Emile H. Misson, O.S.A.

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1893 – 1973 (January 27)

Emile Hernandez Misson, son of Emile J. Misson and Anna Hernandez, was born in New York City on June 24, 1893. At the age of four his family moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he received his primary education in the public schools. In September 1908, he enrolled at the Augustinian Preparatory Scholasticate, Saint Rita Hall, Villanova, and was received as a novice on June 20, 1912. He professed simple vows on June 20, 1913 and solemn vows on June 23, 1916. Following his philosophical studies at Villanova, he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1916. Upon completion of his theological training he was ordained to the priesthood at Saint Charles Seminary, Overbrook, on June 8, 1919, and offered his first Mass at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church, Atlantic City.

Father Mission’s entire priestly life was devoted to the parochial apostolate. His first assignment, in 1919, was to Saint Paul Parish, Mechanicville, New York, followed by appointments to Saint James Church, Carthage, N.Y. from 1919 to 1920; Saint Mary’s, Lawrence, Massachusetts, from 1920 to 1927. He returned to Saint Paul, Mechanicville for two more years, and then was assigned to Immaculate Conception, Hoosick Falls, N.Y., until 1932. The next seven years were spent at Our Mother of Good Counsel, Bryn Mawr, and in 1939, he was transferred to Our Lady of Good Counsel, Staten Island, where he remained until a new assignment came to Saint Mary’s Lawrence in 1947. From 1955 to 1959, he was assistant at Saint Thomas of Villanova, Rosemont, Pa., where he was also elected prior in 1956. He became prior of Saint Augustine community, Marianao, Cuba in 1959, and in 1961 was appointed to Our Lady of Angels, Jacksonville, Florida. For the third time he returned to Saint Mary’s, Lawrence, where he remained until 1966 when he retired to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova.

Father Mission cherished a deep devotion to Our Lady and led many pilgrimages to various Marian shrines. He loved all sports and delighted in organizing and managing athletic programs for the youth of our parishes. Though a slow learner, he was graced with a retentive memory. He was a stickler for rubrics, he thoroughly believed in the right way of doing things. Persistent sickness dictated his taking residence at Rosemont Manor where he died on January 27, 1973, at the age of 79.

Father Mission is buried in the Augustinian plot and Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pa.