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Rev. Francis R. McDonnell, O.S.A. (1913 - 2004)

Rev. Francis R. McDonnell, O.S.A., 90, entered eternal life February 23, 2004. His death took place at Mother Theresa Home, Lemont, Illinois. He had recently been released from the hospital after being treated for congestive heart failure and pneumonia.

Francis Raymond McDonnell was born October 11, 1913 in Centralia, Pennsylvania to Thomas and Mary (Cray) McDonnell. He was Baptized October 19, 1913 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Centralia. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation May 14, 1922 at the same church.

Frank's primary education took place at St. Ignatius Catholic School, Centralia. He studied for three years at St. Ignatius High School, transferring to Conyngham Township High School, Aristes, Pennsylvania, for his Senior Year, because St. Ignatius did not offer a fourth year curriculum. He earned his high school diploma at Conyngham Township in 1932. He studied at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1933 and 1934. Frank then entered the Augustinian program of formation at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, where he studied Latin during 1934 and 1935.

He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 9, 1935, professed Simple (temporary) Vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 10, 1936, and Solemn (permanent) Vows September 10, 1939. He was ordained a Priest May 28, 1942.

Upon profession of vows, Frank studied at Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, earning a B. A. in Philosophy in 1939. He did his theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. from 1939 to 1943. During those years he also studied at Catholic University of America, Washington, earning an M. A. in Education in 1943.

Father McDonnell's first assignment was in 1943 to St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois, where he was a teacher, Assistant Chaplain and Vocations Director. He was named Assistant Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Rockford, Illinois, in 1949.

He was assigned to Austin Catholic High School, Detroit, Michigan, in 1953, serving as teacher, Chairperson of the Religion Department, and Director of Athletics. He returned to St. Rita High School in 1961, as teacher and Chairperson of the Religion Department.

Father McDonnell went to St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, in 1971. He was Associate Pastor there for two years, and was named Pastor in 1973. In 1979 he was named Mission Procurator and moved to Tolentine Center, Olympia Fields, Illinois, the headquarters of the Augustinian Midwest Province. In this office, he was responsible for raising funds to support work of the Augustinian Missions in northern Peru.

In 1982 Father McDonnell returned to St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Grosse Pointe Park, where he was Associate Pastor. He assumed similar duties at St. Joseph Parish, Pekin, Illinois, in 1989. He was again assigned to St. Clare of Montefalco in 1994. He served as Associate Pastor there until his retirement in 1995. He continued to live in the Augustinian Community at St. Clare until 2001, when he was assigned to Our Lady of Grace Community, Homer Glen, Illinois.

He is remembered as a good authentic community man. He was approachable, and had a gentle way of discussing even firmly held viewpoints without putting down those who saw things differently. He was insightful and had an ample supply of common sense. He was a voracious reader and an avid sports fan. His Faith was a strong constant as advancing years brought declining strength and new challenges into his life.

Father McDonnell 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.