Joseph A. Toscani, O.S.A.

1917 – 1981 (December 5)

Joseph A. Toscani, OSA, was born on April 18, 1917, in Philadelphia, PA. He attended Saint Edmund's Church and Parish School, Philadelphia, PA. In September 1932 he entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, NY, as a postulant and became a novice in 1936. He professed first vows in 1937. He then went to Villanova College, (1937-1941), and Augustinian College, Washington, DC, for his theological studies, (1941-1945). He was ordained to the priesthood on May 18, 1944.

Fr. Toscani was first assigned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Philadelphia, PA, (1945-1948). He then was assigned to Our Lady of Pompeii Parish, Vineland, NJ, as pastor, (1948-1961), where he built Rosary Hall and supervised the construction of the mission church in Milmay, NJ. From 1961 to 1967 he served as Prior and teacher at Saint Augustine Preparatory School, Richland, NJ. In 1967 he was assigned as prior to Saint Mary Parish, East Vineland, NJ, (1967-1981), and became pastor of the parish in 1970, where he made extensive renovations to parish facilities and enriched the spiritual and social life of the parishioners through many new initiatives. When Fr. Angelo Allegrini died suddenly in 1972, Fr. Toscani was appointed to finish the term as Vice Provincial. In 1974 he was elected as Vice Provincial and reelected in 1978 to a second term, (1978-1982). During his 32 years of service in the Diocese of Camden, Fr. Toscani was very active in parochial ministry, attending to the spiritual and material welfare of the parishes entrusted to him. He was appointed as diocesan consultor several times, beginning in 1966. Fr. Joe was well known and loved for his great sense of humor and generous hospitality. On December 5, 1981, as he was preparing to celebrate the parish evening Mass, he became ill and passed away shortly later that day. He was 64 years old. Among his other relatives, he was survived by his brother, Fr. Peter Toscani, OSA, who celebrated his funeral. Fr. Joseph Toscani was interred in the Augustinian section of Saint Mary Parish Cemetery, East Vineland, NJ.
 

John F. Toomey, O.S.A.

1912 – 1989 (September 10)

John Francis Toomey was born August 22, 1912 in Lawrence, Massachusetts to John J. Toomey and Margaret E. Cronin. He was baptized and confirmed at Saint Mary’s Church, Lawrence. He earned his high school diploma in 1930 at St. John Prep School, Danvers, Massachusetts, and entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, as a postulant, where he did a year of post-graduate studies. He was received into Good Counsel Novitiate on September 12, 1931, and professed simple vows on September 13, 1932 and solemn vows September 13, 1935. John received in 1936 a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, and was sent to Rome for theological studies. During this time he lived at Collegio Santa Monica while studying at the Gregorian University. He was ordained to the priesthood on July 9, 1939 in Rome, and received his S.T.L. in 1940. Upon receiving his degree, he immediately left Rome before the outbreak of World War II.

Father Toomey was assigned to Saint Rita High School, Chicago, as a teacher. When the new Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel was formed in 1941, he was affiliated to it. With the opening of Saint Monica Minor Seminary, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, in 1941, Father Toomey was assigned there as teacher and Prefect of Studies. When the progran moved in 1949 to Saint Augustine Seminary, Holland, Michigan, he relocated there. He was elected in 1949 to serve as Secretary of the Province.

In 1960 Father Toomey was transferred to Tolentine College, Olympia Fields, Illinois, where he taught and served as Regent of Studies until 1965. He was named Pastor of St. Augustine Parish, Detroit, Michigan, in 1965. From 1968 to 1971 he served as Prior of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Monastery, Olympia Fields. He returned to parish ministry in 1971 as Pastor of Saint Clare of Montefalco Parish, Chicago.
Father Toomey was transferred to Saint Rita Parish, Chicago, in 1977, serving as associate pastor of the parish and prior of the community there. Health problems caused him to be transferred in 1989 to Saint Rita Monastery, Chicago. He died there of cancer September 10, 1989, at the age of  77. Father Toomey is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.
 

Anthony J. Tomasulo, O.S.A.

1934 – 2009 (June 11)

Anthony Joseph Tomasulo was born on May 5, 1934, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the son of Joseph T.omasulo and Grace Calabro. He had one sister, Marie. Anthony was baptized at the Church of the Assumption, Roselle Park, N.J., on July 1, 1934. He attended Alden School, Roselle Park Junior High School and Roselle Park High School, and Delbarton School, Morristown, NJ, for his primary and secondary education. In 1953 he entered Villanova and during his years there he applied for entrance into the Order. He was received as a novice on September 5, 1955, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, NY, he professed first vows on September 10, 1956. He returned to Villanova to complete his undergraduate degree and, in 1958, went to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, for his theological studies. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1959, and he was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1961, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, by Bishop Philip Hannan.

