January 21 is the anniversary of James J. Blake.

James Joseph Blake was born in Clonaslee, Ireland, in 1850. He entered the novitiate at Villanova, PA in 1871, and was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Ryan. He first served at Villanova College as Vice-President. He later became rector and prior at Villanova.

In 1890, he was transferred to Lansingburg (Troy), NY, where he served until his death January 21, 1892. He was 42. He is buried in Saint Augustine’s (Saint John’s) in Troy, NY.

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