Nicholas O’Brien, O.S.A.

1825 – 1881 (July 7)

James O’Brien, son of Michael O’Brien and Bridget Hogan, was born in 1825 at Mullinahone, County Tipperary, Ireland. He was vested at Villanova on August 15, 1848, and was professed on May 8, 1856, taking the name Brother Nicholas. 

Brother Nicholas was a farmer for his entire religious life, thus contributing to the life of the monastery community and the college. He had a proficiency that saw him win a ploughing contest on Askin’s Farm at Wayne, Pa., in September, 1871. He died at Villanova on July 7, 1881, and is buried there in the community cemetery.