Father Eugene Fitzpatrick, C.P., St. Paul of the Cross Province (1915-1965)

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Born Joseph Lorenz Fitzpatrick on May 21, 1915 in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Richard Fitzpatrick and Amanda Olley. He graduated from St. Edward’s grammar school and high school. In September 1933 he entered Holy Cross Seminary, Dunkirk, New York He professed his vows on August 15 1937 in West Springfield, Massachusetts. His religious name was Eugene. He studied at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Scranton, Pennsylvania; West Springfield; and Union City, New Jersey before he was ordained on December 19, 1943 by Bishop Cuthbert O’Gara, C.P. in Union City. A year of sacred eloquence followed in Baltimore, Maryland. His first assignment was director of students for two and one half years. He then became professor of Church Music. He then was a preacher of parish missions and renewals. From 1950 until 1956 he was vicar at St. Mary’s, Dunkirk, New York. Failing health then began to take an effect. In 1960 he was the professor of sacred eloquence until he was judged to be so ill that it was necessary to have him transferred to Arizona for a warmer climate. He was there for two years. In May 1964 he returned to the province and lived for almost a year in West Hartford, Connecticut.