister and three brothers, one of whom, Alfred, was a member of the Villanova Province. Arthur was baptized on December 26, 1925, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Albany, N.Y. He received his early education at Saint Mary Star of the Sea Parish School, Long Island, N.Y., and Holy Trinity Parish School. He attended De LaSalle Institute, for one year, and Iona Preparatory School, for three years. Arthur served in the Armed Services, from 1944 to 1946, after which he began studies at Villanova College. On September 9, 1949, he entered Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, N.Y., and professed simple vows on September 10, 1950. He returned to Villanova College and completed his studies in 1951 with a BA in Philosophy. From 1951 to 1955, he studied theology at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, and also completed an MA in History at Villanova. He professed Solemn Vows on September 10, 1953 and was ordained to the priesthood on June 5, 1954, by Bishop John McNamara, at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC. 

After a summer assignment in 1955 at Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Chestnut Hill, Pa, he was assigned to Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, DC, where he taught US History, Religion and later was Vice-Rector in charge of studies. From 1963 to 1987 he was assigned to Austin Preparatory School, Reading MA, where he taught History and Religion, and served as Vice-Rector for Studies, Moderator of the National Honors Society, and Moderator of the Friends of Austin. In 1987, he was assigned to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, PA, and served first as Assistant Archivist and then, from 1988 to 1995, as Archivist of the Province. He later continued as Assistant Archivist, but with failing health, he retired from this work. 

After a long illness, he passed over to the Lord on Saturday, February 17, 2007. Father Art was honored by Austin Preparatory School, Reading, when it named its library, Media Center, Reference and Research Center, after him, in recognition of his twenty-four years at the school. He had been a member of the school's founding faculty and its first Academic Dean. He was firmly dedicated to the Province's ministry in Secondary Education and spent 32 years in that ministry. On one of the anniversaries of his ordination, in an interview, he said: "Such reflections that I might have can be summed up in the words, gratitude and continued awe. Gratitude to Almighty God for the gift of the religious priesthood, and to the members of the Order who have assisted me…, and awe that God continues to favor me with his love."

A funeral Mass was celebrated on February 22, 2007, at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, PA. Father Art is buried at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Valhalla, NY, with his family, including his brother, Alfred E. Smith, OSA, who predeceased him. 

Alfred E. Smith

1931 – 1986 (July 12)

Alfred Emmanuel Smith was born in New York on August 8, 1931, one of five children of Arthur WIlliam Smith and Anne M. Hess. He was named for his grandfather, Alfred, governor of New York, and the first Catholic nominated for the presidency of the United States by a major party. After parochial school in Holy Trinity Parish, Manhattan, and Resurrection Parish in Rye, New York, he attended Manhattan Preparatory School in the Bronx. Following graduation, he became a postulant at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, N.Y. In 1951, he entered the novitiate at New Hamburg, N. Y., and on September 10, 1952, he professed simple vows. In 1955, he professed solemn vows.

After graduating from Villanova University in June 1955 with a B.A. degree in philosophy, Alfred pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, as well as sociology at the Catholic University. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 7, 1958 in the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. He celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving in Resurrection Church, Rye, assisted by his second cousin, Father Thomas A. Burke, O.S.A., and his older brother, Father Arthur F. Smith, O.S.A., who preached the sermon.

Father Smith's first assignment was to Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, PA, where he earned a reputation for his rapport with the students. He organized the Bonner Breakfast Club during the 1960s, where students would come early to serve at Masses and then be treated to breakfast. This harmony with the students attracted many students to the Order. In 1971, he was assigned to Malvern Prep. A year later, he began his ministry as a parish priest at Saint Augustine's Parish, Troy, N.Y., where he became involved in the "Right to Life Movement." He founded "The Society of Our Mother of Good Counsel for Life" and became its effective spokesman in the Troy-Albany area. In 1979, he was assigned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, the Bronx, first teaching in the school and later working as associate pastor in the parish. He continued his work for the unborn and was also involved in many programs for the elderly and youth of the parish. The scope of his activity was immense.

