Henry A. Wierman, O.S.A.

1903 – 1981 (January 13)

Henry Aloysius Wierman, son of Thaddeus K. Wierman and Rose McMaster, was born in McSherrystown, Pennsylvania, on July 3, 1903. After attending Villanova Preparatory School, he entered the novitiate at Villanova on June 21, 1923. He professed simple vows on June 22, 1924, and solemn vows on June 22, 1927. He graduated from Villanova College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1927, and studied theology at Augustinian College in Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 10, 1930.

For one year after ordination Father Wierman served as a student priest at Villanova College, Villanova, Pa. In 1931 he was sent to Saint Rita Parish, Chicago, IL, where he served as an assistant until 1935, when he was transferred to Saint Rita High School in the same city. When the new Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel was formed in 1941, he was appointed prior at Saint Rita High School, and in 1944, prior at Saint Thomas High School, Rockford, IL. In 1947 he was transferred to Saint Mary's Parish, Rockford, where he served as assistant pastor and councilor of the province.

When Saint Augustine Seminary was opened in Holland, MI, in 1949, Father Wierman was assigned there and served there until the seminary closed in 1977. From then until the time of his death, he lived in retirement at Holy Rosary Parish, Kenosha, WI. He died on January 13, 1981.

Father Henry Wierman was revered for both his candor and his humility. He was well-known as a confessor and gave patient counsel and direction to many of his fellow Augustinians. He touched the young and old, both within and outside the Augustinian community.

Father Wierman is buried in the Augustinian plot at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.
 

Joseph Whittindale, O.S.A.

1815 – 1885 (December 9)

Joseph Whittindale, son of Richard Whittendale and Anastasia White, was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, on November 6, 1815. He received the habit at Villanova, Pennsylvania, in December, 1845, and was professed on September 8, 1852 together with Brothers Joseph Shea and James O’Brien.

Brother Joseph served at Chestnut Hill, Pa. and Lansingburg, New York. In 1870, he was assigned to Villanova where he served until he died on December 9, 1885, after being struck by a Paoli train on a dark foggy evening. He was 70 years old. Brother Joseph was buried at Villanova in the community cemetery on December 12, 1885.

He is remembered as a man of genial character, bright, lively, very good and pious, cheerful, witty and always good natured and ready to be of service.
 

Norbert W. Whitley, O.S.A.

1910 – 1990 (December 5)

Norbert William Whitley was born on May 10, 1910, to William Whitley and Anna Dolores Ferry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He had one sister. Both of his parents died while he was quite young, and he and his sister were raised by their aunts and uncles. He attended Fitler Public School, and Saint Francis of Assist Parish School, both in Germantown, and Assisi High School for two years, transferring to North Wales High School from which he graduated in 1928. After graduation he became a traveling salesman for a musical supply company. In September 1931, he was accepted as a postgraduate postulant at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York. The following September he entered Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, where he pronounced simple vows on September 11, 1933. Three years later, on September 11, 1936, he made solemn profession of vows at Saint Mary's Hall, Villanova, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Villanova College in June of 1937, with an A.B. degree in philosophy. Norbert was sent to Collegio Santa Monica, Rome, Italy, where he began the study of theology at the Gregorian University in the fall of 1937. The growing tensions and outbreak of the Second World War compelled him and other Americans to return home. Before leaving, however, he was ordained a priest on May 25, 1940, at the Church of Saint Ignatius by Archbishop Aloisio Traglia. On his return to this country, he continued his theology studies at Augustinian College, Washington, DC. In 1941 he received an S.T.L degree in theology and in 1949 the S.T.D. from The Catholic University.

Father Whitley's was assigned in 1943 to Augustinian College as professor and submaster of professed. In 1945 he was appointed master of professed, a position he held until 1957. In that year he was transferred to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova University, to serve as chaplain of the University. In 1962 he was elected provincial secretary, as a member of the Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish community, Rosemont, PA. In 1965 he was named prior of the new Saint Mary's Hall, the collegiate seminary. From 1969 to his retirement in 1981 he was engaged in the parochial ministry as pastor of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish in Atlantic City, New Jersey; prior and assistant at Our Mother of Consolation in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania; prior and pastor of Saint Laurence O'Toole Parish in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and finally assistant at Resurrection of Our Lord in Dania, Florida. In 1981, afflicted with arthritis that over the years had grown worse, he retired to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, until his death.

Father Whitley loved life, and despite his condition his spirits remained high and his outlook cheerful. He enjoyed going to the shore, having a good meal, and hearing or telling a joke. He kept in touch with many of his former students whom he had trainedduring his years as master in Washington as well as the people with whom he had come in contact during his years of parish ministry.

