John A. van der Beek, O.S.A.

1925 – 2011 (April 12)

John A. van der Beek was born in 1925 in Nijmegan, Holland to Johannes Engelbertus and Maria Antonia van der Beek. On September 19, 1947, John professed simple vows in the Order as a member of the Province of Holland. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1950, and was ordained to the priesthood on March 19, 1953. John earned an undergraduate degree from Nijmegan University, Holland. He studied Philosophy at the Augustinian House of Formation in Eindhoven, Holland, and did his basic theological studies at the Augustinian House of Formation in Culenborg, Holland. The final three years of theological studies took place in the Augustinian House of Formation in Nijmegan.

In 1953, Father van der Beek was sent by his Provincial to minister in the United States. Although he spent almost all of his ministerial life in the United States, he remained affiliated to the Province of Holland. He became a citizen of the United States on May 1, 1961. Father van der Beek's first assignment was as a teacher at Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, D.C., from 1953 to 1955. He then taught at St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois, from 1955 to 1969. He also served from 1957 to 1965 as Assistant Dean of Discipline at St. Rita. From 1969 to 1974, Father van der Beek was engaged in doctoral studies at Notre Dame University, Notre Dame, Indiana. He received a Ph.D. in Religious Education from Notre Dame in 1974. While a graduate student, he served for a year as the Director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) for the Deanery of South Bend.

In 1971, Father van der Beek and other members of the Graduate Studies program at Notre Dame founded the Ecumenical Center for Communication of Religion and Values. He was the founding Director of the Center with headquarters in South Bend until 1974, and then at Tolentine Center, Olympia Fields, Illinois, until 1983. While continuing his involvement with the Center, he joined the Tolentine Center staff on a part-time basis in 1975 to oversee projects of continuing education. At the same time, he became Adjunct Professor at DePaul University, Chicago. When the functioning of the Tolentine Center facility changed in 1983, Father van der Beek relocated along with the Ecumenical Center to Plainfield, Illinois, assisting religious education by developing programs, providing teacher enrichment and offering consultation services. When the Ecumenical Center ceased to function, Father van der Beek served as chaplain and teacher at Lewis University, Romeoville, Illinois.

Father van der Beek resided in retirement at Marian Village, Homer Glen, Illinois, from 2002 until June, 2004. At that time he relocated to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Monastery, Olympia Fields, Illinois. Because of declining health, he moved in 2009 to the home of a long-time friend, who was very dedicated to caring for Father van der Beek until the time of his death.
He is remembered as a generous and dedicated priest, a creative and innovative thinker, a caring and gifted teacher, and a companion in faith who believed that everyone is called to promote and spread faith values.

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

William C Van Breda, O.S.A.

1922 – 2002 (January 20)

William Cornelis Van Breda, son of Cornelis Van Breda and Gertrude Picard, was born in Tilburb, The Netherlands, on July 8, 1922. He began his early education by attending the parochial school at the Broeders Van Liefde from 1928 to 1933, and later attended high school at the Pensionaat St. Louis from 1933 to 1935. From 1935 to 1942 he studied philosophy at the Augustinianum, Eindhoven, and theology at the Theologicum Culemborg and Nijmegen. He entered the Augustinian novitiate on September 9, 1943, professed vows on September 10, 1944, as a member of the Dutch Province, and made solemn profession three years later. He was ordained to the priesthood on March 19, 1950 in Nijmegen.

Father Van Breda's first assignment was to Saint Augustine Parish, Nieuwendam, Amsterdam, and in 1951, he was sent to the Institute Catholique in Paris, for graduate work. In 1952, he was assistant pastor at Saint Nicholas in Witmarsum, The Netherlands. In 1954, Father Van Breda arrived in the United States and became an assistant at Saint Genevieve, Parish, Flourtown, Pa., and then, from 1955 to 1956 he taught at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, N.Y.

From 1956 to 1973, Father Van Brda began his long career as teacher of classics, French, German, and religion at Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pa. From 1973 to 1974, he taught at Austin Friars in Carlisle, England, and from 1975 to 1982, he worked as hospital chaplain while a member of Saint Augustine Parish, Philadelphia, Pa. He also served as assistant pastor in the parishes of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, Jamaica, N.Y., Saint James Minor, Carthage, N.Y., and Saint Genevieve, Flourtown, Pa. In 1995, he became hospital chaplain at the Southeastern Pa. Veterans Center until he became too ill to continue ministry. Father Van Breda retired to the Health Care Unit of St. Thomas Monastery, Villanova, Pa., where he died on January 20, 2002.

