Fr Paul O'Rourke SSC [1934 - 2008]

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Fr Paul O’Rourke RIP

Father Paul J. O’Rourke died on October 28th, at Silver Creek Nursing Home in Bristol, RI. Paul was a brother of Columban, Fr. Hugh O’Rourke, R.I.P. and Columban Sister Claire.   Born in Providence, RI on October 6, 1934, he attended St. Anne and St. Edward’s Grade Schools before going to La Salle Academy High School and Providence College. He entered the Columbans in 1955, at Milton, and was ordained in 1961.

Paul was assigned to the Philippines in 1962. Following language studies in Ozamis City, he was appointed to the Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. He later ministered in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.

During his home visit in 1967 he joined the U.S. navy as a chaplain. In 1968 he was posted to Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division. In 1969 Paul was seriously wounded in a mine explosion and transferred dto the Yokusaka Naval Hospital in Japan. Later he was moved to a naval hospital near Boston,

In 1971 he received a medical discharge and returned to the Philippines. Following studies at the EAPI Manila he returned to Mindanao and was catechetical director for Iligan Diocese.

Five years later he returned to the U.S. where he was appointed to the Formation Staff at St. Thomas College, St. Paul, Minn.
 
In 1984 he was appointed to the US and ministered in the Spanish community in the Las Cruces Diocese in New Mexico.

In 1991 he was appointed to Jamaica where he worked in a parish in Reading, just outside of Montego Bay, for four years. 

Returning to the US he was initially Superior of the Columban House. Kew Gardens, NY, and was appointed to Bristol where he did promotion work and supply work in the Providence/ Bristol area. Following serious illness, he was able to continue his promotion work.

Paul’s health declined through the following years and was moved to St Columban’s Retirement Home in Bristol. Later he required more intensive care and was hospitalized. During this period Paul endured great discomfort and suffering, yet his acceptance and tolerance and welcoming for all was a testimony to his great faith and example for all.

He died on October 28th, at Silver Creek Nursing Home in Bristol, RI.

May he rest in the joy and peace of God’s eternal embrace.