1934 – 1978 (January 11)
James Francis McNulty, son of Francis A. McNulty and Joanna M. Rogoz, was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on August 2, 1934. His early education was obtained at Assumption Parish School, Central Catholic High School, Lawrence, and at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, N.Y. Received as a novice on September 9, 1951, he pronounced simple vows on September 10, 1952, and solemn vows on September 10, 1955. Jim graduated Villanova University in 1956, and was sent to study at Saint Monica’s International College, Rome, Italy, where he was ordained to the priesthood at Saint John Lateran Basilica on December 19, 1959. On his return to the United States, he was awarded a Master of Arts degree in European history from Villanova University in 1967 and an M.S. 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 from 1960 to 1962. For the next four years he was a member of the Province Mission Band while a member of the Augustinian Academy community, Staten Island, for two years and Assumption Parish community, Lawrence thereafter. In 1966 he was named associate director at Mount Augustine Retreat House, Staten Island, and in 1971 became its director. He was elected prior of the 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 McNulty’s promising apostolate was tragically cut short when, at the age of 43, 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.
