Fr Oliver Joseph O'Brien

Early Life

Oliver Joseph O’Brien was born in Derry, Northern Ireland on June 30, 1920. He was one of 10 children born to Joseph and Mary (nee Byrne) O’Brien. Several members of his family, including Oliver himself, were talented musicians. Oliver was educated at the Convent of Mercy in Dublin and later at Blackrock College and Belvedere College, also in Dublin. He was ordained a Jesuit priest on July 28, 1954.

He arrived in Australia on January 1, 1965, initially to the Archdiocese of Melbourne where he was employed by the Australian Broadcasting Commission and also worked with the students in the Seminary, making good use of his musical talent. He came to Adelaide every summer to conduct the Adelaide Singers for the ABC. On these occasions he lived at the Archbishop’s House, West Terrace and helped out in the Cathedral parish. After 1970 he stays became longer as more work was offered by the ABC.

Life in Adelaide Archdiocese

From the beginning of 1972 he lived full-time at the Archbishop’s House and was formally appointed a supply priest in the Cathedral parish. On January 1, 1976 he was appointed full-time Chaplain at the Royal Adelaide Hospital where he established a good reputation for his gentle care of patients, particularly those in the wards for the brain damaged patients.

On July 9, 1993 he left the Society of Jesus and was incardinated into the Adelaide Archdiocese. At this stage his health was deteriorating seriously – he had made many friends in Adelaide and wanted to stay here permanently. However after a long illness he died in Calvary Hospital on October 28, 1994, aged 74 years.

His funeral Mass was celebrated in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral on November 2, All Souls Day, and reflecting his deep love for science and medical progress his body was willed to the University of Adelaide for research purposes.

May he rest in peace.