Born William Irwin on August 12, 1845 in County Tyrone, Ireland, he came to New York City as a young man and joined the New York City police force. In that capacity he was seriously wounded from a knife by someone who he was trying to arrest. This left officer Irwin unconscious. During the healing process in the hospital he decided to enter the Passionists and in 1872 went to the novitiate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He professed his vows as a brother on April 26, 1873. His ministry was a cook. For the last years of his life he was a front door porter.
Birth Date:
August 12, 1845
Profession Date:
April 26, 1873
Death Date:
March 13, 1917
Religious Name:
William of St. Paul Irwin