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Rev. J. Raymond Collins, O.S.A. (1902-1988)

Rev. J. Raymond Collins, O.S.A. entered eternal life August 10, 1988.

John Raymond Collins was born August 12, 1902 in Troy, New York to John T. and Alice (Ryan) Collins. He was Baptized August 20, 1902 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Troy. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation April 21, 1912 in the same church.

He is a graduate of St. Augustine Catholic Elementary School and St. Augustine Catholic High School, both in Troy. He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate January 15, 1923. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine January 16, 1924 and solemn (permanent) vows January 16, 1927.

He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1926. He then began his theological studies at Villanova and concluded them in 1930 at the new Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. He was ordained a Priest June 10, 1929. He earned in 1929 an M.S. in Physics from Villanova College.

Father Collins was in 1930 assigned as a Teacher at Fox Valley Catholic High School, Aurora, Illinois. When the Augustinians moved in 1933 from Fox Valley to St. Thomas High School, Rockford, Illinois he moved with them. From 1938 to 1951 he served as Dean of Studies at St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois.

When the new Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Augustinians of the Midwest) was founded in 1941, Father Collins was affiliated to that Province.

In 1951 Father Collins was transferred to St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic Parish, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, as Assistant Pastor and Procurator (Business Manager) of the community. He served as a member of the Province Council from 1951 to 1957.

He was in 1957 named Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Parish, Detroit, Michigan. He also served as Prior (local superior) and Procurator of the Augustinian community there. In 1965 he was assigned to St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic Parish, Chicago, serving as Associate Pastor and Prior.

Father Collins was in 1968 named Prior of St. Joseph Mission House, Fort Wayne, Indiana. This house was the headquarters of the Augustinian Mission Band. The Mission Band led spiritual retreats and conducted parish missions across the United States.

He became a Senior Friar in 1971 and moved to Austin Friary, Detroit. In 1978 he returned to St. Augustine Catholic Parish, Detroit.

In his final years Father Collins became feeble because of muscular difficulties. He took up residence in Lourdes Nursing Home, Pontiac, Michigan. During this time, Rev. John Crepeau was very dedicated in giving friendship, care and support to Father Collins. Father Crepeau had been an Altar Server at St. Augustine Church during Father Collins' pastorate there. Later, Father Crepeau himself served as Pastor of St. Augustine Church.

In his final years Father Collins was noted for the consistency of his schedule. This included a daily walk, during which he dedicated himself to prayer. A memory of many students at Austin Catholic High School is the sight of Father Collins in a flowing cape with his black hat pulled firmly down over his brow as he took his afternoon stroll in Balduck Park, located across the street from the school.

Father Collins died August 10, 1988, two days short of his 86th birthday.

He is buried beside his parents in St. John Cemetery, in his home town, Troy.

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