Fonds - Rev. Patrick O'Donnell fonds

Patrick O'Donnell (1837-1906), Catholic priest, was born at Cahir, County Tipperary, Ireland, on 17 March 1837, son of Mary and Thomas O'Donnell. Patrick O'Donnell had three brothers who served as priests in Newfoundland: Rev. Jeremiah O'Donnell, who intervened in the 1861 partisan riots and was wounded; Rev. Richard O'Donnell and Rev. David O'Donnell. A sister, Alice (Mother Bernard O'Donnell) was Mother Superior of the Presentation Convent in Witless Bay and a second sister, Bridget (Sister Mary Joseph) was a Presentation nun in the convent in Renews. A brother, Thomas, was justice of the peace on Bell Island. Rev. Patrick O'Donel died at Avondale on 16 January 1906 and was buried beneath the floor of the church in Harbour Main.

After a preparatory training in the local schools O'Donnell was sent to the Trappist Monastery at Mount Melleray,County Waterford, where he acquired an interest in ancient classical literature. He proceeded to St. Patrick's College, Carlow (1858-1860).

O'Donnell came to Newfoundland in 1861 and entered St. Bonaventure's College where he completed his course in theology. He was ordained a priest in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist at St. John's by Bishop John Thomas Mullock on 24 May 1863.

Following ordination O'Donnell was given a temporary teaching position at St. Bonaventure's College. he was subsequently appointed as curate to Rev. Kyran Walsh in Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Harbour Main, which then included Holyrood and Conception Harbour (1863-68). When his brother, Rev. Jeremiah O'Donnell retired from active duty in 1882, Rev. Patrick O'Donnell assumed pastoral responsibility for half of the parish. He was appointed the first pastor of St. Anne's Parish, Conception Harbour. Rev. O'Donnell was later transferred to Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Harbour Main, where he resided until his death in 1906.