Rev. William O'Brien C.M.

Rev. William O’Brien, C.M., a devoted Vincentian priest and native Philadelphian, died on March 14 in St. Catherine’s Infirmary at St. Vincent’s Seminary. Son of John and Margaret O’Brien and brother of John and Dolores O’Brien, he graduated from West Catholic Boys High School before entering the novitiate of the Congregation of the Mission in June 1959. He was ordained to the priesthood in May 1967.

For thirty years, Father O’Brien served faithfully in various Vincentian parishes. Deeply devoted to the Blessed Mother, he provided leadership for twenty-five years in two Vincentian Marian Associations, serving as executive director of the Our Lady of Angels Association in Lewiston, New York, and as rector and spiritual director of the Miraculous Medal Shrine Basilica in Philadelphia. He gave his life generously in service to God’s people, his fellow Vincentians, and the promotion of devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

He is remembered by those who knew him for the exemplary faith he both preached and lived. May Father O’Brien now rest in the eternal peace of Christ he so faithfully proclaimed.