Br. John Bailey Collection

Collection

Identifier: SC-Bailey

Staff Only

Abstract

Br. John Bailey was the first African-American to join the Province of St. Albert the Great. He passed away at a young age during his novitiate and, because of his exceptional piety and devotion to the order, was allowed to make solemn vows right before his death. This collection contains media written about his life as well as an examiniation about his death and the unusual circumstances surrounding it by Fr. Jon Alexander.

Dates

Creation: 1927-1944

Conditions Governing Access

Material from this Collection may only be accessed upon consultation and written permission from the Provincial.

Conditions Governing Use

Some materials might require the use of audiovisual materials. Any AV materials must be viewed using equipment within the archive. Contact the archivist prior to visiting.

Biographical / Historical

Obituary in Catalogus

Brother James Bailey, O.P, was born on August 13,1927, in Milwaukee, WI. Taught by the Dominican Sisters at St. Rose School, he was inspired by the example of Blessed Martin de Porres to enter the Order. He received the habit of Our Holy Father St. Dominic on August 14, 1944. During his postulancy he manifested a marvelous example of piety. His novitiate, God willing, was suddenly cut short by his death. Only a few hours after his profession - hastened by the fear of death - he died in Oak Park Hospital on November 7, 1944.

Note by Archivist Br. Bailey was the first African-American to join the Order in the United States. This was especially notable at a time when the Central Province was overwhelmingly Irish. He passed away from a pancreas injury, but was so pius in his time that the Province made the extraordinary step to allow him to take his final vows on his deathbed.