Father Joachim O’Brien, C.P., St. Paul of the Cross Province (1871-1925)

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Born John O’Brien on June 10, 1871 in Niles, Ohio, he was the son of John O’Brien and Margaret Quinn who were Irish immigrants. He professed his Passionist vows on July 24, 1887 and received the name Joachim. He was ordained on February 25, 1896. Father O’Brien was a popular preacher of parish missions. He also taught Sacred Eloquence on several occasions. He had an ability to use illustration and expression to get his point across clearly. He also had a tremendous amount of energy to preach the gospel across the country. However, a leg accident slowed him down in later years. Father O’Brien died at St. Michael’s Monastery, Union City, during the night of December 22 from a stroke of cheyne paralysis.