Donate

Author: The Augustinians

Agostino Cogliani, O.S.A.

1874 – 1904 (November 4)

Agostino Cogliani was born in Grottominarda, in the Province of Avellino, Italy, on March 4, 1874. He entered the Order in August, 1887, completed his studies in Rome, and was ordained on May 28, 1899. He arrived in the United States on September 20th of that year, with an assignment to minister in the Italian Mission at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in South Philadelphia. His arrival followed by only a few weeks the sudden death of the pastor, Father Guglielmo Repetti. 

Thirty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time – Year A

A quick glance at today’s first reading and gospel could lead us to declare this Sunday: Clergy Depreciation Day.

These readings offer profiles of ministry. Not all of these profiles are for our imitation, as you probably noticed. They are more a listing of what not to do, how not to act.

Joseph A. Coyne, O.S.A.

1907 – 1987 (November 2)

Joseph Aloysius Coyne was born December 2, 1907 in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, to Thomas P. Coyne and Mary Finnerty. After graduating in 1927 from Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, he was received into the novitiate on September 8, 1927. He professed simple vows on September 9, 1928, and solemn vows on September 9, 1932. He earned a B. A. from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1932, and did theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., from 1932 to 1936. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 11, 1935.

Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time – Year A

After silencing the disingenuous questions of the Sadducees, Jesus addresses the Pharisees whose question about the law was equally insincere. Although it is not expressed here, the follow-up of his response about loving God and neighbor is a warning to his hearers not to follow the example of the religious leaders, but to listen to the spirit of the law…

John M. Fagan, O.S.A.

1889 – 1966 (October 27)

John Michael Fagan was born in Hoosick Falls, New York, on July 3, 1889, the son of Michael J. Fagan and Helena Quinlan. After receiving his early education in Hoosick Falls, he entered Saint Rita’s Hall in Villanova, Pennsylvania, in September 1905. He entered the novitiate at Villanova on July 4, 1907 and made simple profession of July 14, 1908. He professed solemn vows on July 14, 1911.

Francis J. Cavanaugh, O.S.A.

1910 – 1988 (October 27)

Francis Joseph Cavanaugh was born December 4, 1910 in Hoosick Falls, New York, to Patrick Francis and Mary Ladden. He was baptized December 11, 1910 at Immaculate Conception Church, there, and received his elementary education at Immaculate Conception Parochial School. Frank began his secondary education at Hoosick Falls High School, but transferred to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, N.Y., as a postulant, where he earned his diploma. He was received into the novitiate on September 9, 1928, and professed simple vows in the Order on September 10, 1929. He made his solemn profession on September 10, 1932, and earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1933. 

Ezra J. Fenton, O.S.A.

1913 – 1981 (October 26)

Ezra Joseph Fenton, the son of Ezra A. Fenton and Rose Helferty, was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on August 13, 1913, and was baptized four days later by Father Charles J. McFadden, O.S.A., at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church there. He entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, as a postulant in 1926, and was received as a novice on September 11, 1930. He made his simple profession of vows on September 12, 1931, and his solemn profession on September 12. 1933.

Francis X. Boyle, O.S.A.

1911 – 1972 (October 22)

Francis Xavier Boyle, son of Daniel Boyle and Agnes Reily, was born in Philadelphia on October 10, 1911. He graduated from Augustinian Academy in 1928 and was received as a novice with his older brother, Joseph, on September 9, 1928. Together both brothers professed simple vows on September 10, 1929, graduated from Villanova College in 1933, made their solemn profession on September 10, 1932, and were ordained to the priesthood in Washington, DC, June 9, 1936, by Bishop John McNamara at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. They celebrated their first Solemn Masses at the Church of the Holy Ghost in Bethlehem, Pa. Father Francis received his M.A. in philosophy from Catholic University the next year.

Twenty-ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time – Year A

Flattery is excessive praise, usually employed to lower someone’s guard and make him vulnerable to being used or attacked. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is being set-up by a hostile group who hope to trap him in a maze of conflicting allegiances.