Born Eugene J. Ford on January 15, 1885, he was the son of John Ford and Bridget Whelan. He applied to the Passionists and attended the Preparatory school at St. Mary’s, Dunkirk, New York. After two and one half years he entered the novitiate at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and professed his vows on March 7, 1905. He studied at Baltimore, Maryland and West Hoboken, New Jersey where he was ordained on December 21, 1912. When formal studies were completed one and one half years later he began his ministry as a preacher of parish missions. Father Ford was one of the first priests to go with Bishop Paul J. Nussbaum to Corpus Christi, Texas. In the 1930s he went to South America. Later, for many years he was an invalid and could not celebrate Mass after a stroke on June 29, 1940. He was admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital, Hoboken, New Jersey and remained there until his death. About 1947 it became necessary to amputate one of his legs.
Birth Date:
January 15, 1885
Profession Date:
March 7, 1905
Ordination Date:
December 21, 1912
Death Date:
April 19, 1955
Religious Name:
Martin of the Passion Ford