Rev. William J. O’Brien, C.M.
1938 – 2026
Father William J. O’Brien, C.M. passed peacefully in the early hours of March 14 in St. Catherine’s Infirmary, located in the Vincentian Motherhouse in Philadelphia.
Throughout his ministry, Father O’Brien served in the Diocese of Buffalo in various roles. Notably, he was the Pastor of Our Lady of Lebanon Parish in Niagara Falls 1979-1992 and served as the Executive Director of Our Lady of Angels Association.
Additionally, he was the local Superior of the Vincentian Community at Niagara University.
Ordained a priest in 1967, Fr. O’Brien dedicated 33 years to parish ministry, serving in four Vincentian Parishes, three of which were dedicated to the Blessed Mother.
He also held leadership roles in both Marian Associations: The Association of Our Lady of Angels and the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal, both sponsored by the Eastern Province of the Vincentians.
Fr. O’Brien served as Executive Director of Our Lady of Angels Association at Niagara University from 1992 until 2021.
He devoted his life to the Church, the Vincentian Community and the Blessed Mother with unwavering devotion.
May he now enjoy the Eternal Promise that he preached of in his life.
The Vincentian Fathers and Our Lady of Angels Association will offer a Memorial Mass for Father William J. O’Brien on Thursday March 19th at 12:15pm in the Alumni Chapel at St. Vincent’s Hall on the Niagara University Campus.
Message From the Director
Dear Friends of Our Lady of Angels,
Christ’s Peace be with you!
As we enter the sacred season of Lent, we step once more into a time of renewal, reflection and deeper conversion. Lent invites us to slow down, to listen more attentively to the voice of Jesus and to allow the Blessed Mother to guide us with her tenderness and wisdom.
Mary teaches us how to walk with Jesus-not from a distance, but with a heart fully surrendered. Her quiet strength at the foot of the Cross reminds us that true discipleship is not measured by comfort, but by love that perseveres. This Lent, may we let the example of Mary, Queen of Angels, shape our prayer, sacrifices and acts of charity.
May we commit ourselves to:
- Prayer that opens our hearts to Christ’s voice.
- Fasting that frees us from what distracts or weighs us down.
- Almsgiving that reflects Mary’s compassion for those in need.
With Mary as our companion, may we journey toward Easter with renewed hope, strengthened faith and hearts ready to embrace the joy of the Resurrection.
In Mary Immaculate,
Executive Director
Paten and Chalice
Our Lady of Angels is rooted in prayer. Each year we offer multiple Novenas of Masses on your behalf. Your particular needs and those of your loved ones are constantly remembered at the altar. The greatest gift that we can share with anyone is prayer. On January 1st the Vincentian priests in the infirmary in Philadelphia assumed the responsibility of celebrating our Novenas. Prior to this, Masses were celebrated at multiple sites at St. Vincent’s Seminary in Philadelphia. The priests in the infirmary are happy to offer this service for the Association.
The infirmary is under the patronage of St. Catherine Laboure. As we know, she is the Daughter of Charity who the Blessed Mother appeared to and was asked by her to have a medal struck. The Medal is now popularly known as the Miraculous Medal. St. Catherine spent most of her life caring for elderly men, so she is the appropriate patron for our infirmary.
As a sign of our gratitude, I would like to gift the infirmary with a Paten and Chalice to use for the Novenas of Masses that they are offering for us. These sacred vessels would serve as an additional reminder of the intentions for these Masses. I am happy to accept any assistance in procuring this gift.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE
Mass Enrollment Cards
Our Lady of Angels Association offers enrollment cards for all occasions. Those enrolled share in the twelve Novenas of Masses offered annually for them and their intentions. Always FREE SHIPPING & HANDLING. Browse our selection.