Father Tomasulo was assigned to Saint Joseph Friary and Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, PA, in 1962, where he taught Mathematics and Religion, and served in school administration. In 1975 he was appointed Master of Professed at the Augustinian Collegiate Seminary, Villanova. Beginning in 1976, Father Tomasulo became engaged in parochial ministry where, he said, he found his greatest joy. He served as parochial vicar at Saint Rita of Cascia Parish, Philadelphia, from 1976 to 1982; as pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish, Hoosick Falls, NY, from 1982 to 1990; as parochial vicar and later administrator at Assumption/Saint Paul Parish, Mechanicville, NY, for one year; and then as pastor of Saint John the Baptist Parish, Schaghticoke, NY, until 1997.

In 1995 he became parochial vicar at Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Chestnut Hill, PA, and in 1999, was sent to Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, Dania Beach, FL, as pastor. His final assignment was to Saint John Neumann Parish, Charlotte, NC, in 2007 as parochial vicar.

Father Tony passed over to the Lord, peacefully in his sleep, on June 11, 2009, while attending the Convocation of the four North American Augustinian Provinces, which was being held in the Chicago, IL, area. At this gathering he had the opportunity to renew friendships with friars he had studied with, lived with and served with. He was 75 years old at the time of his death.

Father Tony had been diagnosed with a brain tumor while he was serving at Msgr. Bonner High School in the 1960s. The operation was successful, but this near death experience gave Tony an understanding that every day he lived beyond the operation was a gift from God to be enjoyed, celebrated and shared with others. This spirit pervaded his life and his ministry and gave Tony a joy-filled sense of humor and an affirming attitude toward every person or situation he met for the rest of his life. He often said that his greatest loves were his family and his experience of brotherhood as an Augustinian, his opportunity to be an instrument of God's peace as a priest, and his friendship with Jesus Christ, that made everything else blessed and possible. His ability to laugh at life and at himself drew others close to him and helped him to minister to them as friend, brother and priest. 

Adolfo Toccafondi, O.S.A.

1919 – 1973 (December 19)

Adolfo Toccafondi was born on September 23, 1919, in San Quirico di Vernio, near Florence, Italy, one of ten children of Gennaro Toccafondi and Emma Simoni. He professed first vows in the Order on October 10, 1935 and was affiliated to the Etrurian Province. He was solemnly professed on December 24, 1941. He was ordained to the priesthood on April 4, 1942 in our Church of Santo Spirito in Florence

Father Toccafondi ministered in various parishes and houses of his Province as teacher and Master of Professed. He also served four times as definitor, and was a musician and composer of religious music. 

Father Adolph came to the United States in 1959 and was assigned to the Church of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, Philadelphia. From 1964 to 1967 he was prior at Our Lady of Pompeii in East Vineland, New Jersey, after which he returned to Saint Nicholas. During the last three years of his life, he suffered various health complications and after two urgent surgeries he died suddenly on the morning of December 19, 1973, at the age of 54. 

His funeral Mass was celebrated at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, after which he was buried in the Augustinian Plot of Saint Mary’s Cemetery, East Vineland, NJ.
 

John C. Timms, O.S.A.

1915 – 1983 (December 7)

John Christopher Timms was born October 12, 1915 in Boston, Massachusetts to John Timms and Elizabeth Mulcahy, and was baptized ib November 14, 1915 at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston. After his graduation in 1933 from Cathedral High School, Boston, John studied for one year at Boston College. He was received into the novitiate on September 9, 1935, and professed simple vows on September 10, 1936 and solemn vows September 10, 1939. He earned a B.A. from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1939, and pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., from 1939 to 1943. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 1942. He received an M.A. in History from Catholic University of America, Washington, in 1944.

Father Timms was assigned in 1943 to teach at St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois. He taught at St. Augustine Seminary, Holland, Michigan, during the 1951-1952 school year, and served on the faculty of Austin Catholic High School, Detroit, Michigan, from 1952 to 1965. He taught at Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago, from 1965 to 1970.

In 1970 he was named associate pastor of St. Anthony Parish, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was transferred in 1972 to St. Matthew Parish, Flint, Michigan, where he was associate pastor and prior. He was assigned, in 1979, as prior of St. Monica Monastery, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. After a lengthy illness, Father Timms died December 7, 1983 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Father Timms was known for his great love for the Church. His Faith was the basis of his life. He was loyal and faithuful in handing on the teachings of the Church.

Father Timms is buried in the Augustinian plot at St. Mary Cemetery, Lawrence, Massachusetts.
 

Louis W. Tierney, O.S.A.

