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Rev. Martin J. Sobiesk, O.S.A. (1930 - 1994)

Rev. Martin J. Sobiesk, O.S.A. entered eternal life March 27, 1994.

Martin Joseph Sobiesk was born September 18, 1930 in Berwyn, Illinois to Martin B. and Mary M. (Tryzana) Sobiesk. He had two brothers and two sisters. He was Baptized September 30, 1930 at St. Blase Catholic Church, Argo, Illinois.

He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 7, 1949. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 9, 1950 and solemn (permanent) vows September 10, 1954.

He received a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1953. After completing theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., he was ordained a Priest August 28, 1960 at Tolentine College, Olympia Fields, Illinois.

Father Sobiesk's first assignment was at St. Augustine Seminary, Holland, Michigan, from 1957 to 1960. He served as Teacher at St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois, from 1960 to 1963. He was Teacher and Chairperson of the Science Department at Austin Catholic High School, Detroit, Michigan, from 1963 to 1970.

In 1970 he was appointed Director of Studies at Augustinian Academy, St. Louis, Missouri. He returned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, in 1971, serving as Teacher. He was named Alumni Director for St. Rita High School in 1976.

After many years of teaching, Father Sobiesk entered the parish apostolate in 1982. He served as Associate Pastor of St. Rita Parish, Chicago until 1989. He was than named Associate Pastor of St. Gregory Parish, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. In 1991 he was appointed Prior (Superior) of the Augustinian community in Cambridge.

Father Sobiesk died March 27, 1994, of cancer.

For those who know Father Sobiesk, sharing his “story” at the 1993 Priors' Workshop revealed his acceptance of the challenges in life as a means to deepen his faith in the God to whom he dedicated his life as a Priest and Teacher.

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.