After 25 years as St.
Lucy’s pastor, Father Gene McKenna retired from
administrative duties as of June 30. Though he remains active in the ministry,
he turned over the duties of pastor to Father John O’Brien, who comes to St.
Lucy from St. Anthony parish, Pawtucket.
Father
John O'Brien was born in
Providence and educated there at La Salle Academy and Our Lady of Providence High
School Seminary, Warwick. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island,
Kingston, before completing
his seminary studies at the Gregorian University,
Rome. Father O'Brien was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Gelineau in the
Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul on June 12, 1982. He served as assistant
pastor at Our Lady of Grace, Johnston; St. Matthew's, Cranston; and St.
Elizabeth's, Bristol; and as chaplain, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence.
Prior to coming to St. Lucy, Father O'Brien was pastor of St. Anthony Parish, Pawtucket.