Born in Brooklyn, New York on August 24, 1899, he was educated there until he decided in 1916 to enter the Passionist Preparatory College at St. Joseph’s Monastery, Baltimore, Maryland. He professed his Passionist vows on October 31, 1918. On June 24, 1924 he was ordained at St. Michael’s Monastery Church, West Hoboken, New Jersey by Bishop Paul J. Nussbaum, C.P. After ordination Father Conners was a preacher of parish missions and retreats and had a strong interest in the Liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist. He was an pioneer in the use of audio-visual slides to teach the meaning of the Mass. During World War II he volunteered to be a military chaplain but after six months of duty his health declined and he went to Atlanta, Georgia for six months. He ended up staying there for the next twenty years of his life. For seventeen years he served at St. Thomas More parish. He was killed while riding a bicycle along Route 1 near the Passionist North Palm Beach Monastery in Florida. He was well-liked by the people of the Atlanta area, especially the children. At the same time he was known to be quite eccentric in character and action.
Birth Date:
August 24, 1899
Profession Date:
October 31, 1918
Ordination Date:
June 24, 1924
Death Date:
January 27, 1975
Religious Name:
Vincent of Jesus Connors