Patrick J. O’Connell, O.S.A.

1855 – 1895 (February 25)

Patrick Joseph O’Connell was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, on April 10, 1855, to Pierce O’Connell and Helen Kenney. He entered the novitiate at Villanova, Pennsylvania on September 21, 1875, made his first profession on September 22, 1876, and his solemn profession of September 27, 1879. He was ordained by Archbishop James Wood at the Cathedral Chapel on January 16, 1880. 

His first assignment after ordination was to Saint John’s Parish in Schaghticoke, New York and, in October, 1881, was sent to Saint Mary’s Parish in Lawrence, Mass. He served as Master of Novices at Villanova from July, 1882 to 1883, after which he was re-assigned “pro-tempore” to Saint Mary’s Parish in Lawrence as assistant pastor. In 1885 he was appointed to Saint James Parish in Carthage, New York, and in 1886 he was named pastor there, until June, 1890, when he became pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish, Hoosick Falls, N.Y. While at Hoosick Falls, Father O’Connell opened the parish school.

Because of failing health he was reassigned to Lawrence, where he died on February 25, 1895, at the age of 40. He is buried in Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Lawrence, Mass.