Born on February 25, 1920 in Newark, New Jersey, he was the son of John and Mary Welsh. He professed his vows as a Passionist on August 15, 1940. He was known first in religion as Columba Moore but in later years decided to use the name John Patrick. He was ordained on April 28, 1947. From 1947 to 1950 he was assigned to the Passionist foundation in Germany-Austria. World War II had left the area devastated. Father Moore ministered with the German Passionists by assisting them in war relief work, as an auxiliary military chaplain for the U.S. armed forces, and by preaching missions. From 1950 to 1958 Father Moore moved to St. Michael’s Monastery, Union City, New Jersey where he was Director of Students for the Passionist seminarians. In 1959 Father Moore went abroad again. He served as a missioner in Jamaica, West Indies. This was still a young Passionist venture. He served as pastor of St. Elizabeth Church in Kingston, Jamaica and pastor of the St. Gabriel mission in Balaclava, Jamaica. In 1965 he returned back to the United States to serve as pastor in two Passionists parishes: St. Michael’s Church in Pittsburgh from 1965 to 1970 and administrator at St. Joseph Church in Baltimore, Maryland from 1970 to 1973. Soon he was out of the country again. This time he was pastor at St. Patrick Anglo-American Parish in Mexico City, Mexico. From 1978 to 1980 he was Vice-Rector at St. Michael Monastery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. From 1980 to 1983 he worked as director of television and radio communications for the Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts. From 1983 to 1997 he worked on the retreat house staffs at Baltimore, West Springfield, and Jamaica, New York. Father Moore was a gifted preacher and speaker. He was especially valuable in his service to the many who participated in the Matt Talbot retreats for those who face the day to day disease of alcohol or other addictions. Father Moore had an inviting presence. A good story teller, he was often called upon by the province to be a master of ceremonies. He died at the Calvary Hospital Hospice Center, Bronx, New York from cancer. The Jamaica monastery community showed great care to make him comfortable during his last days.
Birth Date:
February 25, 1920
Profession Date:
August 15, 1940
Ordination Date:
April 28, 1947
Death Date:
June 22, 2001
Religious Name:
John Patrick of St. Patrick Moore