Lá Fhéile Pádraig

Today we celebrate St. Patrick's Day & the contributions of individuals of Irish heritage.

John A. O'Grady was born on July 3rd, 1849 in our own hamlet of Montague to Irish parents: Michael and Bridget O'Grady. Fr. Senez, a travelling missionary serving Sussex and Warren Counties, would baptise this child of a Catholic family he "discovered in Montagu, near the Delaware River". The family would eventually relocate to Randolph Township's Dover area.

At the age of sixteen, he chose to follow a calling to enter the priesthood and attended the seminary at Seton Hall - being ordained in 1874 and worked in the diocese of Trenton. While residing in New Brunswick, during his assignment to St. Peter's Parish, he became more than a denominational figure. His sympathies and interests extended into all fields affecting the welfare and happiness of his fellowmen, irrespective of race or belief, his admirers being found in all classes alike. Rev. O'Grady became active in civic affairs and served as a member of the City Park Commission and of the Board of Trade. A devoted friend of Rutgers College, for several years he was the donor of an annual oratory prize, known as the "O'Grady prize."

He accomplished much during his life and was responsible for the the founding of St. Peter's General Hospital as a non-sectarian institution, and was elevated to the status of a Monsignor. For a number of years he also occupied the position of Rural Dean of the northern section of the diocese of Trenton. Monsignor O'Grady died January 15th, 1919.