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.
