Born August 20, 1904, Father O’Donnell was a native of Bayonne, New Jersey. He was most proud of that fact. He professed his vows on September 12, 1926 and was ordained on February 8, 1931. Father O’Donnell was a military chaplain in Europe during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star. When he returned to the United States he spent the next twenty-five years conducting parish retreats, renewals, novenas, Forty Hours and retreats to clergy and religious. Though not an exceptional preacher he was well-respected for his ability to interact with people. This was most evident in his ministry as a chaplain at Pollack Hospital, Bayonne. For the last ten years of his life he worked tirelessly in this ministry. While he found some of the post-Conciliar changes to be a challenge, he never hesitated to provide spiritual consolation and the sacraments to those in need.
Birth Date:
August 20, 1904
Profession Date:
September 12, 1926
Ordination Date:
February 8, 1931
Death Date:
December 3, 1980
Religious Name:
Flavian of the Blessed Virgin Mary O'Donnell