 Br. Joseph Patrick Mitchell, OP
Br. Joseph was a jolly, good fellow who did even the menial tasks with joy. His
formation shows a who's who of the Western Dominican Province. He received the habit
from Fr. Sadoc Vilarrasa, OP, the first Prior Provincial of the Order in both
Californias. He was in the novitiate under Fr. Thomas Dyson, OP as Prior. He
made his simple profession with Fr. Vincent Vinyes, who was the first Vicar General of the
Order in California in 1889 and solemnly professed under the second Vicar General, Fr.
Pius Murphy, OP.
After a couple of years in Benicia, California, he went off as a
missionary to Holy Rosary in Portland, Oregon, staying for three years. He was
assigned to St. Dominic's in San Francisco for four years, but returned to Portland for
another eight. After a very brief time in Seattle, he went to San Francisco to
stay.
He was a Dominican for nearly 50 years, and most people in the world would say
that he did not accomplish very much. He did the laundry for the brethren, singing
while he hung the clothes out to dry. He also baked bread. Most people
remember his saying: "We must pray for final perseverance." Through his
perseverance, Br. Joseph led and preached with the example of his life. He
accomplished much more than some might think, and it came through his example of humility
and joy. What words and deeds will we be remembered for? |
