Photo : Courtesy Saint Mary’s Abbey & Delbarton School<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Fr. James A. O\u2019Donnell, O.S.B., passed away on February 1, 2025, at the age of 95. He was a devoted Benedictine monk for 75 years, spending his final years in the Abbey Health Care Center. Born in 1929, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, he attended St. Mary\u2019s Church and St. Benedict\u2019s Prep before joining St. Vincent College in 1947. In 1949, he entered the novitiate at St. Benedict\u2019s Abbey in Kansas and professed vows in 1950. After studying theology in Rome, he made his solemn profession at Monte Cassino in 1953.<\/p>\n
He was ordained a priest in Assisi, Italy, in 1955, celebrating his first Mass at his home parish. Returning to the U.S. in 1957, he dedicated his life to education and administration. He taught Latin at St. Benedict\u2019s Prep and later at St. Mary\u2019s School of Theology and Delbarton School. Fr. James held multiple leadership roles, including prior, headmaster, treasurer, and vocation director. From 1978-1982, he directed a monastic renewal program in Rome, leaving a lasting impact worldwide.<\/p>\n
He was known for his wisdom, faith, and dedication to monastic life, deeply respected by his confreres. Fr. James was patient, composed, and a lover of Zane Grey novels in his leisure time. The monks of St. Mary\u2019s Abbey request prayers and suffrages for Fr. James\u2019 soul. He is remembered for his commitment to faith, scholarship, and monastic life. His legacy of service, wisdom, and devotion will continue to inspire those who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>