January 27 is the anniversary of Henry A. Fleming.

Henry Ambrose Fleming, son of William Fleming and Anna Tanner Ra, was born in Philadelphia on August 26, 1826. Reared a staunch Presbyterian, upon reaching manhood he was converted and received into the Church by Father John O’Dwyer, O.S.A., on July 4, 1847. He entered the seminary at Saint Charles but was obliged to discontinue there in order to support his aged mother. He had attended Villanova (1851-1854) and then returned to be admitted to the novitiate on January 20, 1870, professed simple vows on January 21, 1871, and then solemn vows on January 25, 1874. Having completed his theological studies at Villanova he was ordained to the priesthood at Saint Charles Seminary in Overbrook by Bishop Woo on May 15, 1874.

Father Fleming was appointed a teacher at the College, became master of novices, and was frequently called upon to give retreats. He was in charge of parochial work at Villanova until forced to retire on account of chronic ill health. Father Fleming died at Villanova on January 27, 1885, at the age of 59, and is buried in the monastery cemetery at Villanova University.

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