Born Andrew Sventy on June 15, 1914 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was the son of John Sventy and Sophia Madeja Sventy. When he was fourteen years old he served Mass for Father Eugene Kozar, C.P. This led to him entering Holy Cross Seminary, Dunkirk, New York from 1928 until 1934. He professed his vows on August 15, 1935 in West Springfield, Massachusetts. His religious name was Raphael. His studies were at Pittsburgh; Jamaica, New York; and Union City, New Jersey. He was ordained on May 30, 1942 in Newark, New Jersey. After a year of sacred eloquence he studied the Slovak language for one year at Benedictine Abbey of St. Andrew, Cleveland, Ohio. He then was assigned to Pittsburgh and began his ministry as a preacher of Slovak and English missions, novenas, and retreats. When St. Paul’s Monastery in Pittsburgh was being renovated he was instrumental in preaching so as to obtain the necessary funds. Pastors in the Slovak parishes were particularly generous. He died after a short illness in Scranton as a result of a coronary occlusion.
Birth Date:
June 15, 1914
Profession Date:
August 15, 1935
Ordination Date:
May 30, 1942
Death Date:
June 13, 1956
Religious Name:
Raphael of the Mother of God Sventy