1891 - 1932 (August 30)

Louis William Tierney, son of William Tierney, a farmer, and Ella Burns, was born in Hoosick Falls, New York, on April 9, 1891. He was baptized in the parish church of the Immaculate Conception there, and attended St. Mary’s Academy. Louis was accepted for the Order, was vested on June 25, 1910, and made his first profession of vows on the same date in 1911.

On September 15, 1911, he set sail for Italy with four other professed students aboard the SS. Verona, with the Augustinian study house in Viterbo as their destination. Louis professed Solemn Vows in Rome before Assistant General Polignano on November 1, 1914, and on June 9, 1915, returned to the United States with thirteen other American professed students and two American Augustinian priests. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1916, in the Philadelphia Cathedral by Archbishop Prendergast together with Frs. Colgan, Corr, Mullins, Campbell and Spirali.

Father Tierney was assigned to Holy Rosary Parish in Lawrence, Massachusetts in June, 1918. The Provincial Chapter of 1926 placed him de familia at St. Augustine, Philadelphia, and in 1929 he was transferred to San Diego, California, and was assigned procurator of the community there. The Chapter of 1932 assigned him as sub-prior and sacristan of the San Diego community.

Father Tierney died on August 30, 1932 while visiting the home of his parents in Newburg, New York. He was 41 years old. He is buried in Saint Augustine Cemetery, Troy, New York. 

Louis W. Tierney, O.S.A.

1891 – 1932 (August 30)

Louis William Tierney, son of William Tierney and Ella Burns, was born in Hoosick Falls, New York, on April 9, 1891. He was baptized in the parish church of the Immaculate Conception there, and attended St. Mary’s Academy. Louis was accepted for the Order, was vested on June 25, 1910, and made his first profession of vows on the same date in 1911.

On September 15, 1911, he set sail for Italy with four other professed students aboard the SS. Verona, with the Augustinian study house in Viterbo as their destination. Louis professed Solemn Vows in Rome before Assistant General Polignano on November 1, 1914, and on June 9, 1915, returned to the United States with thirteen other American professed students and two American Augustinian priests. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1916, in the Philadelphia Cathedral by Archbishop Edmond Prendergast together with Fathers Colgan, Corr, Mullins, Campbell and Spirali.

Father Tierney was assigned to Holy Rosary Parish in Lawrence, Massachusetts in June, 1918. The Provincial Chapter of 1926 placed him de familia at St. Augustine, Philadelphia, and in 1929 he was transferred to San Diego, California, and was assigned procurator of the community there. The Chapter of 1932 assigned him as sub-prior and sacristan of the San Diego community.

Father Tierney died on August 30, 1932 while visiting the home of his parents in Newburg, New York. He was 41 years old. He is buried in Saint Augustine Cemetery, Troy, New York.

Aloysius J. Tierney, O.S.A.

1902 – 1995 (September 26)

Aloysius John Tierney was born March 10, 1902 in McKinley, Pennsylvania to Edward Tierney and Nora Sullivan, and was one of five brothers and three sisters. He was baptized on March 23, 1902 at Immaculate Conception Church, Jenkintown, PA. He was received into the novitiate on June 21, 1923, and professed simple vows on June 22, 1924, and solemn vows on June 22, 1927. He earned a B. A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, PA., in June, 1927, did theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., and was ordained to the priesthood on June 10, 1930 in Washington by Bishop John M. McNamara.

Father Tierney's first assignment was to Saint Rita High School, Chicago, from 1931 to 1940. From 1940 to 1946 he served as a teacher at Cascia Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1946 and 1947 he was assistant pastor at Saint Mary Parish, Rockford, Illinois, and in 1947 was assistant pastor of Saint Augustine Parish, Detroit, Michigan, and served as prior of the Augustinian community there. Father Tierney worked as a missionary at San Francisco de la Espada Mission Parish, San Antonio, Texas, from 1959 to 1961. He returned to Saint Mary Parish, Rockford, in 1961, serving as its pastor until 1968, and then volunteered for the foreign missions, serving as pastor of Our Lady of Consolation Parish, Monterrico, Perú, and prior of the Augustinian community there until 1971. He then was assigned to Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Father Tierney retired to Saint Monica Monastery, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, in 1982. From 1983 to 1989 he resided at Holy Rosary Parish, Kenosha, Wisconsin, and moved to Saint Rita Monastery, Chicago, in 1989, remaining there until his need for special care necessitated a move to Mother Theresa Home, Lemont, Illinois. He died there September 26, 1995 from heart failure and advanced age.

Father Tierney was a gentle person who was always willing to listen and comfort suffering souls. He dedicated his life to serving the Church wherever the need would arise. He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.
 

William A. Thomas, O.S.A.