On December 5, 1990, having reached eighty years and celebrated fifty years as a priest, he died peacefully in Bryn Mawr Hospital. Prior Provincial, John Hagen, O.S.A., was the celebrant at the Mass of Christian Burial on December 7, 1990 in the Villanova Church. James Wenzel, O.S.A., was the homilist. Father Whitley is buried in the Augustinian plot at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
 

Michael A. White, O.S.A.

1849 – 1900 (April 5)

Michael Augustine White, was born on February 5, 1849, to Thomas White and Joanne Garrihy White, in Islandbawn, County Clare, Ireland. On February 2, 1881, he entered the novitiate at Villanova, Pa., professed first vows on February 2, 1882, and solemn vows on February 3, 1885. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 23, 1885, by Archbishop Patrick J. Ryan, in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, in Philadelphia, Pa.

On September 7, 1885, Father White received as assignment that was to be his only one - to St. Mary's Parish, Lawrence, Ma., where he assisted in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, a mission of St. Mary's. Father White, who had developed superior writing skills, was chosen to contribute the introduction to The Catholic Church Alone, The One True Church of Christ, published on July 24, 1889 by the Catholic Educational Company of New York and Philadelphia. The publication, comprising 1,224 pages, was the work of six leading authors of the day. In the Preface, Father White stated, "What hopes can we entertain of a person to whom the science of virtue and eternal salvation doth not seem interesting or worth his application?" Reflecting upon the need for spiritual reading, Father White quoted Saint John Chrysostom who wrote, "It is impossible that a man should be saved, who neglects assiduous pious reading." Father White emphasized the absolute obligation for pastors to preach the word of God and for all to realize that, "studying the Catechism is only the groundwork - the foundation stone; but we must finish the structure." On April 5, 1900, Father White, at the age of fifty-one, died in St. Mary's rectory, and was buried in the Augustinian plot of Saint Mary-Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence, Massachusetts. 

John P.A. Whelan, O.S.A.

1862 – 1934 (October 13)

John Patrick Augustine Whelan was born in Dublin, Ireland, on January 27, 1862, to Patrick Whelan and Margaret O’Brien. He entered the novitiate at Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1881, and made his profession of simple vows on February 2, 1882. He was solemnly professed on February 3, 1885, and was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Patrick Ryan on May 23, 1885.

Father Whelan served at Saint Mary's in Lawrence, Massachusetts; Saint Augustine's in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and in our parishes in New York State at North Troy, Hoosick Falls, and Staten Island. For many years, Father Whelan was on the Province Mission Band and was known as an eloquent and successful preacher. During some years of retirement at Villanova, he was professor of Homiletics at Saint Mary's Hall. From 1922 to 1924, he published three volumes of his sermons which were entitled Augustinian Sermons. In 1925, he published a volume called Retreat for Augustinians.

Father Whelan died at Villanova on October 13, 1934 at the age of 72. He is buried there in the Community Cemetery.
 

John A. Whelan, O.S.A.

1894 – 1953 (April 11)

John Andrew Whelan, son of Michael Whelan and Rose Tracy was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on July 5, 1894, and was baptized there in the Church of St. Laurence O’Toole. He attended Lawrence High School and then one year at Villanova Prep before entering the novitiate at Villanova in 1916. He professed simple vows on June 24, 1917 and solemn vows on June 27, 1920. That same year he received his B.A. from Villanova. Following theological studies, he was ordained to the priesthood on September 22, 1923 by Bishop Michael Crane at Villanova.

Father Whelan served for two years as a professor in St. Augustine's School in Havana, Cuba. In 1926 he was assigned to St. Augustine Parish, Andover, MA., and in 1929 was  transferred to St. Mary’s in Lawrence. He returned to Cuba in 1932 for one year and then to Malvern Preparatory School in 1933. He was stationed at Holy Rosary Parish, Lawrence from 1935 until 1939, when he was appointed sub-prior of the community of St. Nicholas of Tolentine in the Bronx. There followed assignments to St. Augustine in Philadelphia, St. John in Schaghticoke, St. in Greenwich and St. Paul in Mechanicville. 

Father Whelan suffered a heart attack on Good Friday, in April, 1953. He died a week later in Troy Hospital on April 11, at the age of 58. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Paul’s Church, Mechanicville. A second Mass was offered at St. Laurence O’Toole Parish in Lawrence, MA., followed by burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Lawrence.
 

Raymond P. Wheeler, O.S.A.

