| Rev. William M. O'Rourke, O.S.A. (1922 - 1988) |
| Posted by TomCleary |
2007-05-12 |
Rev. William M. O'Rourke, O.S.A. entered eternal life May 21, 1988.
William Michael O'Rourke was born February 2, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois to William and Helen (Conroy) O'Rourke.
Upon graduation in 1935 from St. Basil Catholic Elementary School, Chicago, William enrolled in St. Rita High School, Chicago, from which he graduated in 1939. He then worked in Chicago before entering the Augustinian program of formation at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York.
Following a year of post-graduate studies at Augustinian Academy, William was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 10, 1941. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 10, 1942 and solemn (permanent) vows September 10, 1945.
William in 1946 earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania. He then pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., from 1946 to 1950. During these years he also did graduate studies at Catholic University of America, Washington. He was ordained a Priest June 7, 1949.
Father O'Rourke was in 1950 assigned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, as a Teacher. In 1951, when Mendel Catholic High School opened on the campus of the former Pullman Free School of Manual Training, Chicago, Father O'Rourke joined the faculty of the new school.
In 1960 he became part of the Augustinian Mission Band, headquartered at St. Joseph Mission House, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Mission Band led spiritual retreats and preached parish missions throughout the United States. In 1969 he returned to teaching at St. Rita High School, Chicago.
Ill health made retirement necessary in 1984. Even in his own illness, Father O'Rourke was concerned about the care of his sister, who was quite sick.
He died of heart disease May 21, 1988. He is noted for his congeniality and his ability to spark excitement in community gatherings. He was a gifted and down-to-earth preacher who was able to touch people's hearts.
He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.
Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1081.
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