1913 – 1977 (January 13)

William Anthony Thomas was born June 25, 1913 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to George Thomas and Julia Bushnell. He was baptized on July 13, 1913, at Our Mother of Sorrows Church, Philadelphia, and was confirmed on June 4, 1922 at the same church. He entered the novitiate September 9, 1932, professed simple vows on September 11, 1933, and earned a B. A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1938. He pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D. C., and was ordained to the priesthood on June 10, 1940. He did additional study at the Catholic University of America, Washington, and at DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois.

From 1941 to 1943 Father Thomas served as assistant pastor at San Agustin, Marianao, Cuba. In 1943 he was transferred to Saint Thomas High School, Rockford, Illinois, and in 1947, to Saint Rita High School, Chicago, where he served as teacher and Dean of Students until the time of his death. 

Father Thomas died on January 13, 1977 of a massive stroke. He is remembered as a patient and kind friar and teacher, who treated his students with fairness, and was always ready to share his wisdom with his Augustinian community and others, in simplicity and authenticity.

He is buried in the Augustinian Plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Worth, Illinois.

Paul C. Thabault, O.S.A.

1918 – 1994 (June 24)

Paul Camille Thabault was born in Winsooki, Vermont on February 6, 1918 to Joseph Thabault and Beatrice Carpentier. He had three brothers and seven sisters. Paul was baptized in Saint Francis Xavier Church in Winsooski and his early education was at Saint Louis Convent School in Winsooski. In 1936 he graduated from Cathedral High School in Burlington, Vermont, and enrolled in Saint Michael's College in Winsooski. After two years at Saint Michael's he applied, in 1938, to join the Order. He was accepted, made his novitiate at Our Mother of Good Counsel in New Hamburg, New York, and professed simple vows on October 31, 1939. Three years later he made his solemn profession. Paul completed his education at Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, and graduated in 1941 with an A.B. degree. He did his theological studies at Augustinian College in Washington. DC, and was ordained a priest in the chapel of Trinity College, Washington. DC, on May 18, 1944. While studying theology he took graduate courses at Catholic University gaining in 1945 a master's in French.

Father Thabault's first assignment in 1945 was to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church in Jamaica, New York, where he was in residence while taking post-graduate courses at Columbia University in New York City. In 1948 he was transferred to Saint Mary's Hall, the collegiate seminary at Villanova, where he taught French. In 1951 he was assigned to Saint John the Baptist Church in Schaghticoke, New York. The following year he was assigned to Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Staten Island, then transferred in the Fall of 1951 to Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts.  

At Merrimack, he taught French and served as registrar of the College. In 1969, Father Thabault was assigned to Villanova University and four years later to Biscayne College, Miami, Florida. In both institutions he served in the modern language department as a professor of French. In 1975 he was assigned as an assistant at Saint Mary's Church in Lawrence, Massachusetts, however by August of that year he was returned to Merrimack College, where he again taught French and resumed his activities in the college community. In 1986, Father retired, residing at Our Mother of Good Counsel Monastery on the College campus, where for many years he served as the community treasurer.Father Thabault spent twenty-eight years at Merrimack College where, besides his teaching and administrative duties, he was instrumental in establishing the college varsity hockey team and in the construction of a sports center. In 1984 he was inducted into the Merrimack College Athletic Hall of Fame. In his retirement he was able to engage in his love of music; he played several wind instruments and had taken up he cello; he was able to renew his interest in golf. In May of 1994, he celebrated fifty years as a priest. By this time, however, he was suffering from cancer and was in and out of the hospital. He died on June 24, 1994 at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, Massachusetts. Father was seventy-six years of age.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at the Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher on the Merrimack campus. The celebrant was Arthur D. Johnson, O.S.A., Councilor of the Province. Interment was in the Augustinian plot of Saint Mary's Cemetery, Lawrence, Massachusetts. 

Henry B. Syvinski, O.S.A.

1919 – 1999 (December 9)

Henry Bronislaw Syvinski (Czerwinski) was born on July 10, 1919, to Bronislaw Czerwinski and Antonina Zachara, in Amesbury, Massachusetts. He was baptized in the church of St. Joseph, Amesbury, on July 16, 1919, and received his early education at St. Joseph Parish School and St. James High School, Haverhill, MA. While at St. James, he was president of the freshman class, played the violin in the school orchestra and participated in the language and art clubs. In September 1937, he began his third year of high school as a postulant at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York. On September 9, 1939, he entered Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, NY, professed simple vows on September 10, 1940, and made solemn profession on September 10, 1943. In 1944, he received a BA degree from Villanova College, then began theology at Augustinian College, Washington, DC. On June 10, 1947, he was ordained to the priesthood at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. He continued studies at the Catholic University, Washington, DC, and in 1948, he earned an M.A. degree in Fine Arts.