1913 – 1995 (December 30)

Raymond Philip Wheeler was born April 4, 1913 in Chicago, Illinois to Andrew Wheeler and Alice Mary Mersick. He had three sisters, and was baptized on April 20, 1913 at Visitation Church, Chicago. He attended St. John the Baptist and St. Rita Elementary Schools, both in Chicago. He began his high school studies at Quigley Preparatory Seminary, Chicago, then transferred to Lindblom High School, Chicago. He entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, in 1932 as a post-graduate student. On September 9, 1933 he was received into the novitiate, professed simple vows on September 10, 1934, and solemn vows September 10, 1937. He received a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1938, and studied theology from 1938 to 1940 at the Gregorian University, Rome, while a member of the community of Collegio Santa Monica. The outbreak of World War II necessitated his return to the United States, where he completed his studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. He earned his S.T.B. in 1940. He was ordained a Priest in Washington in 1941.

Father Wheeler did graduate studies in chemistry at Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago. He studied Science at the University of California and Education at the University of Illinois. He was assigned in 1942 to Saint Rita High School, where he taught in the Summer School program. He was transferred in August 1942 to Saint Monica Seminary, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where he served as a teacher. One year later, he was moved to Saint Thomas High School, Rockford, Illinois. In 1945 he returned to Saint Rita High School, Chicago, where he ministered for 22 years, teaching chemistry and serving as Dean of the Science Department.

Father Wheeler became assistant pastor of Saint Clare of Montefalco Parish, Chicago, in 1967. In 1968 he was transferred to Saint Rita Parish, Chicago, as assistant and prior. In 1977 he was named pastor and prior of Saint Mary Parish, Independence, Missouri. Father Wheeler moved to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Monastery, Olympia Fields, Illinois, in 1979, as business manager. He continued to work with the Knights of Columbus and of the Alhambra, and also provided sacramental ministry at nearby homes for the aged and at local parishes.

Father Wheeler is remembered as a deeply religious and dedicated priest. He died on December 30, 1995, and is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

John P. Whalen, O.S.A.

1887 – 1935 (March 4)

John Peter Whalen, was born to Michael Whalen and Mary Breen, on November 2, 1887, in Heckscherville, Pennsylvania. He received his early education at Saint Edward Parochial School, Shamokin, Pa., followed by four years at Villanova Preparatory School, Villanova, Pa. On June 25, 1909, he entered the novitiate, professed first vows on June 25, 1910, and solemn vows three years later. On May 22, 1915, John was ordained to the priesthood in the Cathedral Basilica of SS Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, by Archbishop Edmond F. Prendergast.

Father Whalen served in the parishes of Saint Laurence O'Toole and Saint Mary, Lawrence, Mass., and the Immaculate Conception, Hoosick Falls, New York. He was appointed pastor of Saint Augustine Parish, North Troy, N.Y. and later, served as pastor at Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish, Villanova, Pa. Between 1926 and 1929, Father Whalen was a definitor during the provincialate of Father Daniel Herron, O.S.A. In 1932, Father Whalen became pastor of Saint Clare of Montefalco Parish, Chicago, Illinois.

Father Whalen made a host of friends and admirers by his ever pleasant, friendly disposition, and his faithfulness in carrying out his duties as a priest, especially in his care for the sick and others who requested counsel during the sacrament of penance.

Father Whalen died at Saint Clare, after a brief illness. He was in his 48th year. A solemn high mass of requiem was offered at the Church of Saint Clare, after which his body was transferred to Villanova, Pa, where a second solemn high mass was celebrated in Saint Thomas Church. Internment was conducted at the Augustinian community cemetery, Villanova, Pa.

Robert J. Welsh, O.S.A.

1921 – 1992 (November 7)

Robert Joseph Welsh was born on July 15,1921, one of two sons and four daughters of Robert Welsh and Elizabeth Walpole, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was baptized and received his elementary education at Saint Agatha Parish, Philadelphia, and attended West Catholic High School, from which he graduated in 1938. After a semester at LaSalle College in Philadelphia, he transferred to Augustinian Academy, the Preparatory Seminary on Staten Island, New York, as a post-graduate student. In September 1939, he was received as a novice at Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate where on September 10, 1940 he professed simple vows. Three years later, at Saint Mary's Hall, the collegiate seminary, he professed solemn vows. He graduated from Villanova in 1943 with an A.B. degree and began his study of theology at Augustinian College in Washington, DC. During the summer months he took graduate courses in English at the nearby Catholic University of America. On February 11, 1947, he was ordained to the priesthood at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. Following ordination, he was sent to Saint Monica's, the international house of studies in Rome, where he began graduate studies in theology at the Gregorian University. In 1948 he earned a S.T.L. and two years later he was awarded a S.T.D. cum laude.

