Born John Norman Dukin on July 20, 1907 in the Pine Brook section of Scranton, Pennsylvania, he was the son of John and Helen Muldowney. After completing studies at the local elementary and high schools in 1924 he went to St. Thomas College, Scranton. In 1925 he began his studies at the Passionist Preparatory Seminary, Dunkirk, New York. He then went on to the novitiate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but was eventually transferred to West Springfield, Massachusetts to complete the experience when that new location was opened. He professed his vows on November 21, 1926 and received the name Agatho. Studies took place at Pittsburgh and Union City, New Jersey. He was ordained on May 22, 1932 by Archbishop Thomas J. Walsh of Newark. After a year of sacred eloquence he was assigned to be director of students. He twice was a rector, in 1941 at St. Mary’s, Dunkirk and in 1944 at St. Joseph’s, Baltimore, Maryland. Still he was considered to be an important preacher. He finished a retreat to the Passionist Nuns, Scranton on May 17 and within the week he had collapsed. Stable for the rest of the week he eventually died from a cerebral hemorrhage.
Birth Date:
July 20, 1907
Profession Date:
November 21, 1926
Ordination Date:
May 22, 1932
Death Date:
May 25, 1964
Religious Name:
Agatho of the Mother of God Dukin