On August 6, 1948, Father Syvinski received his first assignment as assistant pastor at the parish of St. James in Carthage, New York. He also served as administrator of that parish for a period of four months. In January 1950, he was assigned to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Atlantic City, New Jersey. In 1951, he became an assistant at St. Augustine Parish, Andover, MA., where he remained for seven years. While in Andover, he re-organized the Sacred Heart Sodality, began a boy's and adult choir, established the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, and headed The Church Unity Program. On January 29, 1958, he was assigned to St. Thomas Monastery and became a professor at Villanova University. Over the years he taught Apologetics, Christology, Sacramentology and Fine Arts & Religion. He was moderator of extra-curricular activities; namely, Glee Club, Swimming Team, University Band, Student Art Club and Intra-Murals.

Father Syvinski was a gifted artist whose works were displayed in locations on the east coast. For many years he taught a course in painting for the friars at St. Thomas Monastery, where he designed and carved wooden images of Augustinian Saints for altars in the monastery. He designed mosaics for four altars in St. Mary's Hall and the seal of the Province for the Villanova University library. Among his 16 wood carvings was the crucifix that hung over the main altar at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C..

Father Syvinski was a member of the Philadelphia Art Alliance. In 1969, he received the Freedom's Foundation George Washington Medal for his sermon on patriotism. As a linguist he spoke and read Polish, Russian, Czecho, Slovak, Ukranian and Croatian. With a love for parish ministries he assisted at several parishes in the Philadelphia Archdiocese.
Recognizing others' talents, Father Syvinski offered the following affirmation to an Augustinian, "As an artist I want to say, 'Do not be discouraged. Continue in your concern for aesthetics within the Order.... Having done some research and having written on the artistic phase of St. Thomas of Villanova, I notice that what you are doing now is very much similar to what he did centuries ago."

Father Syvinski died in St. Thomas Monastery on December 9, 1999. The Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated in St. Thomas Church on the campus of Villanova University. Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.

Luke J. Sweeney, O.S.A.

1907 – 1974 (July 2)

Luke J. Sweeney, son of James Sweeney and Isabel Gallagher, was born in Plains, Pennsylvania, on August 2, 1907, and was baptized nine days later at Sacred Heart Church there. He attended Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, as a postulant, and was received into the novitiate on August 15, 1926. He made his first profession of vows on August 16, 1927, and solemn profession on August 16, 1930. He received a B.A. degree in Philosophy from Villanova College, and pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., where he was ordained to the priesthood on June 13, 1933. He was awarded an M.A. in Education in 1934 by the Catholic University of America.

Father Sweeney was assigned to Villanova Preparatory in Ojai, CA, in 1934. In 1938 he was transferred to Saint Rita High School in Chicago where he remained until 1941. When the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel began in 1941, Father Sweeney became a member of the Midwestern Province. From 1941 to 1944 he was stationed at Saint Clare of Montefalco Parish in Grosse Pointe, Michigan as associate pastor , and from 1944 to 1965 he was assigned to Saint Rita Parish in Chicago in the same role.

After a brief assignment to Saint Joseph Mission House in Fort Wayne, IN, where he worked on compiling the history of the Midwest Province, he became the first Augustinian pastor of Saint Anthony' parish in Baton Rouge, LA in 1966. In 1968 he was named pastor of Saint Augustine's parish in Detroit. In 1972, because of ill health, he retired to the monastery of Austin Catholic Prep in Detroit where he remained until his death on July 2, 1974. Father Sweeney is buried in the Augustinian plot of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Chicago.
Father Sweeney was a personable friar and a good listener who enjoyed the trust of others. His favorite Scripture passage, the parable of the Prodigal Son, was reflected in his attitude of openness to everyone. He was particularly concerned with ministry to children of all ages and the needs of the elderly.

Edward J. Sweeney, O.S.A.

1911 – 1984 (September 7)

Edward John Sweeney was born January 28, 1911 in Chicago, Illinois, to Charles Sweeney and Mary Murray. He was baptized February 5, 1911 at Visitation Church, was confirmed November 7, 1922 at St. Rita Church, Chicago. He received his elementary education at St. Rita School, and graduated in 1929 from Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York.
Edward was received into the novitiate on September 10, 1929. He professed simple vows on September 11, 1930 and solemn vows on September 11, 1933. He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Pennsylvania, in 1934, and then pursued theological studies from 1934 to 1938 at Gregorian University, Rome, while a member of the Santa Monica College community. He was ordained to the priesthood on July 25, 1937, and received an S.T.L degree in 1938.

Father Sweeney's entire ministerial life was spent in the parochial apostolate. His first assignment was in 1938 as assistant pastor of St. Rita Parish, Chicago. In 1941 he was named assistant pastor of St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. He became assistant pastor of St. Mary Parish, Rockford, Illinois, in 1953. He returned to Saint Clare of Montefalco Parish, Grosse Pointe Park, in 1959, again serving as assistant pastor. In 1972 he was named prior of the Augustinian community at St. Clare.

