Rev. William O'Brien C.M.

Rev William O’Brien, C.M., died March 14 in St. Catherine’s Infirmary, located at St. Vincent’s Seminary. He was the son of John and Margaret O’Brien, and brother of John and Dolores O’Brien. A native Philadelphian, he graduated from West Catholic Boys High School, and entered the novitiate of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) in June 1959. He was ordained a priest in May 1967. Fr. O’Brien dedicated 30 years of his priesthood serving in various Vincentian parishes.

With his deep devotion to the Blessed Mother, Fr. O’Brien provided leadership for 25 years in two Vincentian Marian Associations: executive director at Our Lady of Angels Association, Lewiston, NY; rector and spiritual director of the Miraculous Medal Shrine Basilica, Philadelphia. Fr. O’Brien generously gave his life in service to God’s people, his fellow Vincentians, and in promoting devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

A viewing will be held Thursday March 19 from 7-9PM and on Friday, March 20 from 9-10AM in the Community Chapel at St. Vincent’s Seminary, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30. Interment will be at 2PM at the Princeton Abbey and Cemetery in Princeton, NJ.

May Fr. O’Brien now enjoy the promise of Christ’s eternal peace that he preached and lived in such an exemplary way all throughout his life.