Home > News > Friars Enter Eternal Life > Rev. Dominic J. Caniglia, O.S.A.

Rev. Dominic J. Caniglia, O.S.A. (1922-1979)

Rev. Dominic J. Caniglia, O.S.A. entered eternal life March 25, 1979.

Dominic Joseph Caniglia was born December 12, 1922 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Ettore and Louise (Cinalli) Caniglia. He was Baptized March 11, 1923 at St. Rita Catholic Church, Philadelphia. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation May 3, 1931 at the same church.

After completing his elementary education in 1936 at St. Rita School, Philadelphia, Dominic studied for one year at Southeast Catholic High School, Philadelphia. He entered the Augustinian program of formation at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, where he received a high school diploma in 1940.

He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 9, 1940. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 10, 1941 and solemn (permanent) vows September 10, 1944. He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1945. He pursued theological studies from 1945 to 1949 at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. During his theological studies, he also did graduate studies at Villnova College. He was ordained a Priest June 7, 1949.

Father Caniglia was assigned in 1949 to St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois, where he taught until 1951. He was then transferred to St. Thomas High School, Rockford, Illinois, as a Teacher. In 1962 he was assigned first to St. Augustine Catholic Parish, Detroit, Michigan, as Assistant Pastor, and later to St. Matthew Catholic Parish, Flint, Michigan, in the same capacity.

He returned to the educational apostolate in 1963. He taught at St. Rita High School, Chicago, from 1963 to 1965. From 1965 to 1968 he taught at Austin Catholic High School, Detroit. He also served as Procurator (Busines Manager) of the Augustinian community there. He returned once again in 1968 to St. Rita High School, where he taught and served as Disciplinarian and Director of Student Activities until the time of his death.

He died suddenly of a heart attack March 25, 1979 at St. Rita Monastery, Chicago.

Father Caniglia was a well-loved member of the community and was regarded with great affection by the students whom he taught.

He is buried in the Augustinian Cemetery, Villanova, Pennsylvania.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1081.