Students remember Father Van Breda as an excellent and demanding teacher. Gifted with a subtle sense of humor he encouraged everyone to be the best they could be, both intellectually and spiritually. Through his faith, scholarship and experience he developed a sense of self awareness that flowed over into his religious dedication. When he felt he spent his talents in a given ministry or location, he moved on to encourage parishioners and students in several province commitments.

On January 23, the Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated for Father Van Breda in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, followed by burial in the Augustinian plot at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pa.
 

Jerome Van Alstyne, O.S.A.

1876 – 1927 (February 7)

Charles Laurence Van Alstyne was born in Montreal, Canada, on August 5, 1876, the son of Charles Van Alstyne, a moulder, and Margaret Hall. He studied with the Christian Brothers in Montreal, and later spent some time with the Trappists.

He was vested at Villanova on December 8, 1908, taking as his religious name, Brother Jerome. He began his novitiate at Villanova on December 15, 1913.

Brother Jerome was, by trade, a plasterer, and did much work in building and repairing the cement walks at Villanova College.

He died at St. Rita High School, Chicago, on February 7, 1927, and is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in that city.

Alfred H. Valiquette, O.S.A.

1864 – 1949 (April 14)

Alfred Henry Valiquette, son of Joachim Valiquette and Adeline Rossignol, was born in Ottawa, Canada, on June 9, 1864. He began his novitiate at Villanova, Pennsylvania, the first Canadian to enter the Province, on September 18, 1885, and made his simple profession of September 19, 1886. He was solemnly professed on the same day in 1889, and was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Patrick Ryan in Philadelphia, on March 15, 1890.

Father Valiquette was assigned to Immaculate Conception Parish, Hoosick Falls, in July, 1890. He was transferred Saint Mary's in Lawrence, MA in August, 1891, where, the following February he became gravely ill with pneumonia, typhoid, and kidney failure. Though physicians informed the Province that there was no hope for him, he rallied and was able, in time, to return to St. Mary’s. In January, 1900, he was assigned to Havana, Cuba, but during travel was quarantined and had to return to Lawrence. In October, 1901, he was assigned to Saint Mary's Church in Waterford, NY, and was appointed rector there the following year. During his term of office, a new church and friary were built.

From 1914 to 1918, Father Valiquette was a Definitor of the Province, after which he became prior and pastor of Saint Paul's in Mechanicville, NY. In 1922, he was appointed prior and pastor of Saint Vincent's, our first parish foundation in San Diego, CA. From 1926 to 1938, he was prior and pastor of Saint James' in Carthage, and later of the Immaculate Conception in Hoosick Falls, NY. He again became prior and pastor at Saint James in 1938.

Father Valiquette was 77 when he retired to the monastery at Villanova in 1941. Eight years later, on April 14, 1949, he died there at the age of 85. He is buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.
 

John W. Tuohy, O.S.A.

1909 – 1988 (August 15)

John William Tuohy was born in Tompkinsville, Staten Island, New York, on July 7, 1909 to Patrick Tuohy and Catherine Murray. He had three brothers and three sisters. Baptized at Saint Peter's Church, he attended the parish grammar school from 1916 to 1924, He enrolled in Augustinian Academy on Staten Island and, influenced by the friars in the Parish of Our Mother of Good Counsel and at the Academy, he became a postulant in 1926. After graduation in 1928, he made his novitiate at Our Mother of Good Counsel, New Hamburg, New York, and professed simple vows on September 10, 1929. He did his philosophy studies at Saint Mary's Hall, on the campus of Villanova College, there professed solemn vows on September 10, 1932, and graduated with a B.A, degree in June 1933. His theological studies took place at Augustinian College in Washington, D.C., while his summers were devoted toward pursuing a master's degree in education at the Catholic University of America. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 1936, at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington. The following year, 1937, Father Tuohy received his M.A.

Father Tuohy's first assignment was to Villanova Preparatory School, Ojai, California, where from 1937 to 1946 he taught a variety of subjects and was director and coach of the sports program. His next assignment was to Villanova, Pennsylvania, where he was a professor, dorm proctor, and for a time, served as dean of the freshman class. In 1951 he entered parochial ministry at Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Bryn Mawr, PA., as assistant pastor. In 1961 he was assigned to Saint Joseph's Parish, Greenwich, New York as vicar, and later as pastor and prior. He directed the restoration of the parish house, which had been damaged by fire. In 1962 Father Tuohy was appointed prior and pastor of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine in Jamaica, New York, and while there oversaw the building of the new church and friary, as well as additions to the parish school. In 1968 he returned to Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, as prior of the community and assistant pastor. In 1980 he retired, but chose to remain at the parish, and, although limited by failing eyesight, continued to assist in the parish and care for the elderly at Bryn Mawr Hospital. He passed away in his sleep on the feast of the Assumption, August 15, 1988.

