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Rev. Ambrose J. Godsil, O.S.A. (1910-1989)

Rev. Ambrose J. Godsil, O.S.A. entered eternal life August 4, 1989.

Ambrose J. Godsil was born May 22, 1910 in Aurora, Illinois to James and Ella (McCarthy) Godsil. He was Baptized June 5, 1910 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Aurora. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation in October, 1924 at St. Rita Catholic Church, Chicago, Illinois.

Following graduation in 1925 from St. Rita Catholic School, Chicago, Ambrose enrolled in St. Rita High School, Chicago. After two years there, he transfered to Lindblom High School, Chicago, which awarded him a high school diploma in 1929.

After having spent five years in the work force, Ambrose in 1934 entered the Augustinian program of formation at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, where he did a year of post-graduate studies in Latin. He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 9, 1935, and professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 10, 1936 and solemn (permanent) vows September 10, 1940.

He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1940. He then pursued the course of theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. from 1940 to 1944. While studying Theology he also did graduate studies at Catholic University of America, Washington, earning an M.A. in Psychology in 1944. He was ordained a Priest May 18, 1944.

Father Godsil taught in the 1944 summer school session at Cascia Hall School, Tulsa, Oklahoma. He then was assigned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, where he taught until 1949.

He began a career in parish ministry in 1949, when he was assigned as Assistant Pastor of St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic Parish, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. In 1952 we went to St. Matthew Catholic Parish, Flint, Michigan, where he was Assistant Pastor. From 1956 to 1965 he was Assistant Pastor of St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic Parish, Chicago.

He returned in 1965 to St. Matthew Catholic Parish, Flint, where he was Assistant Pastor and Prior (local superior) of the Augustinian community. In 1966 he was named Pastor of St. Matthew.

When he reached the age of 70 in 1980, Father Godsil retired as Pastor, but remained active in ministry at St. Matthew.

In the mid-1980's Father Godsil suffered increasingly from ill health. He died August 4, 1989 in Flint of cardiac arrest brought on by respiratory illiess. He was 79.

As a parish priest, Father Godsil was ever faithful to his service and became very close to the hearts of the people.

He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

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