Vocations To The Priesthood

There have been ten young men from the parish who have become priests. They include one Passionist Missionary, four Jesuits, and five Diocesan priests. All but the earliest were graduates of St. Mary’s.

Richard Dwyer, Father Isadore, C.P. ordained in 1894. He was the first vocation to the priesthood from this area. He became a Passionist missionary in Central America. He was later assigned as chaplain to the crews building the Panama Canal. He was fluent in Spanish and preached missions to the Hispanic immigrants in California for many years. Deceased.

Clement Ryan, S.J. ordained 1935. He attended St. Mary’s grade school and later entered the Society of Jesus. Father Ryan taught at Creighton University, Omaha, for many years. Deceased.

Eugene Gallagher, S.J. ordained 1947. Father Gallagher graduated from St. Mary’s in 1934. He taught in the Department of Education at Creighton University for many years. Deceased.

Francis Price, ordained 1944. Father Price was one of three brothers who become priests. Francis was a diocesan priest, and his two brothers were Jesuit missionaries. Father Francis Price served in the Omaha Archdiocese. He was pastor in Emmet Epiphany church from 1953 to 1960. Deceased.

Peter Price, S.J., ordained 1948. Father Peter Price spent many years working in the missions of Sioux Indian Reservations. Deceased.

Basil Price, S.J. ordained 1954. Father Basil Price has spent most of his ministry developing the Jesuit University in Seoul, Korea.

Tom DeBacker, ordained 1954. Father DeBacker graduated from St. Mary’s in 1945. He is a priest of the Omaha Archdiocese. His is now retired and was recently named a Monsignor.

Allan Martin, ordained 1965. Father Martin graduated from St. Mary’s in 1944 and had a late vocation. He was a priest of the Omaha Archdiocese. He passed away November 25, 1993. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery, O’Neill.

John Miller, ordained 1978. Father Miller graduated from St. Mary’s in 1966. He is a priest of the Helena, Montana Diocese.

John Bohn, ordained 1997. Father Bohn graduated from St. Mary’s in 1983. He is a priest of the Jackson, Mississippi Diocese.