Category Archives: today

Joseph J. Burns, O.S.A.

1908 – 1973 (November 9)

Joseph John Burns, the son of James Burns and Jennie Meehan, was born in Philadelphia on May 27, 1908. After completing his initial education at St. Coleman Parochial School and West Catholic High School, he entered the Order in 1926, professed his first vows on September 10, 1929, and graduated from Villanova College in 1933. He then studied theology at Augustinian College in Washington, DC, and received his Master’s degree in Education from The Catholic University of America. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 1936, at Washington’s National Shrine by Michael Curley, Archbishop of Baltimore.

William W. Donovan, O.S.A.

1870 – 1956 (November 8)

William Wallace Donovan, son of Daniel Donovan and Mary Sweeney, was born in Andover, Massachusetts, on November 28, 1870, and was baptized there in St. Augustine Church on December 4, 1870. He was received on September 3, 1891 at Villanova, and entered the novitiate there, professing first vows on September 4, 1892 and solemn vows on September 19, 1895. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Patrick Ryan in the Philadelphia Cathedral on May 30, 1896.

William E. Devine, O.S.A.

1918 – 1954 (November 8)

William Edward Devine, son of Joseph Devine and Margaret Cunningham, was born in Methuen, Massachusetts on September 26, 1918. Following his early education, he entered Augustinian Academy on Staten Island, New York, in 1932, and became a novice at Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, in New Hamburg, N.Y., in 1936. He professed simple vows on September 10, 1937 and solemn vows on September 10, 1941.

Anthony J.P. Anglin, O.S.A.

1868 – 1909 (November 8)

James Patrick Anglin, son of John Anglin and Catharine Ahearn, was born in Ballylomasna, County Tipperary, Ireland, on August 6, 1868. He studied at the National School for 11 years and worked for a time as a sexton. He was vested as an oblate at Villanova, Pennsylvania, on December 8, 1904, and received the name Brother Anthony. He served at Saint Laurence’s in Lawrence, Massachusetts, from 1905 to 1908. Ill health necessitated his return to Villanova.

Agostino Cogliani, O.S.A.

1874 – 1904 (November 4)

Agostino Cogliani was born in Grottominarda, in the Province of Avellino, Italy, on March 4, 1874. He entered the Order in August, 1887, completed his studies in Rome, and was ordained on May 28, 1899. He arrived in the United States on September 20th of that year, with an assignment to minister in the Italian Mission at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in South Philadelphia. His arrival followed by only a few weeks the sudden death of the pastor, Father Guglielmo Repetti. 

Joseph A. Coyne, O.S.A.

1907 – 1987 (November 2)

Joseph Aloysius Coyne was born December 2, 1907 in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, to Thomas P. Coyne and Mary Finnerty. After graduating in 1927 from Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, he was received into the novitiate on September 8, 1927. He professed simple vows on September 9, 1928, and solemn vows on September 9, 1932. He earned a B. A. from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1932, and did theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., from 1932 to 1936. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 11, 1935.

Thomas D. Bogardus, O.S.A.

1932 – 1996 (November 1)

Thomas Douglas Bogardus, was born on November 18, 1932, to William Bogardus and Rose Houle in Hoosick Falls, New York. He was baptized there on December 11, 1932, in the church of the Immaculate Conception, and received his primary and secondary education at Saint Mary Academy. In 1956, he graduated from State University of New York, in Albany, with a B.A. degree in history. After teaching for two years at Colonie Central School in Colonie, N.Y., he entered the novitiate at New Hamburg, N.Y. in 1958, professed first vows on September 10, 1959, and made his solemn profession three years later.

John M. Fagan, O.S.A.

1889 – 1966 (October 27)

John Michael Fagan was born in Hoosick Falls, New York, on July 3, 1889, the son of Michael J. Fagan and Helena Quinlan. After receiving his early education in Hoosick Falls, he entered Saint Rita’s Hall in Villanova, Pennsylvania, in September 1905. He entered the novitiate at Villanova on July 4, 1907 and made simple profession of July 14, 1908. He professed solemn vows on July 14, 1911.

Francis J. Cavanaugh, O.S.A.

1910 – 1988 (October 27)

Francis Joseph Cavanaugh was born December 4, 1910 in Hoosick Falls, New York, to Patrick Francis and Mary Ladden. He was baptized December 11, 1910 at Immaculate Conception Church, there, and received his elementary education at Immaculate Conception Parochial School. Frank began his secondary education at Hoosick Falls High School, but transferred to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, N.Y., as a postulant, where he earned his diploma. He was received into the novitiate on September 9, 1928, and professed simple vows in the Order on September 10, 1929. He made his solemn profession on September 10, 1932, and earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1933. 

Ezra J. Fenton, O.S.A.

1913 – 1981 (October 26)

Ezra Joseph Fenton, the son of Ezra A. Fenton and Rose Helferty, was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on August 13, 1913, and was baptized four days later by Father Charles J. McFadden, O.S.A., at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church there. He entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, as a postulant in 1926, and was received as a novice on September 11, 1930. He made his simple profession of vows on September 12, 1931, and his solemn profession on September 12. 1933.