On July 12, 1986 Father Smith died suddenly of a massive coronary, as he was preparing to celebrate the 6:30 a.m. Mass. During the two days and nights before the funeral Mass at Saint Nicholas, a flood of people from the parish, as well as Saint Augustine Parish in Troy, and Monsignor Bonner High School attested to the effectiveness of his work. Sadness, bewilderment and hope pervaded the congregation.

Father Smith was buried in his family plot in Westchester County, N.Y., following a second Mass at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye, New York, presided over by John Cardinal O'Connor, Archbishop of New York. Memorial Masses were celebrated at Monsignor Bonner High School and Saint Augustine Church in Troy. 
 

James J. Sinnott, O.S.A.

1910 – 1983 (May 28)

James Joseph Sinnott was born September 1, 1910 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania to Francis P. Sinnott and Anne C. O'Connor. He was baptized September 4, 1910 at St. Patrick Church, Pottsville, and received the Sacrament of Confirmation December 3, 1916 in the same church. James received his elementary education at St. Thomas of Villanova School, Rosemont, Pa. He did his secondary education at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, which awarded him a diploma in 1926. He was received into the novitiate on August 15, 1926, and professed simple vows on August 16, 1927, and solemn vows on September 1, 1931. He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1931. He pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., from 1931 to 1935. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 12, 1934. He received an M.A. in Psychology from Catholic University of America, Washington, in 1937.

Father Sinnott was assigned in 1937 to St. Matthew Parish, Flint, Michigan, as assistant pastor. In 1939 he began a long career as an educator. He taught at St. Rita High School, Chicago, from 1939 to 1950, also serving as Vice-Principal for Studies from 1944 to 1950. He was transferred in 1950 to Cascia Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was Rector. In 1965 he joined the faculty of Augustinian Academy, St. Louis, Missouri, where he also served as prior of the community. He was assigned in 1968 to St. Rita High School, Chicago, where he was appointed prior. He returned in 1971 to Cascia Hall, Tulsa, as a teacher.

In 1972 Father Sinnott returned to parish ministry, serving until 1974 at St. Patrick Parish, Dallas, Texas, and then at St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Chicago. Father Sinnott suffered from cancer in his final years, and died May 29, 1983 at St. Clare. He is remembered for his kindness and his sense of humor. He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.
 

James R. Simpson, O.S.A.

1891 – 1954 (October 21)

James Raymond Simpson, son of George Simpson and Mary Ahearn, was born in Yonkers, New York, on January 21, 1891. He entered the preparatory seminary at Villanova in 1908 and was admitted to the novitiate in 1912. He made his profession of simple vows on June 20, 1913, and was ordained to the priesthood at Saint Charles' Seminary in Overbrook on June 8, 1919, by Archbishop Denis Dougherty.

Father Simpson taught at Saint Augustine's in Havana, Cuba, for two years and then at Saint Rita High School in Chicago, Illinois. In 1923 he was reappointed to Cuba. From 1929 to 1942 he served in our parishes in Los Angeles, California; St. Mary’s, Lawrence; St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Jamaica; and St. Augustine’s, Troy, New York. In 1942, he was named prior and pastor at Saint Mary's in Waterford, New York, and in 1950, he became prior and rector at Saint Paul's in Mechanicville, New York. Serious illness forced his retirement from active ministry in 1953.

Father Simpson was 63 when he died in Saint Peter's Hospital in Albany, New York on October 21, 1954. The Office of the Dead was recited and Solemn Requiem Mass offered on October 25 at St. Thomas of Villanova Church. Father Henry Greenless, O.S.A., Rector Provincial was the celebrant and Father Stephen Lanen, O.S.A. preached. Father Joseph Hickey, O.S.A., Prior General Emeritus, was present. Following the Requiem Mass, Father Simpsoon was buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.
 

Ralph C. Shurer, O.S.A.

