Born Gregory Horgan on May 17, 1879 in New York City, he was the son of Dennis and Anna Joyce Horgan. He attended public schools and upon graduation from high school entered the business world. At twenty-five he entered the Passionist Preparatory Seminary at St. Mary’s, Dunkirk, New York. He arrived there wearing a mustache but was told that he must shave it. He did so the next morning. In 1903 he went on to the novitiate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and professed his vows on April 6, 1906. His religious name was Bede. He was ordained at St. Michael’s Monastery Church, West Hoboken, New Jersey on December 12, 1912. After a year of sacred eloquence he was assigned as a preacher of parish missions and retreats. In July 1914 he was, for thirty-four days, acting vice-master of novices in Pittsburgh. After that, from 1914 until 1947 he preached throughout the east coast from Canada to Florida. During the later part of his life he had problems with eyesight and a heart condition while he was a member of the West Springfield, Massachusetts community. He died at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Massachusetts.
Birth Date:
May 17, 1879
Profession Date:
April 6, 1906
Ordination Date:
December 12, 1912
Death Date:
May 25, 1967
Religious Name:
Bede of the Immaculate Conception Horgan