Br. Leo J. Prince, CSV, died Oct. 11, 1956, on the feast of the Maternity of Our Blessed Mother, after two years of suffering. He was 62.
Br. Prince was born Jun. 18, 1894 in Kankakee. He attended St. Rose Grammar School in Kankakee and St. Viator Academy in Bourbonnais.
From his earliest years, Br. Prince desired to become a priest, but God had other plans. His widowed mother needed his care and his duty was with her. Consequently, he laid aside his dreams and instead earned a living as a grocer for 22 years to support his mother.
After his mother’s death, Leo Prince abandoned his successful business career and in 1937, at the age of 43, entered the Viatorian novitiate in Lemont, IL. Br. Prince was a source of inspiration and example to his younger novice-mates.
Br. Prince professed his first vows on Jan. 19, 1939 and his final vows on Feb. 22, 1945.
Most of his religious life was spent doing office work and acting as procurator. He served at Our Lady of Mercy Boys’ Home in Chicago from 1940-1947 and then at the Viatorian novitiate and scholasticate on Sheridan Road until 1955.
In the spring of 1955, Br. Prince suffered an illness that required the amputation of his leg. After 19 years of religious life and service as a Viatorian, Br. Prince was relieved of his suffering and called to a life of everlasting happiness.
The large number of priests and brothers who attended the requiem Mass on Oct. 13, was a testament of the affection and respect held for him. He was laid to rest in the Viatorian plot at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Bourbonnais, IL.
Taken from an obituary in the 1956 Annuaire – a publication of the Viatorian General Direction, pp. 152-155