Austin Walsh

Father Austin Walsh, S.T., 72, a resident of Adelphi, Maryland, died of renal failure at Sacred Heart Home, Hyattsville, Maryland, on Aug. 4, 2010.

Father Walsh professed his vows as a Missionary Servant of the Most Holy Trinity in 1959. After completing his studies for the priesthood at his congregation's seminaries in Alabama and Virginia, he was ordained in Winchester, Va. in 1965.

He began his priestly ministry as a vocation recruiter and later, after graduate studies, as a teacher and administrator in the congregation's seminaries. After assignments at Annunciation Parish in Kiln, Mississippi, and then at St. Timothy Parish in Cleveland, Ohio, he was elected to the Missionary Servants' general council, then as the Vicar General and finally as Superior General.

To his confreres, parishioners, and students he was known as a "generous and welcoming spirit." His teaching, preaching, and retreats were known for their sense of humor as well as their erudition.

After 16 years in general administration he was assigned in 2008 to the Shrine of St. Joseph, Sterling, N.J. When after 43 years of active missionary life his health began to fail, he moved to Father Judge Missionary Cenacle, Adelphi, Maryland.

The son of Henry and Catherine (Morrisey), father Walsh was born in Brooklyn, NY, where he attended St. Benedict's Elementary School. One of five children, he is survived by his sister Arlene Mooney, and nine nieces and nephews.

A Mass of the Resurrection was held Aug. 9 in Adelphi. Burial was in St. Joseph's Cemetery, in Holy Trinity, Ala.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Stephen Church, 25220 St. Stephen Road, Pass Christian, on Thursday, Aug. 26 at 6:30 p.m.