Born James Schwingler in Rochester, New York on May 4, 1858, he completed his college studies prior to entering the Passionist novitiate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He professed his vows on March 23, 1880 and received the religious name Athanasius. In October 1880 he was sent to Rome for his philosophy studies prior to ordination. However, he came back to the United States to complete his studies and was ordained a priest on December 17, 1887 in Baltimore by Cardinal Gibbons. From the start of his ministry he had frail and weak health so he was not an active parish missionary. Rather he was a chaplain for various religious institutions. He was also a vice-rector at Louisville, Kentucky. Just before his death his health had declined and he was very weak.
Birth Date:
May 4, 1858
Profession Date:
March 23, 1880
Ordination Date:
December 17, 1887
Death Date:
January 27, 1926