Published April 9, 2024
ATLANTA–Father Jerome Francis McKenna, a Passionist priest of the St. Paul of the Cross Province of the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, died on Sunday, April 7. Born on April 13, 1930, he was 93 years old. Father McKenna became pastor of Atlanta’s St. Paul of the Cross Church in 2009, serving until his death.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Francis Joseph McKenna and the late Gertrude Foley McKenna. Father Jerome was preceded in death by his brothers, Thomas, Jerome Matthew and Patrick. In addition to the members of his congregation, Father McKenna leaves his brother Joseph, (spouse: MaryLou Libell), Regis (spouse: Dianne Page), Brother Robert McKenna, CP, many devoted nephews and nieces, family members and friends.
Father McKenna graduated from High School at Holy Cross Minor Seminary, Dunkirk, New York in 1950. His First Profession into the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ was on July 17, 1951 in Pittsburgh. His Final Profession was on July 17, 1954 in Brighton, Massachusetts. From 1951 to 1955 he completed undergraduate studies acquiring an academic degree of Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from St. Gabriel’s Passionist seminary in Brighton. Between 1955 and 1958 he engaged in academic studies at Holy Family Monastery, West Hartford, Connecticut, and St. Michael’s Monastery, Union City, New Jersey, achieving an academic degree of master of arts in theology.
On April 25, 1958, Father McKenna was ordained a priest by Bishop Cuthbert M. O’Gara, CP, at St. Michael’s Church in Union City, New Jersey.
In 1958, the priest also completed his studies in Sacred Eloquence at Our Lady of Sorrows Passionist…
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