William David O'Brien
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by James Edward Quigley
His Excellency, The Most Reverend William David O'Brien | |
|---|---|
| Titular Archbishop of Calynda Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago | |
| See | Chicago |
| Installed | April 25, 1934 |
| Term ended | February 19, 1962 |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | July 11, 1903 by James Edward Quigley |
| Consecration | April 25, 1934 by George Mundelein |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 3, 1878 |
| Died | February 19, 1962 (aged 83) |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic Church |
| Education | St. Vincent's College Kenrick Seminary |
| Motto | Magnificat Dominum (Magnificent Lord) |
William David O'Brien (August 3, 1878 – February 19, 1962) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. He served as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago in Illinois from 1934 until his death in 1962, and was named an archbishop in 1953.
William O'Brien was born on August 3, 1878 in Chicago, Illinois, to Charles D. and Alice M. (née O'Hara) O'Brien.[1] He received his early education at John H. Kinzie Elementary School, then attended the Holy Name Cathedral Preparatory High School, both in Chicago.[2]
O'Brien then entered St. Vincent's College in Chicago, graduating in 1899.[2] Deciding to become a priest, he went to St. Louis, Missouri, to study at the Kenrick Seminary[1]
Priesthood
O'Brien was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago by Archbishop James Edward Quigley on July 11, 1903.[3] After his ordination, the archdiocese assigned O'Brien as curate at St. Basil's Parish in Chicago.[2] In 1907, Monsignor Francis Kelley, director of the Catholic Church Extension Society, appointed O'Brien as his assistant.[4] While still working for the Extension Society, O'Brien was named as pastor of St. John's Parish in Chicago in 1924.[5] The Vatican elevated O'Brien to the rank of papal chamberlain that same year.[1]
With the departure of Kelley in 1925, O'Brien succeeded him as president of the Extension Society. He also served as editor of the monthly Extension Magazine. In 1926, the Vatican named O'Brien as a domestic prelate.[1] In 1927, O'Brien attended an event sponsored by the Fascist Government of Italy. He was dressed in bishop's vestments for the occasion. During the playing of the Giovinezza, the Italian Fascist anthem, O'Brien gave a roman salute, another trademark of fascism.[5]
