Born James Donahue on September 3, 1898 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the son of James Donahue and Mary Smith. He applied to the Passionist Preparatory College, Baltimore, Maryland as a young boy and later went to the novitiate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he professed his vows on September 15, 1916. His religious name was Bertin. He was ordained on January 21, 1923. After a year of sacred eloquence, he was appointed prefect at Holy Cross Seminary, Dunkirk, New York. He was a professor of theology. Later he became a retreat director in many retreat houses. He was also a vice-rector. He was pastor of St. Ann’s, Scranton, Pennsylvania during the Depression in the 1930s and later St. Michael’s, Union City, New Jersey. He was also assigned as Business Manager for Sign Magazine. He died at New England Baptist Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts after a short illness which was diagnosed as cancer of the bones. His funeral was held at St. Michael’s Church, Union City, New Jersey.
Birth Date:
September 3, 1898
Profession Date:
September 15, 1916
Ordination Date:
January 21, 1923
Death Date:
August 4, 1957
Religious Name:
Bertin of St. Joseph Donahue