1928 – 2008 (April 8)

Ralph Charles Shurer was born on May 20, 1928, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, one of two sons and three daughters of Hiram Shurer and Agnes Lorsong. Ralph was baptized on May 27, 1928, at Saint Boniface Church, Williamsport, and attended Saint Boniface Parish School, from 1934 to 1942, and Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, from 1942 until 1946. He was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1946, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, N.Y., he professed first vows on September 10, 1947. He then attended Villanova College, and received his BA in Philosophy in 1951. He pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, from 1951 to 1955, and studied biology at the Catholic University of America, where he received his MS in 1957. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1950, and he was ordained to the priesthood on June 5, 1954, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., by Bishop John McNamara.

Fr. Ralph was assigned in 1955 to Saint John Sahagun Friary where he taught at Archbishop Carroll High School, until 1959, while he continued graduate studies in Biology, Organic Chemistry, Bacteriology and Physiology, at the Catholic University of America, Villanova University and Bryn Mawr College. In 1959, he was assigned to Saint Thomas Monastery and Villanova University, where he spent the rest of his religious and academic life. At the university he taught Biology to the Augustinian professed students, and to a multitude of collegians, especially those in the Nursing School. His students knew him to be a dedicated teacher, knowledgeable, and dedicated to giving witness to a love and respect for all of God's creation. He retired from teaching at the university in 2003, after more than forty years in the classroom and biology lab. In his nearly fifty years as a member of the Monastery community, the friars knew him to be a gentle and caring brother.

Father Ralph was weekend assistant at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Strafford, Pa., for forty-seven years, leaving this parish ministry only because of failing health. In a tribute to him, the parishioners wrote. "Father Ralph is truly a man for all seasons. He is first of all a man of God. His love for our Lord, for the Church, and for his fellow man shines through every homily he gives. And, in each homily as a man of science, he always manages to remind us that the wonders of nature and of science have all been created by God for us. Each time he casually includes a short explanation of natural phenomena or some scientific data…. He is a compassionate man. He has listened to, counseled, and comforted not only his students, but also members of this parish, and people in other areas where he has offered his help and advice. He has practical talents as well, and has helped needy friends make repairs on their houses…. The Italian background of the parish sparked his interest in things Italian, and he actively participated in the work of the American Institute for Italian Culture, both as a member of the Board of Directors and as the Representative of Villanova University. This 'touch of Italy' brought him to a greater appreciation and love of music, especially opera, even though his singing ability is not one of his stronger assets! Father Ralph was born in Williamsport, Pa., into a devout and loving family, originally from the Alsace-Lorraine region of France, who gave one son and two daughters to the religious life. His love and devotion to his mother and to his immediate family are a very deep part of his life."

Fr. Ralph passed over to the Lord on Tuesday morning, April 8, 2008, at the age of 79, after a period of illness and failing health. The funeral Mass was held on April 10, 2008 at Saint Thomas Church, Villanova, Pa., at 7p.m. Fr. Shurer is buried at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohoken, Pa.
 

Ralph V. Shuhler, O.S.A.

1913 – 2007 (March 6)

Ralph Vincent Shuhler was born on January 27, 1913, in Salina, Kansas, the son of Joseph Shuhler and Caroline Betz. He was the youngest of ten boys, all of whom preceded him in death. Ralph was baptized on February 16, 1913, in Sacred Heart Church, Salina, before his family moved to Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. Here he received his elementary education at Kraussdale Grade School and his secondary education at East Greenville High School between the years 1919 and 1931. He then spent a year as a postulant at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, and became a novice at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, N.Y., on September 9, 1932. He professed simple vows on September 11, 1933, and began studies at Villanova College, where he obtained a BA in Philosophy in 1937 and where he professed solemn vows on September 11, 1936. He completed his theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., and was ordained to the priesthood on May 30, 1939, at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, by Bishop John McNamara. He then completed a doctorate in Canon Law at the Catholic University of America, in 1943.

