Born Joseph May on July 22, 1876 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Joseph May and Philomena Sauer. They both died when he was young and he was sent to the Catholic Orphan Asylum connected with St. Michael’s Parish, South side, Pittsburgh. There he was taken care of by the Sisters of St. Francis. He later went to the parochial school that was under the direction of the Brothers of Mary. At thirteen he was taken by his guardian to work. At seventeen he decided to enter the Passionists and was sent to the Passionist Preparatory School, St. Mary’s Monastery, Dunkirk, New York. After one year he entered the Passionist novitiate in Pittsburgh. He professed his vows on August 13, 1895. His religious name was Maurice. He was then sent to Cincinnati, Ohio to begin studies. After two years he was sent to Normandy, Missouri. On January 19, 1898 he had a hemorrhage in the lungs from which he eventually died.
Birth Date:
July 22, 1876
Profession Date:
August 13, 1895
Death Date:
August 14, 1898
Religious Name:
Maurice of the Precious Blood May