Father Columba McCloskey, C.P., St. Paul of the Cross Province (1903-1973)

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Born George McCloskey on March 10, 1903 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, his parish was St. Columba. He went to Roman Catholic High School and met the Passionists when they preached a mission in his parish. He professed his vows on September 20, 1921. His religious name was Columba. He was ordained on June 2, 1928 by Bishop Thomas J. Walsh at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Newark. New Jersey. After ordination he was a professor of Canon Law. He did well without any formal training. After eight years he became a preacher of parish missions. He was classified as a conservative-liberal. He supported the magisterium and its pastoral application. He died at Mary Immaculate Hospital, Jamaica, New York after collapsing earlier in the day.