From 1943 to 1959 Father Shuhler was assigned to Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., where he taught Canon Law, and served at times as sub-master and sub-prior. In the General Chapter of the Order in 1959 he was elected as Assistant General, and served in Rome in that capacity until 1965. From 1965 to 1968 he returned to Augustinian College and to the teaching of Canon Law. In 1968 he was assigned to Biscayne College, Miami, FL, first as teacher and then as President. In 1969 he was assigned to Saint Mary's Parish, Waterford, N.Y., where he served as pastor from 1969 to 1971, and as assistant pastor from 1971 to 1982. He then served in Philadelphia, at Saint Augustine Parish, from 1982 to 1986, and at Saint Rita Parish, from 1986 to 1991.

In 1991, at the age of 78, Father Ralph was assigned to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, where he lived until his death on Tuesday, March 6, 2007, at the age of 94. Father Ralph Shuhler is remembered as a very knowledgeable teacher of Canon Law, who served the Order and the English-speaking Provinces well as Assistant General. He was awarded an honorary doctorate in civil law from Villanova University.

In 1956, Father Ralph underwent surgery for cancer on his vocal chords, and for the remainder of his life he dealt with this restriction to his speaking in a gracious and exemplary way, continuing to minister, to preach, to teach and to offer counsel in a gentle and compassionate way. At his death, he was survived by 26 nieces and nephews, 36 grand-nieces and nephews, and 9 great grand-nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass was held on March 8 at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, after which he was buried at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA. 

Charles A. Shine, O.S.A.

1900 – 1953 (October 27)

Charles Albert Shine was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on November 13, 1900, the son of Timothy Shine and Anna O’Connor, and was baptized in Saint Mary’s Church on November 18. He attended Saint Lawrence O’Toole and Saint Mary Parochial Schools, Lawrence, and Saint John's Preparatory School in Danvers. In June, 1918, he entered Villanova Preparatory School as a postulant, and was received into the novitiate at Villanova, on June 27, 1919. He made simple profession of vows on June 29, 1920 and solemn profession on June 29, 1923. Following studies in philosphy and theology, he was ordained to the priesthood at Villanova by Denis Cardinal Dougherty on August 29, 1926.

In 1927, Father Shine was assigned to Villanova Prep in Ojai, California. In 1932 he was transferred to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, and the following year, to Saint Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois. In 1934 he was assigned as an assistant at Saint Rita's in Philadelphia, Pa., and in 1935 at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, the Bronx, N.Y., followed by Saint Thomas of Villanova, Rosemont, Pa., and finally from 1939 at Saint Denis, Ardmore. He was also a definitor of the Province from 1938 to 1941.

Father Shine was 53 when he died on October 27, 1953 at Fitzgerald-Mercy Hospital, following an operation for acute asthma from which he had suffered at length. A Funeral Mass was offered at Saint Denis on October 29 and another at Saint Mary’s, Lawrence. At the latter, Prior Provincial Joseph Dougherty, O.S.A. was celebrant and, following the Mass, Father Thomas Delaney, O.S.A. preached. Father Shine is buried in Saint Mary's Cemetery in Lawrence.

James G. Sherman, O.S.A.

1916 – 1993 (May 20)

James George Sherman was born on September 19, 1916 in Wappingers Falls, New York, the only child of George M. Sherman and Mary Fitzhenry, and was baptized on October 8, 1916 in Saint Mary's Church there. He attended the parish school, graduating in 1930. In September of that year, at the age of 13, he was accepted as a postulant at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, N.Y. Upon graduation in 1934, he entered Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, and on September 10, 1935 he made his simple profession of vows. Solemn profession followed three years later on September 10, 1938. He then attended Villanova College, from which, in June, 1939, he graduated with an A.B. degree and began the study of theology at Augustinian College in Washington, D.C. During the summer months he took graduate courses in speech and drama under the direction of Father Gilbert Hartke, O.P. at the nearby Catholic University of America. On May 28, 1942 in Trinity College Chapel he was ordained to the priesthood. 

