Father Basil Killoran, C.P., Holy Cross Province (1897-1974)

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Edward Michael Killoran was born in Louisville, Kentucky on February 17, 1897. While he initially had interest in the local diocesan priesthood, eventually he found his way to the Passionist Seminary in Chicago, Illinois soon after the western province had been established in 1906. On August 16, 1914 he professed his vows in Louisville, Kentucky and received the religious name Basil. His novice master was Father Denis Callagee, C.P. He studied back in Chicago and St. Paul, Kansas. He was ordained on August 14, 1921 at Holy Angels Church, Chicago. His first assignment was professor at the Preparatory Seminary in Normandy, Missouri. Not caring for it he received permission to resign and he was assigned as assistant pastor at St. Francis Jerome Parish, St. Paul, Kansas. He then went to the new foundation at Sierra Madre, California. In 1941 he was elected rector of Louisville. The 1944 chapter elected him to be rector of Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1950 he was elected rector for two terms at the new foundation of Citrus Heights, California where he helped shape the retreat movement. He also learned a great deal about Father Peter Magagnotto, C.P. and his efforts in California in the mid 1800s. Next Father Killoran was assigned to Birmingham, Alabama. In 1961 he returned to California and tried until 1965 to establish a retreat movement in the diocese of San Francisco at San Anselmo. This venture eventually had to be abandoned. He then returned to Birmingham as a preacher. His spent his retirement days in Louisville, Kentucky.