Father Flavian O’Donnell, C.P., St. Paul of the Cross Province (1904-1980)

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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.

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