Born Frank McAndrew on February 22, 1908 in Avoca, Pennsylvania, he attended St. Thomas High School, Scranton, Pennsylvania. After graduation he entered the Passionist Seminary, Dunkirk, New York. He professed his vows on August 15, 1929 in West Springfield and received the religious name Nilus. Studies took place at Scranton, Pennsylvania for four years. In 1933 he was transferred to St. Michael’s Monastery, Union City, New Jersey where he continued studies and was ordained on May 30, 1936. In 1948 he was assigned to St. Mary’s Parish, Dunkirk for three years. Earlier he had been a military chaplain and in 1951 returned to active duty in Korea and Vietnam. He retired as a Lieutenant-Colonel in May 1967. Until 1968 he worked in Mexico when he was transferred to St. Michael’s Parish, Union City, New Jersey. In 1974 he had brain surgery. In 1975 it was discovered that he had liver disease. With medication he was able to continue as chaplain at St. Vincent’s Home, Dunkirk but he began to fail. He died at Victory Hospital, Lackawanna, New York.
Birth Date:
February 22, 1908
Profession Date:
August 15, 1929
Ordination Date:
May 30, 1936
Death Date:
April 22, 1975
Religious Name:
Nilus of Our Lady of Sorrows McAndrew