Rev. Joseph E. Heney, O.S.A. (1894-1960)
Rev. Joseph E. Heney, O.S.A. entered eternal life on January 14, 1960.
Joseph Emmett Heney was born on March 17, 1894 in Randolph, Massachusetts to William and Margaret (Dwyer) Heney. He was baptized on March 21, 1894 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Randolph. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation on September 15, 1908 at the same church.
Joseph received his elementary education at North Grammar School, Randolph. He graduated from Stetson High School, Randolph, in 1911. That same year, he entered the Augustinian program of formation at Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania.
He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate on June 24, 1914. Joseph professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine on July 2, 1915 and solemn (permanent) vows on July 3, 1918. He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College in 1918.
He then pursued theological studies at Villanova College. He was ordained a priest on June 10, 1922.
Father Heney taught at St. Augustine College, Havana, Cuba, in 1922 and 1923. He was then assigned in 1923 as a teacher to St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois.
In 1931, Father Heney was assigned to the Augustinian Mission Band, residing first at St. Thomas Parish, Rosemont, Pennsylvania, then later at Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Staten Island, New York. The Mission Band conducted parish missions and directed spiritual retreats throughout the United States.
When the new Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Augustinians of the Midwest) was established in 1941, Father Heney was affiliated to that Province. He was named the first Director of its Mission Band, serving in that capacity until 1944.
Father Heney was named Pastor of St. Augustine Parish, Detroit, Michigan, in 1944. He then became Pastor of St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Chicago, in 1947. He also was Prior (local superior) of the Augustinian community there. He served as Pastor of St. Clare until the time of his death.
Father Heney was elected to the Province Councils of both the Villanova (Eastern U.S.) Province and the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel.
He died on January 14, 1960, after a lengthy illness.
A priest who knew him well said, "He was a hard worker and a hard preacher, but he was kind and always understanding of the problems of the laity. He was never harsh--never."
Father Heney 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.
