Obituary of Fr. James Anthony O'Donnell

Fr. James A. O’Donnell, O.S.B.
October 5, 1929-February 1, 2025

Our senior and beloved confrere, Fr. James O’Donnell, O.S.B., 95, after a full monastic life, and having persevered in the monastery for three- quarters of a century, was released from this world on February 1 in the Abbey Health Care Center. Fr. James had been in failing health and living in the health center for several years. Initially he was still able to attend the Divine Office and Mass with regularity. As his mobility diminished, however, his movements were more and more restricted. Until quite recently, he took an active part in the Sunday Mass celebrated in the health center. In the last few months, Fr. James, always a man of few and carefully chosen words, was confined to his bed, and would call out as if to be united with his deceased loved ones and confreres.

Fr. James was born of good Irish stock in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on October 5, 1929, to his parents, Patrick and Annie. The O’Donnells were blessed with three daughters as well: Mary, Hannah and Anne. The family were parishioners of St. Mary’s Church, Elizabeth, where James was baptized and later attended grammar school. In 1943, James entered St. Benedict’s Prep, Newark, from which he was graduated in 1947. After graduation, James enrolled at St. Vincent College, Latrobe, Pa. His undergraduate studies were interrupted in July 1949 by novitiate at St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, Ks. Upon completion of his novitiate, Fr. James professed simple vows, July 11, 1950. The young monk returned to Latrobe to complete his college studies in 1952.

When Fr. James was clothed as a novice in 1949, he was given the name Eric. But, according to a letter from Fr. Hugh Duffy, of St. Mary’s Abbey, dated May 27, 1950, Fr. James was given permission from Abbot Patrick O’Brien to revert to his baptismal name, James. Once Frater James completed college, he was sent to Rome to study theology at Sant’Anselmo. While in Rome, Fr. James earned a Bachelors and Licentiate of Sacred Theology. On May 26, 1953, Fr. James made his solemn profession at Monte Cassino; and, less than a year later on February 25, 1954, Fr. James was ordained deacon at the Archabbey of St. Martin, Beuron, Germany. On June 28, 1955, Fr. James was ordained priest at St. Peter’s Abbey, Assisi, Italy, by Bishop Giuseppe Placido Nicolini, O.S.B. Later that summer, Fr. James celebrated his Mass of Thanksgiving in his home parish, St. Mary Assumption Church, Elizabeth.

After completing his graduate studies in Rome, Fr. James returned the United States in 1957 to begin a long and distinguished life in education and administration. Fr. James taught Latin for several years at his Alma Mater, St. Benedict’s Prep. Then, in 1960, Fr. James began a long teaching career at St. Mary’s School of Theology and Delbarton School, both in Morristown. From 1956, Fr. James served in a variety of capacities: vocation director (1956-1962), cleric master (1960-1964), prior (1968-1972), headmaster
(1972-1975), subprior (1998-2000), novice and junior master (1982-1991), and finally as treasurer (2000-2015). From 1978-1982, Fr. James had a significant experience, about which he spoke often. He went to Rome as director of the newly-founded monastic renewal program at Sant’Anselmo. During this time, he also served as procurator for the American Cassinese and Swiss American Congregations. While in Rome, Fr. James met monks from all over the world. He must have made a lasting impression. In later years, monks from St. Mary’s would often be asked about his well-being.

Fr. James’ confreres will always remember him as a man of few words, but deep wisdom and insight. He embodied that great monastic virtue of discretio. As a result, he was frequently elected by his confreres to serve as delegate to the general chapter, or as a member of the abbot’s council. His faithful attendance at the Divine Office and Mass, his regular practice of lectio, and his well-prepared homilies revealed a man of faith and steadfastness. Living as long as he did, one is reminded that Fr. James was a man of great patience and peace, always concise, composed and calm. With a bit of irony, Fr. James would often spend his leisure enjoying the adventures of a Zane Grey novel.

Fr. James’ body will be received at the abbey church on Thursday, February 6 at 3 p.m. The Office of the Dead will be sung at 7 p.m. Thursday night. Viewing will be on Friday, February 7, from 9-11 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass and interment in the abbey cemetery will be celebrated Friday, February 7 at 3 p.m. The liturgy will be livestreamed on the abbey’s YouTube account. Donations in Fr. James’ memory to
support abbey capital improvements, monks’ health care or abbey endowment may be made using the link: https://www.saintmarysabbey.org/support-us.

Abbot Jonathan Licari and the monks of St. Mary’s Abbey request the customary suffrages for our confrere, Fr. James.