Fr. Philip O'Connor (1907-1988)

Father Philip O’Connor passed away August 1, 1988.

Outside of some time at the high school—both at St. Benedict’s High School and Maur Hill—and some scattered parochial assignments, the bulk of Father Philip’s ministry as a monastic priest was spent in service as a Military Chaplain in World War II, Korea, and with the Veteran’s Administration.  He died at the Veteran’s Hospital in Topeka where he served for 22 years.

Father Philip was a gregarious friend, monk and priest.  The game of golf and being with friends, especially Father Michael Carroll, O.S.B., and Father Henry Grosdidier, were his hobbies.  From the tone and volume of his voice a person knew that Father Philip was present at the annual abbey retreat or the funeral of a confrere.

Father Philip’s brother, Father John O’Connor, was a priest of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the founder of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, Kan.