Born June 20, 1839 in London, England, he was the son of James and Mary Keating. By 1852 he was living in New York City where he was confirmed. On July 30, 1859 he professed his vows and was ordained a priest on March 28, 1863 by Bishop Timon at the Buffalo, New York Cathedral. In 1866 he was appointed vice-master. In 1872 he was elected rector of St. Mary’s Retreat, Dunkirk, New York and reelected on August 5, 1875. He rebuilt the church at a cost of $16,000 dollars. On March 14, 1878 he left Dunkirk with Father James to go to a mission at St. James Church, New York City. The mission opened on March 17. The following Wednesday while walking down the stairs a detached stair rod caused him to fall down the stairs. He was severely sprained and a infection eventually set in which led to his death. When he died the Emerald Aid Society, St. Mary’s Temperance Society and Young Ladies Society, all of Dunkirk, mourned his passing. His funeral was held at St. Michael’s Monastery, West Hoboken, New Jersey.
Birth Date:
June 20, 1839
Profession Date:
July 30, 1859
Ordination Date:
March 28, 1863
Death Date:
April 10, 1878
Religious Name:
Basil of St. John the Evangelist Keating