January 11 is the anniversary of James F. McNulty.

James Francis McNulty, son of Francis A. McNulty and Joanna M. Rogoz, was born in Lawrence, MA on August 2, 1934. His early education was obtained at Assumption parish parochial school, at Central Catholic High School, Lawrence (1947-1949), and at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, NY (1949-1951). Received as a novice on September 9, 1951, he pronounced simple profession on September 10, 1952 and solemn profession on September 10, 1955. He graduated Villanova University in 1956 and was sent to study at Saint Monica’s International College in Rome, Italy (1956-1960) where he was ordained to the priesthood at Saint John Lateran Basilica on December 19, 1959. Returning to America he was awarded a Master of Arts degree in European history from Villanova University in 1967 and a M.S. degree in Counseling Psychology from Iona College in 1972.

Father McNulty’s first assignment was as a teacher at Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, PA (1960-1962). For the next four years he was a member of the mission band while residing at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, (1962-1964) and Assumption Parish, Lawrence 91964-1965). In 1966 he was named associate director at mount Augustine Retreat House (formerly Augustinian Academy), Staten Island, and in 1971 director. Father was selected as prior of the Augustinian Community there in 1973.

Father McNulty’s engaging personality and speaking expertise made him a leader in the retreat movement and he published a number of retreat recordings. He was New York State Father Prior of Youth of the Knights of Columbus.

Father James Francis McNulty’s promising apostolate was tragically cut short at the age of 43 when he was stuck by a trolley in Vienna, Austria, and died of his injuries on January 11, 1978. He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Lawrence, MA.

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