Father Welsh's first assignment was to Augustinian College in Washington, DC, where from 1950-1956 he taught theology and was submaster of professed. In 1956 he was transferred to Villanova College where he taught in the department of theology until 1965. During these years he also served as secretary of the Province until 1959. In 1960 he was appointed assistant dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the following year he became dean. Inn1967 Father Welsh became the 28th President of Villanova University, a position he held until 1971. These were years of change and campus unrest during which his understanding was greatly appreciated by both students and faculty. In 1971 he was named prior of Augustinian College in Washington, DC, and at the same time was chosen to be president of the Washington Theological Coalition, later to become the Washington Theological Union. In 1975 he was elected to the Council of the Province and transferred to Saint Thomas Monastery. Father Welsh served also as province director of education until 1979. From 1980 to 1984 he brought his wealth of experience to Malvern Preparatory School where he became a popular and respected guidance counselor. In 1985 he was named Province Treasurer and held that position until 1988. In that year he was named Assistant to the President of Villanova University, a position he continued to hold even as his health began to fail. During his active years in the education apostolate, Father Welsh served on the Board of Trustees of Villanova University, Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, and Malvern Preparatory School in Malvern, Pennsylvania. A building on West Campus at Villanova University was named in his honor.

A very private person, Father Welsh endured with patience the discomfort associated with the treatment of his condition, giving to all with whom he was associated an example of Christian suffering.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church on November 11. Father Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A., president of Villanova University, delivered the homily. The following day interment took place in the Augustinian plot of Calvary Cemetery in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

Henry F. Weeks, O.S.A.

1910 – 1988 (September 18)

Henry Francis Weeks was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, on February 5, 1910, the only child of Henrv F. Weeks and Catherine Groark. His father died shortly after his birth and he was raised by his devoted mother. Baptized in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Chester, Pennsylvania, he attended Holy Spirit Grammar School and, in 1926, transferred to Our Mother of Good Counsel in Bryn Mawr, where his mother had gained employment. Graduating in 1933, and influenced by the Augustinians of the parish, he enrolled as a postulant in Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York. He graduated in June 1937 and entered Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, where he professed simple vows on September 11, 1938. His college years were spent at Saint Mary's Hall on the campus of Villanova College, where he professed solemn vows on September 11, 1941, and graduated with an A.B. degree in philosophy in June 1942. His theological studies were done at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, where he was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1945 at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception by Bishop McNamara. While studying theology, Father Weeks worked obtained, in 1942, a M.S. degree in mathematics with a minor in physics from the Catholic University.
Father Weeks' first assignment in 1946 was to the collegiate seminary, Saint Mary's Hall, where he taught mathematics to the professed and lay students of Villanova. In 1947 he was appointed submaster of professed. During these years he proved to be an excellent and popular instructor. In 1952 he was assigned to the Augustinian Mission Band and for the next four years became a much sought after preacher throughout the country. In 1955 he was assigned to Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, as submaster of novices and Province director of vocations, while continuing to do mission work. After a year he was transferred to Augustinian Academy, as director of postulants. Wishing to return to teaching, he was assigned to Villanova University as a professor of math and chaplain to nearby Rosemont College.

In 1959 Father Weeks was assigned as assistant pastor to Saint Rita Parish, Philadelphia, but returned to Villanova University the following year to assume the position of chairman of the theology department and chaplain to Rosemont College. In 1965 he was assigned as professor of math and religion at Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts. The following year he returned to the Mission Band but continued to reside at Merrimack College. In 1971 he was assigned briefly to Saint Paul Church, Mechanicville, New York, as assistant pastor but returned that same year to Merrimack.
In the early 1970s, Father Weeks suffered the loss of his devoted mother and the first onset of a debilitating illness, which was diagnosed by a variety of medical authorities as irreversible. For the next twenty-five years, he endured patiently an apostolate of suffering as his faculties continued to weaken. He remained in residence at the Monastery at Merrimack and in 1982 was transferred to Saint Thomas Monastery of Villanova University. He died of heart failure in Bryn Mawr Hospital, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, on September 18, 1988.
Father Weeks' life was marked by a great devotion to Our Blessed Mother. His humble and gentle manner greatly impressed many who came in contact with him as a priest, teacher, counselor, and preacher. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on September 21, 1988, at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church on the university campus by the vicar provincial, Francis Horn, O.S.A. The homilist was his close friend, Father Edwin T. Grimes, O.S.A. Father Weeks is buried in the Augustinian plot at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

Anthony J. Wasko, O.S.A.

1931 – 2011 (January 26)

Anthony Wasko was born in Shamokin, Pennsylvania on May 16, 1931 to Joseph Wasko and Elizabeth DeConcini. When Tony was a small boy, his father died in a coal mining accident. His mother later married George Price. He professed vows in the Order on September 10, 1951, and graduated from Villanova University in 1955. Following studies, he was ordained to the priesthood on June 7, 1958.

