Rev. Edward M. Gorra, O.S.A. (1915 - 2000)
Rev. Edward M. Gorra, O.S.A. entered eternal life on August 30, 2000.
Edward Manuel Gorra, son of Cecilia and Consuelo Trapiello Gorra, was born on November 25, 1927 in Lehigh, Oklahoma. He had one brother and six sisters. He was baptized on February 18, 1928 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Colgate, Oklahoma.
"Manny" was received into the Augustinian Novitiate on September 9, 1945. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine on September 10, 1949 and solemn (permanent) vows on September 10, 1949.
He received a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova University in June of 1950. He then studied Theology at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C.. At the same time, he did graduate studies at Catholic University of America, Washington, earning an M.S. in June of 1954.
He was ordained a priest on June 4, 1955 by Bishop Allen J. Babcock in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Father Gorra's first assignment was in 1954 to St. Augustine Seminary, Holland, Michigan, as a teacher of Mathematics.
In 1957, he was transferred to St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois, where he was a teacher of Mathematics. He was assigned to Augustinian Academy, St. Louis, Missouri, in 1968. He returned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, as a teacher in 1972. He also served as Sub-Prior (Assistant Superior) of the Augustinian community there.
In 1978, Father Gorra began his parochial ministry. He was assigned to St. Matthew Parish, Flint, Michigan, as Associate Pastor. He also served as Prior (Superior) of the Augustinian community.
Father Gorra was transferred in 1982 to St. Rita Parish, Chicago, as Associate Pastor.
In 1992, as Father Gorra entered his senior years, he was transferred to Cascia Hall Monastery, Tulsa, Oklahoma. He served as chaplain to the Benedictine Sisters at Monte Cassino Convent. In 1996, he returned to St. Matthew Parish, Flint, where he faithfully continued to minister until his death.
He died suddenly on August 30, 2000 at St. Matthew Parish, after returning from a trip.
Father Gorra will be remembered for his deep devotion and dedication to "Good St. Joseph". He was a rigid but fair teacher in the classroom and a comforting, gentle, kind and compassionate priest. "Manny" serves as a model for those who serve in educational or parish ministry.
He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.
Memorial gifts may be made to: The Midwest Augustinians, 10161 S Longwood Dr, Chicago, IL 60643-2032 or via our Online Giving Page.