Father Sweeney developed Parkinson's disease, and retired from full-time ministry in 1979. He continued to reside at St. Clare of Montefalco until 1982, when he was assigned to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Monastery, Olympia Fields, Illinois. Declining health made necessary his admission to a skilled nursing care facility, where he died September 7, 1984 of pneumonia.

Father Sweeney was noted for his gentle ways and his devoted attachment to the Order. One could set one's watch on his arrival at community exercises. Most of all, Father Sweeney was devoted to the young. In recognition of his ministry to the youth of the parish, when St. Clare of Montefalco School, Grosse Pointe Park, expanded its parish school, the newly constructed section was named in honor of Father Sweeney.

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

William H. Sullivan, O.S.A.

1926 – 1999 (August 29)

William H, Sullivan was born on February 10, 1926. He entered the Order as a Novice in New Hamburg, New York in 1943 after graduating from Saint Augustine High School in San Diego, California. After his formation and theological studies he returned to his alma mater to teach English. He also taught at Villanova Preparatory School in Ojai, CA and in the Augustinian staffed Carroll High School in Washington, D.C. In 1962 he returned to Saints as assistant vice-principal and in 1974 was named assistant superintendent of schools in the San Diego Diocese. During this time he also served as a member of the Priests’ Senate and the executive committee of Villa Nueva, the Augustinian sponsored housing project in San Ysidro, CA. Father Sullivan, or “Sullie,” also edited the California Province newsletter.

Father Sullivan was called to Rome to coordinate publications for the Order in the late 1970′s. Upon his return to the United States he served as associate pastor in Our Lady of Grace Church in Castro Valley, CA and in St. Patrick’s Church in San Diego. In 1989 he was chosen to serve on the formation team of the newly formed international novitiate for English speaking novices in Racine, WI. 

He returned to San Diego in 1995 due to the harsh Midwest winters and failing health, living at the Saints monastery. He died in the San Diego Hospice Hospital on August 29, 1999. He is remembered for his wit, his mastery of the English language, and his far reaching friendships.

Robert M. Sullivan, O.S.A.

1908 – 1972 (October 11)

Robert Martin Sullivan, the son of Joseph Sullivan and Anna Reilly, was born in Germantown, Philadelphia on May 18, 1908. He graduated from Augustinian Academy in 1925, was admitted to the novitiate on August 15, 1925, and professed simple vows on August 16, 1926. He graduated from Villanova with a B.A. degree in June, 1929 and was solemnly professed on August 16 of the same year. Following theological studies, he was ordained to thea priesthood on June 14, 1932, in Washington, D.C. by Bishop Emmet Walsh. He received his Master's degree in Psychology from The Catholic University that same year.

Father Sullivan was assigned in 1933 to Saint Augustine High School, San Diego, where he taught until 1936 when he began studies at Oxford, England. He received his MA in English in 1938 and was assigned to Villanova. Father Sullivan remained teaching at Villanova until 1961 and, in 1950, becoming Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He was then assigned to Biscayne College, Miami in 1962, and was Vice-President and prior until 1968. He then was selected prior of Resurrection Parish in Dania, while teaching part-time at Biscayne. He returned to a full-time teaching position at Biscayne in 1971.

While recovering from a heart attack Father suffered Sullivan a massive stroke and underwent history-making surgery September 26, 1972, being the first person in the United States to undergo the delicate graft of an artery into the brain.

Father Sullivan died at Mercy Hospital, Miami, October 11, 1972, at the age of 64. A Funeral Mass was offered at Biscayne on Friday, October 13, and another at Saint Mary’s Hall, Villanova on Monday, October 16. Burial followed in the community cemetery at Saint Mary's Hall, Villanova. His remains were later transferred to the Augustinian section of Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pa.
 

Mortimer A. Sullivan, O.S.A.

1887 – 1949 (July 13)

Mortimer Augustine Sullivan was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on January 2, 1887, one of six children of Cornelius Sullivan and Mary Leary. He was baptized and received his primary education in the parish of Saint Mary, in the same city, and in 1900 attended Villanova Prep, Villanova, PA as a lay student. He entered the novitiate at Villanova, on July 3, 1904, as a member of the first class to reside in Saint Rita’s Hall. He made his profession of simple vows on July 4, 1905, graduated from Villanova College, and in 1906 sailed for Rome together with Matthew Corcoran to study at the International College of Saint Monica. Together they made their solemn profession there on July 16, 1908. Mortimer Sullivan was ordained to the priesthood in the Chapel of the Apollinare by Archbishop Ceppetelli on July 4, 1909.