In 1959, Father Wasko was assigned to his first priestly assignment, and arrived at the San Diego train station wearing a straw hat, not typical for the locale. His east coast sensibilities were at first challenged by perceived west coast impropriety, but soon Father Wasko fell in love with California, and particularly Catholic high school education. He Tony taught for ten years at St. Augustine High School in San Diego. He was the headmaster of Villanova Preparatory School in Ojai, California from 1969 to 1975. In 1975 he became the principal of St. Augustine High School, and proved himself a most effective administrator. On September 25, 1978 his leadership was challenged as principal in a way that no one could ever imagine. PSA flight 182 crashed over North Park and the school gym became a triage and command and control center. Father Wasko proved to be the most effective of school ministers and civic leaders.

In 1984, Father Wasko became the Director of Development for St. Augustine High School. In 1989, and for the next eighteen years, he was an effective and beloved parish priest, serving first at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church in Los Angeles, and then at Saint Patrick’s Church in San Diego. In 2001, he was named archivist for the California Province. Intermittently, over many years, Father Wasko celebrated the Sunday mass at St. Augustine’s High School Chapel.

While still teaching, he created the California Province’s “Augustinian Guild,” for the education of students in formation. Father Wasko had a master’s degree in drama and made use of it at will, making him an effective preacher.

On January 26, 2011, Father Anthony J. Wasko O.S.A. died at home suddenly of a combination of illnesses, including a bad heart. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, San Diego.

James E. Warne, O.S.A.

1929 – 1996 (September 28)

James Edward Warne, son of James Warne and Anna Curtis, was born on September 16, 1929, in Cambridge, Ohio. He was baptized on September 29, 1929, in Saint Benedict Church there, and attended Saint Benedict Grammar School, Saint Benedict High School and two years at Saint Augustine High School, San Diego, California, before entering Augustinian Academy on Staten Island, N.Y., as a postulant. He was accepted as a novice in 1947, professed simpe vows on September 10, 1948, and three years later was solemnly professed. In June, 1952, he graduated from Villanova University with a B.A. degree in philosophy. He pursued his theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., and was ordained to the priesthood at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church, Bronx, N.Y., on October 28, 1955, by Bishop Canisius Van Lierde, O.S.A., Papal Sacristan and Vicar General for Vatican City. 

In June, 1956, Father Warne received a M.A. in Religious Education with a minor in Sociology from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. In 1967, he continued graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania in the field of Religious Thought. He had a reading ability in Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Latin and was proficient in writing German and French.

Father Warne's first assignment was to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, Bronx, New York. In 1957, he was transferred to Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pa, and then in 1958, to Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, D.C. where he taught English, Math and Religion. In 1960, he returned to Monsignor Bonner High School, as a teacher of Religion and English, and then, in 1966, became a professor of Religious studies at Villanova University, Villanova, Pa. until he became ill in 1994. Father Warne was known for his achievements as chaplain in the Knights of Columbus for thirty-five years, and was a Fourth Degree member. He was also involved in weekend retreats for lay people, especially at Malvern Retreat House, Malvern, Pa. A noted orator and preacher in the 

Delaware Valley area, he was always available for those who desired his counseling. Throughout his priestly-religious career he was active in school organizations such as glee club, drama club and music comedy. He became proficient at the piano, organ, guitar and saxophone and, while at Bonner High School, he attended the conservatory of music for a period of three years.

His quick precise wit and hilarious quips were incorporated into his writings, homilies and lively conversations. To the very end of his life, Father Jim's faith in God, his light-hearted spirit, and sense of humor were inspirational.

He passed over to the Lord on September 28, 1996. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on October 2 and interment was conducted at the Augustinian section of Calvary Cemetery in Conshohocken, Pa.

Thomas F. Walsh, O.S.A.

1909 – 1990 (November 24)

Thomas Francis Walsh, son of Thomas Walsh and Helen McCarthy, was born on August 17, 1909 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He was baptized there two days later in Saint Mary's Church. Thomas was one of four siblings to enter religious life. His older brother, John, was also a member of our Province. He was educated at Saint Mary's Parish School and Saint John's Preparatory School in Danvers, Massachusetts. At the end of his sophomore year he transferred to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, from which he graduated in 1926. In August of that year he was received as a novice. He professed simple vows at Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate on August 16, 1927. Three years later he professed solemn vows at Saint Mary's Hall, Villanova. He graduated from Villanova in 1931 with an A.B. degree and began the study of theology at Augustinian College, Washington, DC. During the summers he took courses in music at the nearby Catholic University of America. On June 12, 1934 he was ordained to the priesthood at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. Following ordination he took graduate courses in mathematics at Fordham University and New York University where he earned a master's degree in 1941.

