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Brother Martin C. Shaw, O.S.A. (1937 - 1999)

Brother Martin C. Shaw, O.S.A. entered eternal life March 8, 1999.

Martin C. Shaw was born November 15, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois to Dominic and Bernice (Murphy) Shaw. He was Baptized at St. Columbanus Catholic Church, Chicago. He was given the name Leo at Baptism.

Leo received his elementary education at St. Columbanus Catholic School, Chicago, graduating in 1952. He earned a high school diploma from Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago, in 1956.

He later entered the Augustinian formation program, taking the religious name Martin. He was received into St. Monica Novitiate, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, March 10, 1968. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine March 7, 1969 and solemn (permanent) vows March 19, 1972.

His first assignment was to St. Rita Monastery, Chicago, where he did maintenance work and worked in the Data Processing Department of St. Rita High School.

In 1974, Brother Shaw was assigned to Cascia Hall Preparatory School, Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he served as Dormitory Moderator.

In 1985 he was transferred to Austin Friary, Olympia Fields, Illinois. He assisted with maintenance work at Bishop McNamara High School, Kankakee, Illinois.

He was transferred to St. Rita Parish, Chicago, in 1991. Later that same year, he was transferred to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Monastery, Olympia Fields, where he served as Sub-Prior (Assistant Superior) of the Augustinian Community and Assistant Director of the Augustinian Guild.

Brother Shaw was being treated for cancer in 1999. He suffered a stroke early in that year. When his health worsened, he entered St. James Hospice, Chicago Heights, Illinois, March 2. He died there March 8, 1999.

Brother Shaw will be remembered for his cheerful disposition, for his caring concern for his fellow Augustinians, and his enthusiasm and dieication to the various ministries to which he was assigned. His willingness to serve wherever needed was a hallmark of his character. He assisted in taking care of the monastery garden. Often throughout the summer he would bring a rose from the garden into each of the offices for the staff at Tolentine Center to enjoy.

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.