That same year, Father Sullivan returned to the United States where he served as an assistant at Saint Laurence O’Toole Parish, Lawrence, Mass. In December, 1910, he was transferred to Saint Rita Parish in Philadelphia, PA., and in 1912, to Immaculate Conception Parish in Hoosick Falls, N.Y. From 1915 to 1917, he was a member of the Province Mission Band. He then was assigned, in May, 1917, to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Atlantic City, N.J. In early 1918, he volunteered to serve as a chaplain in the United States Navy during the First World War. After the War, Father Sullivan returned to Atlantic City, N.J. In 1925, he was named President of Villanova College. The following year he was appointed prior and pastor of Saint Matthew Parish in Flint, Michigan. He held the same office as Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish in Jamaica, New York beginning in 1929.

At the Chapter of 1932, Father Sullivan was elected Prior Provincial of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova. After serving two terms in office, he became prior and pastor of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine in Atlantic City. He served again as Prior Provincial from 1944 to 1947. During his last term as provincial, the Universidad de Santo Tomas de Villanueva in Cuba, and Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts were established, and negotiations were proceeding for the opening of Carroll High School in Washington, DC.

Father Sullivan was 62 when he suffered a fatal stroke and died in Atlantic City Hospital on July 13, 1949. Solemn Requiem Masses were celebrated in Atlantic City and at Saint Mary Parish, Lawrence, Mass., after which Father Sullivan was buried in the Community Plot of Saint Mary's Cemetery in Lawrence. 

Father Sullivan possessed ideal qualities of leadership. He was a kind man, open to dialogue, friendly and relaxed in his dealings with others, and able to combine firmness with encouragement when necessary. 

Two buildings are named in Father Sullivan's honor; the Liberal Arts building at Merrimack College, and a dormitory on the Villanova University campus.

Michael A. Sullivan, O.S.A.

1885 – 1937 (March 14)

Michael Augustine Sullivan, son of Daniel Sullivan and Bridget Garvey, was born on August 8, 1885, in Lawrence, Massachusetts. On August 9th, he was baptized in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, a mission of Saint Mary's Parish. Michael received his early education in Saint Mary's Parochial School, Lawrence High School, and Villanova Preparatory School, Villanova, Pa. He entered the novitiate at Villanova on July 4, 1907, professed simple vows on July 6, 1908, and made solemn profession on July 6, 1911. On May 30, 1914, he was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Edmund F. Prendergast, in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, and offered his first solemn High Mass in his home parish of Saint Mary's, Lawrence.

In 1915 Father Sullivan was assigned briefly to Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Bryn Mawr, PA., and then to Saint Mary’s Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts. In 1925, he was appointed pastor and prior of that latter community. In 1929 he was transferred to Saint Paul Parish, Mechanicville, New York, where he remained until his appointment as prior and rector of Saint Augustine, Philadelphia.

Father Sullivan died of a heart ailment in Misericordia Hospital in Philadelphia, on March 14, 1937, at the age of 51. A Solemn Requiem Mass was offered at Saint Augustine Church on Tuesday, March 16, followed by a second Mass at Saint Mary’s, Lawrence, on Thursday, March 18, followed by burial in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Lawrence. 

Edward A. Sullivan, O.S.A.

1905 – 1990 (April 13)

Edward Augustine Sullivan was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on December 1, 1905, the son of Richard Sullivan and Anna Cronin. He received his high school education at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, NY, and was received into the Order on September 8, 1927, professing first vows on September 9, 1928 and solemn vows on September 10, 1931. He graduated from Villanova College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy in June of 1932, and also earned a Master's degree. He studied theology at Augustinian College in Washington, DC, and was ordained to the priesthood there on June 11, 1935.

After ordination, Father Sullivan was sent as an assistant to Saint Mary's parish in Rockford, IL. From 1939 to 1943 he was assistant at Saint Rita parish in Chicago. In August, 1943, he received his commission as a Navy chaplain, and was stationed with the Marine Corps until June 1946 at Tinian and Saipan.

Father Sullivan, after being discharged from the Marines, returned to Saint Rita parish in Chicago in August of 1946, where he stayed as an assistant until September of 1951. In that year he became an instructor at Saint Rita High School in Chicago, where he was also director of the Seminary Guild. In 1958 Father was transferred to Mendel High School in Chicago, where he was also director of the Seminary Guild. In 1964 he retired to Saint Rita High School, Chicago. In deference to his family, the provincial and the council allowed him to transfer to Merrimack College, MA, to be near them. He died after a long illness on Good Friday, April 13, 1990.

Father Sullivan was noted at Saint Rita High School in his final years for his humor, his willingness to be involved in the community projects, and his enthusiasm in helping as much as possible at the school. Many have fond memories of Father "Tad" Sullivan. He was waked from Merrimack College and is buried in the Augustinian plot at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Lawrence.
 