Father Walsh's first assignment was to Saint Clare Parish in Chicago, Illinois, in 1935. After a short experience in parish work he began his long apostolate in education. From 1935 to 1950 he taught mathematics at Augustinian Academy. There his friendly and outgoing personality impressed many future Augustinians. In 1950 he was assigned to the newly opened Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, where he taught mathematics and served as treasurer of the Augustinian community. At Merrimack he he directed plays and musicals, formed and conducted choral groups, and organized ski trips. With his brother Augustinians his remarkable talent at the piano delighted many festive gatherings.

He died at Merrimack on November 24, 1990. On November 27 a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at the Collegiate Chapel of Christ the Teacher. Father John Deegan, O.S.A., president of Merrimack College, delivered the homily. Interment was in the Augustinian section of Saint Mary's Cemetery in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
 

Thomas F. Walsh, O.S.A.

1922 – 1986 (March 16)

Thomas F. Walsh, son of Thomas Walsh and Elizabeth Gilgun, was born on August 26, 1922 in Woburn, Massachusetts, and entered the Augustinian Novitiate in 1943, after two years at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York. He was simply professed on September 10, 1944 and ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop McNamara in Washington, D.C. on June 5, 1951.

Father Walsh’s first assignment, a very brief one, was in Cuba. In September of 1952 he began his priestly ministry in California at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church in Los Angeles. He moved to Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, Ojai in 1964 and remained there until 1970. After helping in formation work in San Francisco at Cole Street for a year, he moved to Modesto, CA and taught at Central Catholic High School from 1971 to 1974. He then returned to Ojai until 1979. At that time he returned to Our Mother of Good Counsel where he remained in "limited-service" until his death. 

Following his Funeral Mass at Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish on March 19, 1986, Father Walsh was buried at Calvary Cemetery, Woburn, Massachusetts.

John A.M. Walsh, O.S.A.

1902 – 1993 (November 9)

John Augustine Mary Walsh was born on August 8, 1902 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to Thomas F. Walsh and Ellen McCarthy. Baptized on October 10 he attended Saint Mary's parish school, graduating in 1915. After a year at Lawrence High School he enrolled at Saint John's Preparatory School, Danvers, Massachusetts, and graduated in June, 1919. At the age of 17 John Walsh enrolled at Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, as a postulant and began his novitiate. He professed simple vows on June 28, 1921 and three veers later solemn vows. His college and theology courses were completed at Villanova and on August 29, 1926 he was ordained a priest in Saint Thomas of Villanova Church by Denis Cardinal Dougherty, Archbishop of Philadelphia. During the academic year 1926-1927 he took graduate courses at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.

Father Walsh was briefly assigned to Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, Pennsylvania, and Saint Rita's High School in Chicago, Illinos, where he began many years teaching the classics, Greek and Latin, as well as religion. From 1927-1947 Father taught at Saint Augustine High School, San Diego, California; Augustinian Academy on Staten Island, New York, where he was for a time director of studies and later rector of postulants; and Villanova Preparatory School, Ojai, California, where he was headmaster. From 1947 to 1959 Father Walsh taught theology at Villanova University and Greek at Saint Mary's Hall, on the university campus. From 1959 to 1965 he engaged in parish work as assistant pastor and later administrator at Holy Rosary Church, Lawrence, Massachusetts.In 1965 he was transferred to Saint Rita's Parish in Philadelphia where he was appointed prior and associate pastor until transferred in 1968 to Saint Mary's Parish in Lawrence, where he served as associate pastor. He retired in 1976 to Our Mother of Good Counsel Monastery on the campus of Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts.A quiet and reserved person, his health began to fail following the deaths of his younger brothers, Father Thomas Walsh, O.S.A. and Brother Joseph Patrick Walsh. C.F.X., both in 1990. 

In July, 1993 Father was transferred to the health care facility at Saint Thomas Monastery on the campus of Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania. It was here on this date that he died peacefully at the age of 91.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on November 15, 1993 at the Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher, Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts. Interment was in the Augustinian plot of Saint Mary's Cemetery, Lawrence.
 

George S. Walker, O.S.A.

1882 – 1974 (September 14)

George Solomon Walker was born in Cambridge, New York, on March 21, 1882, one of seven children of Solomon Walker and Mary Ann Buckley. He was baptized on September 29, 1892 by Father Thomas Field, O.S. A. at Saint Joseph Church, Greenwich, New York. He entered the novitiate at Villanova on July 5, 1906, and professed simple vows on July 5, 1907. He was sent to Rome for studies at Saint Monica’s College in 1908 and made solemn profession there on October 19, 1910. He was ordained in Rome by Cardinal Ceppetelli on July 25, 1913.

