1914 – 1994 (March 26)
Dominic James Berra, son of John Berra and Felicia Brier, was born in Trevorton, Pennsylvania, on September 21, 1914. He was ordained on May 18, 1944 in Washington, D.C. He was awarded an MA degree from the Catholic University of America, as well as a degree in theology from Augustinian College. In the early years of his ministry, he served in Cuba teaching at the University of Santo Tomas, where he also earned a PhD in theology in 1948.
He, along with almost all other Augustinians, was forced out of Cuba during the Castro Revolution. Father Berra then taught Spanish at Villanova Preparatory School, Ojai, California, from 1959 to 1960. From there he was transferred to Saint Augustine High School, San Diego where he taught from 1960-1963. Father Berra also served at Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, D.C., Merrimack College, and as Dean of Student Affairs at Biscayne College, Miami, Florida. He ministered, as well, in the parochial apostolate at Santa Rita, Havana, and Assumption Parish, Lawrence, Ma. Father Berra returned to live at Saints in 1972 and worked closely with the Knights of Columbus there.
During the years he lived at Saints Father Berra was a cruise ship chaplain. It was in that role that he died aboard a ship on March 26, 1994. He is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, San Diego.
