Rev. Bernard T. McConville, O.S.A. (1904-1970)

Rev. Bernard T. McConville, O.S.A. entered eternal life on October 24, 1970.

Bernard Thomas McConville was born on August 11, 1904 in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Peter J. and Margaret (Conlon) McConville. He was baptized on August 28, 1904 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Philadelphia. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 20, 1915 at Our Mother of Consolation Catholic Church, Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania.

Following his graduation from Our Mother of Consolation Parochial School, Chestnut Hill, Bernard enrolled in the Augustinian Preparatory Scholasticate, Villanova, Pennsylvania, where he earned his high school diploma. He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate on June 21, 1923. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine on June 22, 1924 and solemn (permanent) vows on June 22, 1927.

Bernard earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, in 1927. He then pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. He was ordained a priest on June 10, 1930. He also did graduate studies at Villanova College.

Father McConville taught at Villanova College, his Alma Mater, from 1931 to 1937. He was named Assistant Pastor of St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, in 1937.

When the new Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel was established in 1941, Father McConville bacame affiliated to that Province. He was assigned in 1941 to St. Thomas High School, Rockford, Illinois, where he taught for two years before being named Principal in 1943.

Father McConville was assigned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, in 1944. He became Assistant Pastor of St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Chicago, in 1953, also serving as Prior (local superior) of the Augustinian community there. In 1956, he was transferred to Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago, where he served as a teacher and also filled the role of Disciplinarian for several years. He remained at Mendel until the time of his death.  

Father McConville died on October 24, 1970 from cancer, which had been diagnosed the previous year.

He is buried in St. Denis Cemetery, Havertown, Pennsylvania.

Memorial gifts may be made to: The Midwest Augustinians, 10161 S Longwood Dr, Chicago, IL 60643-2032 or via our Online Giving Page.