After his return from Rome that same year, as World War I was about to break out, he was named Rector of Postulants at Villanova. In 1915, he was appointed Master of Professed and Novices until 1918 when he became Rector of the Mission Band, a post he held until 1934. In his day he held a nation-wide reputation as preacher.

In September, 1934, Father Walker was named prior and pastor of Saint Augustine's in Troy, N.Y., and it was here that his heart remained. He was also pastor and prior in several other parishes, including Saint Laurence, Lawrence, MA beginning in 1941; Immaculate Conception, Hoosick Falls, NY beginning in 1947; and Saint Joseph, Greenwich, NY in 1953.

From 1956 to 1962 he served as Prior at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg. In 1962 he was transferred to Saint Nicholas in the Bronx where he was assistant pastor until his retirement due to failing health and blindness.

The week before his death he was transferred to Rosemont Manor and here he ended his labors, at the age of 92, September 14, 1974. At the time of his death he had been the oldest member of the Province. 

The Funeral Mass was offered at Villanova on September 17th. The body was then taken to Saint Nicholas of Toletine the following day for a second Mass, and finally to Saint Augustine, Troy, where the Mass of Christian Burial was offered on September 19th. Father Walker was buried, at his request, in the Community Plot of Saint John’s Cemetery, Troy.

Father Walker was best known as a preacher and missioner. Gifted with a powerfully resonant voice and an easy flow of language and retentive memory, he became well-known and much sought after in pulpits throughout the country.

James D. Waldron, O.S.A.

1830 – 1905 (May 27)

James David Waldron was born in London, England, on November 19, 1830, the son of William Waldron and Mary Stanton, and a first cousin of Father Patrick Stanton, O.S.A. James immigrated to the United States in 1851 and, on November 13, 1856, entered the novitiate at Villanova, PA. He made his simple profession on October 15, 1857, and the following year became a citizen of the United States. He completed his studies for the priesthood at Villanova, and was ordained to the priesthood in May, 1861 by Bishop James Wood.

After ordination, Father Waldron was assigned to Villanova where, three years later he was appointed prior of the community. He was also named pastor of Saint Denis' in nearby Ardmore. In 1868, he served as rector in Cambridge, N.Y., and the following year offered the first Mass in Greenwich, N.Y. He returned to Villanova as pastor and opened a new frame church there in July, 1872. He later served as prior and pastor at Hoosick Falls and Greenwich, both in N.Y.

In 1886, Father Waldron was elected first definitor by the Provincial Chapter. In October, 1889, he was notified of his selection by the Prior General to be Rector Provincial at the resignation from the office of Prior Provincial of Father Christopher McEvoy. Father Waldron was elected Prior Provincial on July 22, 1890. During his term of office he reinstituted the Province retreats at Villanova, obtained canonical foundations for Chestnut Hill, Atlantic City and Immaculate Conception and Saint Laurence in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He returned the parish at Berwyn to the archdiocese and accepted formal charge of the parish at Bryn Mawr.

Father Waldron completed his term as Provincial in 1894, and spent the remaining years of his life at Saint Augustine's in Philadelphia, PA. He died there on May 27, 1905 at the age of 75. He is buried in the vault at Saint Augustine's.

John J. Vrana, O.S.A.

1906 – 1983 (June 24)

John Joseph Vrana, the son of John Vrana and Josephine Shimek, was born in the Bronx, New York, on December 7, 1906. He became a postulant of the Order at Villanova in 1920, and after completion of high school, was received into the novitiate on June 25, 1924. He professed temporary vows on June 26, 1925, and solemn vows on June 26, 1928. Upon graduation from Villanova College in 1928 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy, he studied theology at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., and was ordained to the priesthood at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on June 9, 1931.

Father Vrana's first assignment was to Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery, Villanova, Pa, where he taught in the College from 1931 to 1961. In 1934, he received a Master of Arts degree from Villanova, and in 1938 was named head of the Graphics Department in the Villanova School of Technology. In 1942 he was awarded at Master in Fine Arts from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Villanova he created and directed Villanova Press and was the liaison officer among architects, contractors, and administrators of the University in the erection of twelve new buildings. From 1942 to 1956 he oversaw the photography for College and sports events.

In 1961, Father Vrana became the founding pastor of the Parish of The Resurrection of Our Lord in Dania, Florida, and was also named prior there. He also assisted in the design and construction of the first buildings of Biscayne College in Miami. In 1968 he was assigned to Our Lady of the Angels Church in Jacksonville, FL, as prior and pastor, and in 1971, he was appointed prior of Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery, Villanova. After several months, however, he was appointed pastor of Saint Mary's Church, Waterford, N.Y. In 1979 he was retired to the community at Saint John the Baptist Church, Schaghticoke, N.Y., where he died on June 24, 1983.