Following ordination Father Sherman completed his theology and graduate studies and received a master's degree in speech and drama from Catholic University. He later took part-time post graduate courses in speech pathology at New York University. Father Sherman's first assignment in 1943 was to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, N.Y., as an instructor in English, Latin and Greek, and director of student drama productions. In 1951 he was appointed a member of the Augustinian Mission Band and for 22 years preached throughout the United States. In 1959 and again in 1962 he was elected a councilor of the Province, and in 1962 he was appointed Rector of the Mission Band. In 1965 Father Sherman was elected Prior Provincial of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova. In 1968 after a term as provincial he was assigned as pastor and prior to Saint Denis Church in Havertown, Pa., and afterwards, as pastor at Old Saint Augustine Church, Philadelphia and Our Mother of Consolation in Chestnut Hill. He retired in 1991 and was assigned to Olde Saint Augustine's. It was there that he died quite suddenly in his room.

Father Sherman was a friendly, outgoing person whose advice was sought and valued by many. In his homily, Father Donald Burt, O.S.A. spoke of the many private memories treasured by those who knew and loved Father Jim as a priest. At the time of his death, Father Sherman was a member of the College of Consultors of the Archdiocesan Priest's Council and the Committee for Priestly Community for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He was also serving on the Board of Directors of Saint John Vianney Hospital, Downingtown, Pa., and the Marian Homes.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, on May 24, 1993. Interment was on the following day in the Augustinian plot of Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA. 

Francis M. Sheeran, O.S.A.

1840 – 1912 (January 19)

Francis Michael Sheeran, son of Bernard Sheeran and Bridget Murphy, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, on December 6, 1840. He received his high school education in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended Villanova in 1857. In 1858, together with Father Middleton, he entered the novitiate at Tolentino, Italy and made his simple profession on October 10, 1859. In May, 1860, he began studies at Sant’Agostino, Rome, and made solemn profession on October 11, 1862. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 19, 1863,  at the Lateran Basilica, Rome, by Cardinal Patrizi.

Father Sheeran returned to the United States in 1865, and was stationed at Villanova as Vice President under Father Mullen. In April, 1867, he received the Lectorship from Prior General Belluomini. In 1869 he was assigned to Saint Augustine's in Philadelphia, and from 1886 to 1890, served as President of Villanova College. In 1890 he was appointed Master of Novices and Professed, and in 1894, prior and pastor at Villanova. Later he served at Saint Denis, Ardmore, PA. from December 1898 to 1902. In the latter year he was transferred to Saint Augustine, Philadelphia.

In 1904, Father Sheeran was assigned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Atlantic City, N.J., and, two years later, to Our Mother of Consolation, Chestnut Hill, PA. In 1910, he returned to Villanova as a member of the monastery community.

He died at Villanova on January 19, 1912 at the age of 72. His Requiem Mass was offered on January 23, 1912, followed by burial there in the Community Cemetery.
 

John T. Sheehan, O.S.A.

1881 – 1956 (January 25)

John Thomas Sheehan was born in Philadelphia, PA on June 9, 1881, to Daniel Sheehan and Catherine O’Brien, parishioners of Old Saint Augustine Parish. John entered the novitiate at Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1898, made his simple profession on February 2, 1899 and  solemn profession on April 20, 1902. That Fall he was sent to Rome to complete his studies, where he was ordained to the priesthood in the chapel of the Appolinare on July 25, 1903. He received his Doctorate in Canon Law there in June, 1905.

Father Sheehan began teaching at Villanova College in the Fall of 1905, and remained there until 1914, when he became definitor of the province and, in October of that year, was appointed assistant at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He was prior and pastor at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine from 1918 to 1926, from 1932 to 1938, and again from 1944 to 1949. He also served as prior and pastor at St. Laurence Parish in Lawrence, Massachusetts, from 1926 to 1932.

Father Sheehan was elected Prior Provincial of the Province of Saint Thomas in 1938, an office he held until 1944. Following the death of Father Mortimer A. Sullivan, in July 1949, he was Rector Provincial until the Chapter of 1950. In 1950, he was again named prior and pastor of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine in Atlantic City. As conference moderator, he presided at the monthly clergy conference of the Diocese of Camden, NJ.

Father Sheehan died on January 25, 1958 at the age of 75. He is buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.

Sheehan Hall, a dormitory on the Villanova University Campus, is named in his honor.