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Rev. Edward M. Gorra, O.S.A. (1915 - 2000)

Rev. Edward M. Gorra, O.S.A. entered eternal life August 30, 2000.

Edward Manuel Gorra, son of Cecilia and Consuelo Trapiello Gorra, was born November 25, 1927 in Lehigh, Oklahoma. He had one brother and six sisters. He was Baptized February 18, 1928 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Colgate, Oklahoma.

"Manny" was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 9, 1945. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 10, 1949 and solemn (permanent) vows September 10, 1949.

He received a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova University in June, 1950. He then studied Theology at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C.. At the same time he did graduate studies at Catholic University of America, Washington, earing an M.S. in June, 1954.

He was ordained a Priest June 4, 1955 by Bishop Allen J. Babcock in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Father Gorra's first assignment was to St. Augustine Seminary, Holland, Michigan, as a Teacher of Mathematics in 1954.

In 1957 he was transferred to St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois, where he was a Teacher of Mathematics. In 1968 he was assigned to Augustinian Academy, St. Louis, Missouri. In 1972 he returned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, as a Teacher. He also served as Sub-Prior (Assistant Superior) of the Augustinian community there.

In 1978 Father Gorra began his parochial ministry. He was assigned to St. Matthew Parish, Flint, Michigan, as Associate Pastor. He also served as Prior (Superior) of the Augustinian community.

Father Gorra was transferred in 1982 to St. Rita Parish, Chicago, as Associate Pastor.

In 1992 as Father Gorra entered his senior years, he was transferred to Cascia Hall Monastery, Tulsa, Oklahoma. He served as Chaplain to the Benedictine Sisters at Monte Cassino Convent. In 1996, he returned to St. Matthew Parish, Flint, where he faithfully continued to minister until his death.

He died suddenly August 30, 2000 at St. Matthew Parish, after returning from a trip.

Father Gorra will be remembered for his deep devotion and dedication to "Good St. Joseph". He was a rigid but fair teacher in the classroom and a comforting, gentle, kind and compassionate priest. "Manny" serves as a model for those who serve in educational or parish ministry.

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.