An affable man of gentle good humor, Father Vrana consistently created an atmosphere of warmth and genuine care both in Augustinian community and among the people he served. Although in painful ill health in his final years, he valiantly presided at daily Eucharist and delivered moving homilies which sprang from the depths of a soul nourished by faithful prayer. Up to the end he also shared his many talents in fine arts and graphics with local Augustinian communities and laity.Father Vrana is buried in the Augustinian plot at Saint John Cemetery, Troy, N.Y. 

Walter P. Vogel, O.S.A.

1935 – 2007 (April 28)

Walter Paul Vogel was born on March 7, 1935 on Ecke Ranch, near Encinitas, California, one of two sons and two daughters of Ruth Maurer and Walter Vogel. He entered the seminary in 1954 and took simple vows in the Augustinian Order in 1955. He was ordained a priest on February 9, 1963. His first years as a priest were dedicated to the educational ministry, serving at Bonner High School in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, St. Augustine High School in San Diego, Villanova Prep School in Ojai, Central Catholic High School in Modesto, and Woodside Priory near San Francisco. While he was still a high school teacher he was introduced to the Cursillo movement and became one of its most sought after ministers and spiritual directors. At the same time he began a hobby which turned into a passion - cooking. 

For a brief period Fr. Walter was a prison chaplain, and for the last six years of his life, served others as a parish priest. He was a much-loved servant-minister both in Ontario, and particularly at Our Mother of Good Counsel, Los Angeles. Fr. Walter passed away on April 28, four days after he was involved in a very serious automobile accident. A Memorial Mass celebrating his entrance into a new life took place at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church on May 5. He was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, San Diego.
 

Bernard T. Visocky, O.S.A.

1924 – 1994 (May 11)

Bernard Thomas Visocky, one of six sons and two daughters, was born on December 15, 1924 in Lilly, PA to Michael Joseph Visocky and Olean Pikus. Bernard was baptized and confirmed in the Greek Catholic Rite at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Portage, Pennsylvania. He attended the local public school in Lilly, until the family moved to Altoona, Pa., where he completed his elementary education at Saint John's Parochial School in Altoona. After graduation in 1948 from the public high school, Bernard enlisted in the navy, and upon completing basic training he attended the sub-marine school in New London, Connecticut. After four years of active duty with the Atlantic fleet and two years in the reserve he was discharged with the rank of petty officer. In 1954, Bernard resumed his educational career at Pennsylvania State University. He graduated in 1957 with a degree in clinical psychology. While living in Baltimore, MD, he came in contact with the Order as a result of his acquaintance with Father John Lipp, O.S.A., a teacher at Archbishop Carroll High School who was assisting at his parish on the weekends. In September 1960, Bernard was received as a novice at Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate in New Hamburg, New York. On September 10, 1961, he professed simple vows and three years later solemn vows. After courses in philosophy at Saint Mary's Hall, Villanova, he began theological studies at Augustinian College in Washington, D.C., and during summers took graduate courses in clinical psychology at The Catholic University. On October 29, 1965 Bernard was ordained a priest at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC. 

Father Visocky's first assignment in 1966, was as an instructor at Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, D.C. After two years at Carroll, he re-enlisted in the Navy as chaplain. For the next 16 years he served at the Subic Bay Naval Station in the Philippines, in Vietnam, where he suffered a back injury as a result of a jeep accident, and at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital. In 1984, with the rank of commander, he retired from the Navy. 

In the years following his naval service Father Visocky became chaplain at Holy Family Academy in Baltic, CT. Beginning in 1985, he served as associate pastor at many of our parishes: Saint Patrick's, Cambridge, N.Y., Holy Rosary, Lawrence, Mass., Saint John the Baptist, Schaghticoke, and Saint Augustine, Troy, both in N.Y.., and finally at Saint Thomas of Villanova, Rosemont, Pa. In 1992, with the discovery of a cancer condition, he was transferred to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova. While undergoing treatment he served for a short time as chaplain at Saint Joseph Villa in Flourtown. Father Bernard's patient acceptance of suffering was a source of inspiration to all.

He died peacefully on May 11, 1994, at the Mercy Haverford Hospital, Havertown, Pa., at the age of 64. On May 16 Prior Proivincial John Hagen was principal celebrant of the Mass at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church. Father James Warne, O.S.A. preached. At the request of his family, Father Visocy's funeral was conducted at the cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona, Pa. Internment followed the Mass on May 18 in the family plot of Calvary Cemetery, Altoona.