Msgr. Michael O'Shaughnessy

Monsignor Michael A. O’Shaughnessy was born to John and Margaret O’Shaughnessy, Bettyville House, Askeaton County, Limerick, Ireland on October 30, 1923. He was the sixth child of three girls and four boys. He attended the local National School through eighth grade and his high school was completed at a private Jesuit Boarding School. He graduated from Mungret College of Philosophy in May 1945 and the following year he entered St. John’s Seminary in San Antonio, Texas. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of San Antonio on May 27, 1950 by the Most Reverend Robert Lucy.

He served as Parochial Vicar in several parishes throughout the Archdiocese including St. Peter’s and St. Leo’s in San Antonio, Shiner, Moulton and Schulenburg. His first assignment as pastor was in Meyersville, then St. John Bosco in Vanderbilt, and St. Joseph’s in Yoakum. Monsignor was Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Church in Victoria when the Church was chosen Cathedral of the newly formed Diocese of Victoria, Texas. He continued as Pastor of the Cathedral until he assumed duties as Pastor of St. Agnes Church, Edna, Texas December 1985. He was named Monsignor, Prelate of Honor to His Holiness, May 16, 2001.

He has served as Diocesan Moderator of Council of Catholic Women, Diocesan Pastoral Council, Personnel Board and Dean of the Edna Deanery. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Equestrian Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre.

After 57 years of ministry in the priesthood, Monsignor retired in June, 2007, went to Ireland for five months, but returned in November 2007 to take up residence at Copperfield Village, Victoria, Texas, an assisted living center. On June 19, 2012, he returned to Ireland and lived out his retirement near his family. He passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2013 in Ireland. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Askeaton, County Limerick, Ireland on Thursday, March 7, 2013, with burial in Lismakeery Cemetery.

He is survived by sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews. 

A memorial mass will be celebrated at Saint Agnes Catholic Church, Edna on Wednesday, March 13 at 6 p.m. The celebrant will be Bishop David Fellhauer assisted by priests of the diocese of Victoria and Archdiocese of San Antonio.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Rev. Msgr. Michael A. O’Shaughnessy Seminary Burse, Diocese of Victoria, Saint Agnes Catholic Church, Edna or Saint Agnes Saint Vincent de Paul Society.