Fr. Matthew Bradley (1850-1923)

Father Matthew was born in St. Clair County, Ill., July 2.  He made his classical studies at St. Benedict’s but before ordination finished his studies at St. Vincent College, Latrobe, Pa.  He was ordained in 1880 and was made Director of St. Benedict’s College in 1882.  Because of ill health he gave up the college job and took up parish ministry. 

Father Matthew’s first position was at Sacred Heart, Atchison, where he built the present church.  He spent 20 years at St. Benedict’s Bendena, Kan., and also built the church there.  He took ill while at St. Mary’s, Purcell, taking leave of parish work because of heart trouble.  He later became chaplain for the Carmelite Sisters in Rock Island, Ill.  Some accounts say Bettendorff, Iowa.  Father Benedict (Aloysius) Bradley who later transferred from St. Benedict’s Abbey to St. Mary’s Abbey, Newark, N.J., was Matthew’s brother.

Father Matthew Bradley passed away May 23, 1923.