January 31 is the anniversary of Bernard J. O’Donnell.

Bernard Joseph O’Donnell, son of Patrick and Mary O’Donnell, was born in Foundryville, PA, on February 11, 1874. On September 18, 1894, he entered the novitiate at Villanova and professed simple vows in September 19, 1895 and solemn vows on the same day in 1898. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Sebastian Martinelli, O.S.A., on September 29, 1898.

Father O’Donnell’s first assignment was to the parish in Bryn Mawr; in the same year he was transferred to Saint Laurence O’Toole, Lawrence, MA. In 1901 he was assigned to Cuba and in 1902 became vice-president of the Colegio there. In 1906 he was transferred from Havana to Cathage, NY, and then in 1908 he was called to Villanova as vice-president of the College. In 1913 he went briefly to Schaghticoke, NY, and then returned to Villanova. In 1914 he was assigned to Staten Island, NY. From 1914 until his death on January 31, 1925 he labored in various diocesan parishes in Richmond, VA, Salt Lake City, UT, and New Orleans, LA. He is buried in New Orleans.

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