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Rev. Edward J. Chapman, O.S.A. (1917-1986)

Rev. Edward J. Chapman, O.S.A. entered eternal life July 2, 1986.

Edward Joseph Chapman was born April 23, 1917 in Centralia, Pennsylvania to Joseph and Anne (Lavelle) Chapman. He was Baptized April 29, 1917 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Centralia. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation November 11, 1928 in the same church.

His elementary education took place at St. Ignatius Catholic School, Centralia. He attended St. Ignatius High School, Centralia, for three years. Because St. Ignatius High School did not offer a fourth year curruculum, Edward transferred for his Senior Year to Conyngham Township High School, Aristes, Pennsylvania, where he earned his diploma in 1934.

Edward did post-graduate studies during 1934 and 1935 at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York. He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 9, 1935. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 10, 1936 and solemn (permanent) vows September 10, 1939. Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, awarded him a B. A. in Philosophy in 1940.

He pursued theological studies from 1940 to 1944 at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. He was ordained a Priest May 29, 1943.

He did graduate studies at Catholic University of America, Washington, and received an M. A. in Education from Villanova University, Villanova, in 1958.

Father Chapman was affiliated to the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Augustinians of the Midwest) in 1944. He was assigned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois, as a Teacher. In 1952 he was transferred to Austin Catholic High School, Detroit, Michigan, where he served as Teacher, Dean of Men and Director of Studies. His calm, firm and fair manner was a positive formative influence on a great number of students.

In 1960 he became a member of the Augustinian Mission Band, friars who led spiritual retreats and preached parish missions throughout the United States. He returned to educational ministry in 1962 when he was named Principal of St. Augustine Seminary, Holland, Michigan.

When the Augustinians of the Midwest in 1963 accepted repsonsibility for missionary work in northern Peru, Father Chapman was one of the first friars to volunteer to go there. He was assigned in 1964 to San Isidro Catholic Parish, Morropón, Peru, and was named Pastor there in 1965.

For the next 20 years he ministered tirelessly to the people of Morropón and 35 small villages in the surrounding area at the edge of the Peruvian desert and the foothills of the Andes Mountains. He preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ, brought the Sacraments to the people, and guided them along the paths of Christian living. He also looked after the material needs of the people, especially those who had very little in the way of earthly goods.

Father Chapman was particularly concerned about the young people in his parish, many of whom had no opportunity for a formal education. He founded a school, Colegio Santa Rita, where children, particularly girls, could go to learn. The school did not charge tuition, and the only requirement for enrollment was that the student's family be poor.

In 1984, experiencing ill health, he returned to Chicago to seek medical care. He was assigned to St. Rita Catholic Parish, Chicago. His health slowly declined until the time of his death in the morning of July 2, 1986.

He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

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