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

T. Shawn Tracy, O.S.A.

1940 – 2014 (July 20)

Thomas Shawn Tracy was born on March 6, 1940, in Washington, D.C. He was the son of John J. Tracy and Marion S. Mills, and had one brother and one sister. Shawn was baptized on March 31, 1940, at Saint Francis Xavier Church in Washington, attended the Campus School of the Catholic University of America, from 1946to 1954, and Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, from which he graduated in 1958. He was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1958, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, professed first vows on September 10, 1959. He attended Villanova University from 1959 to 1963, where he received a BA in Philosophy. He pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, and professed solemn vows on September 10, 1962. He was ordained to the priesthood on November 19, 1966, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, by Bishop Spence.

Father Shawn was assigned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish and High School, Bronx, New York, in 1967. During this assignment he also attended New York Theological Seminary and received an MA in Pastoral Counseling. While in the Bronx, with a group of parishioners, he began writing and playing a folk-inspired style of liturgical music. He also became involved with a new youth ministry, Teens Encounter Christ [TEC], from which an off-shoot designed for persons with physical disabilities emerged, called Handicapped Encounter Christ [HEC].

In 1975 he was assigned to Saint John Stone Friary, Villanova, Pennsylvania, and served in Campus Ministry at Villanova University, while he continued writing music, bringing people from the Bronx together with others at Villanova, and created a new group called He Shall Be Peace. He also continued his work with HEC. In 1995 Father Shawn stepped down from the position of Director of Campus Ministry to devote more time to the ministries of music, liturgy and retreats. He organized a group called Sanctuary and the focus of the music changed from music for liturgy to music as an accompaniment for prayer and contemplation. 

In 2007 he was assigned to Saint Augustine Friary, Villanova, where he was appointed prior. For health reasons, in December 2013, he moved to the Residential Care Center at St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery. He was taken to Lankenau Hospital where he died on Sunday, July 20, 2014, surrounded by his family. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.

Father Shawn sought to balance a spiritual life of prayer with ministry to God’s people. He was an unassuming man who uttered kind words and saw Scripture as poetry. His ministry was one of putting music to that poetry, thus bringing God's word into hearts, his own and others’.
 

Francis E. Tourscher, O.S.A.

1870 – 1939 (January 30)

Francis Edward Tourscher, son of John Tourscher and Louise Widhauser, natives of Alsace, was born at Dushore, PA, on May 10, 1870. From a family of eleven, three of his sisters became religious. After attending a small country grammar school, he was apprenticed to a local carpenter. The parish priest instructed him in Latin and English. At the age of 22 he enrolled at Saint Rita Hall, Villanova. On September 18, 1894, he entered the novitiate and professed simple vows on September 19, 1895 and solemn vows on the same day in 1898. After completing his philosophical and theological studies at Villanova he was ordained to the priesthood in Saint Thomas Church on campus by the Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Sebastian Martinelli, O.S.A., on September 29, 1898, and offered his first Mass the next day at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in the same church.Father Tourscher was stationed at Villanova for his entire religious life. His first appointment was as a teacher in the College and Studium. At various times he taught theology, sacred Scripture, church history, homiletics, patrology, and Latin. In 1902 he was awarded the Order’s degree of lector, in 1903 that of regent, and in 1908 magister. Over the years he served as definitor, secretary of the province, prior of Saint Mary's Hall, archivist, and college librarian.

His scholarly interest centered on patristic literature and church history, especially the writings of Saint Augustine, a number of whose works he translated and published in small, easily available volumes. His main historical works include Old Saint Augustine's, as well as numerous articles in “The Ecclesiastical Review," "The Records of the American Historical Society," and The Catholic Encyclopedia.

Professor and scholar, he was, but his apostolate was much broader as he went every Saturday and Sunday from 1902 to 1921 to assist at Saint Catherine Parish, Wayne. He was chaplain at Immaculata College from 1921 to 1926, and from 1926 to 1937 journeyed every weekend to Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Chestnut Hill, while all this time acting as ordinary and extraordinary confessor at sisters' convents.

A gentleman by nature and a scholar by education, he lived a full, though uneventful, life. His was a quiet enthusiasm and conscious industry. Never a robust man, he still had a certain stamina which enabled him to carry on his work with determination and cheerfulness. He never missed celebrating daily Mass and Office from the time of ordination. His daily fare never varied: toast, coffee, and a little fruit. He took a daily walk through the neighborhood, reciting his rosary, greeting all with a friendly word and smile.Though very weak he celebrated Mass on January 30, 1939, needing a chair after communion so that he could complete the final prayers. Carried on the chair to his room, he took off his habit, lay down, and died within ten minutes. Father Tourscher is buried in the monastery cemetery at Villanova.
 

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.