Raymond J. Stengel, O.S.A.

1899 – 1991 (July 19)

Raymond John Stengel was born on November 25, 1899 in Reading, Pennsylvania, the youngest son of Henry Stengel and Katherine Ernst. He was baptized on December 10, 1899 at Saint Paul's Church, the German-speaking parish in Reading. Shortly after his birth his mother died. His father, unable to raise the three children, placed his oldest son, Charles Edward, who eventually became a member of the Order in the Midwest Province, and his sister Helen in the care of relatives in Reading. Young Raymond was raised by the Reichart family in Bally, Pennsylvania.

Raymond’s education began with grammar school at Englesville, PA, which he attended from 1905 to 1913. He applied to the Province’s preparatory school on the campus of Villanova College, but poor health delayed his acceptance until 1917. He graduated in June of 1920 and a year later, June 25, 1921, he was accepted as a novice at Villanova. He professed simple vows on June 26, 1922, and three years later, June 26, 1925, he pronounced solemn vows. In 1924 he graduated from Villanova with an A.B. degree and began his theological studies. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Michael Crane in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia on June 11, 1927.

Father Stengel's first assignment, in 1928, was to Saint Mary's Church in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where he was placed in charge of the German-speaking Assumption Church, a mission of Saint Mary's. Eventually he was named administrator, and in 1946, when the church was set up as a separate parish, he was named its first pastor. In this first assignment, Father Stengel gave evidence of his organizational skills and his ability for implementation. In 1953, he was assigned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, New York, as pastor and prior of the religious community. He oversaw the construction of a boys high school and a new friary. In 1959, he was transferred to Saint James Church, Carthage, New York, as pastor and prior. There he completed the construction of a new grade school. In 1965 he returned to Lawrence as pastor of Saint Laurence O'Toole Parish, where he refurbished the lower church, installed a new lighting system in the upper church and restored the pulpit to its place in the sanctuary. In 1968 a fire destroyed the grade school at Saint Mary's Church in Lawrence. Father Stengel was named pastor and immediately began construction of a new grade school which opened in September of 1971. That same year he was appointed prior of the community at Saint Joseph's Church, Greenwich, New York. In 1973 Father Stengel retired to Our Mother of Good Counsel Monastery on the campus of Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts. In 1984 he took up residence at Saint Thomas Monastery on the campus of Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania.

Despite his many accomplishments during his 64 year as a priest and almost 70 as a religious, Father Stengel remained a very quiet gentle man, reluctant to take credit for his years of active ministry. He endured in silence and with great patience his last years as illness forced him to become an invalid. Early in the morning of July 19, he died as he had lived, quietly and peacefully, in his room at the monastery.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated in the Chapel of Saint Mary's Hall, Tuesday, June 23. The celebrant was the Prior Provincial, Father John Hagen, O.S.A, assisted by Father John Burkhart, O.S.A. and Ronald Scheible, O.S.A., nephews of Father Stengel. The homilist for the Mass was Father Ralph Shurer, O.S.A. 

Father Stengel is buried in the Augustinian plot at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

C. Edward Stengel, O.S.A.

1895 – 1978 (May 31)

Charles Edward Stengel was born December 10, 1895, in Reading, Pennsylvania to Henry Stengel and Catherine Ernst, and was baptized on December 22, 1895 at St. Paul’s Church, Reading. A younger brother, Raymond, also entered the Order as a member of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova. Charles received his early education at St. Paul Parochial School, Reading, the Reading Public Schools and at Villanova Prep, Villanova, Pennsylvania. He was received into the novitiate in 1920, and professed vows on June 28, 1921. He earned a B. A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, in 1924 and an M. A. in Education from Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., in 1927. After pursuing theological studies, he was ordained to the priesthood on August 29, 1926. 

Father Stengel was assigned to St. Peter’s Parish, Aurora, Illinois, and then to St. Thomas High School, Rockford, Il. When the new Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel was formed in 1941, Father Stengel was affiliated to that Province. He was elected to the first Council of the new Province and was assigned to St. Rita High School, Chicago. Three years later he was transferred to St. Monica Seminary, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where he served as prior and procurator, while continuing to serve on the Province Council. In 1953 he was named Prior at St. Augustine Seminary, Holland, Michigan.

He was transferred in 1962 to St. Rita Monastery, Chicago, where he was procurator. He retired at St. Monica Monastery, Oconomowoc, in 1971. 

Father Stengel died of respiratory failure May 31, 1978. He was originally buried at St. Mary's Hall Cemetery, Villanova. When that cemetery was relocated to the Augustinian plot at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, Father Stengel's body was moved there.