 Fr. Justin Butler, OP
Fr. Justin was born on July 10, 1896 in Butte, Montana. Before entering the
Dominican Order, he moved to Los Angeles and was employed by the telephone company.
He was inspired to become a preacher, and began his novitiate in 1922. His studies
and preparation took him far and wide. He spent some years studying at Gonzaga
University in Spokane, Washington, Immaculate Conception Seminary in River Forest,
Illinois, and the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. He was successful throughout,
and was ordained a priest on February 23, 1929.
As many friars of his day, he ministered
in parishes, gave missions and retreats, and also became a superior of three of his
communities: Vallejo, CA; Pittsburg, CA; Antioch, CA. He was well respected and
ministered throughout the West Coast. In the waning years of ministry, he was
fortunate to spend some time with the Dominican nuns in Hollywood, CA at the Monastery of
the Angels. He served the nuns as Retreat Master and Chaplain, and it is fitting
that he died while in Los Angeles. He began his Dominican vocation in Los Angeles,
and there he finished it. May his soul rest in eternal peace. |
