Born Edward O’Brien in Jersey City, New Jersey on February 12, 1857, he was the son of James and Catherine O’Brien. He received a good Christian education that was to prepare him for a successful business career. When he was eighteen years old he had a job that paid the excellent salary of $60.00 per month. At home he became interested in studying Latin. In time he decided to enter the Passionist novitiate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and professed his vows on April 27, 1876 receiving the religious name Justin. In August 1878 he was sent to Rome to complete his studies prior to ordination but the difficult living conditions for Passionists there resulted in ill health and he was sent back to the United States. After returning on July 1, 1880 he was ordained a priest on December 17, 1881 by Archbishop Gibbon of Baltimore, Maryland at the Cathedral. On December 18, 1882 he died of tuberculosis at St. Joseph’s Retreat, Baltimore.
Birth Date:
February 12, 1857
Profession Date:
April 27, 1876
Ordination Date:
December 17, 1881
Death Date:
December 18, 1882
Religious Name:
Justin of St. Joseph O'Brien