History - Brothers of St.Patrick

California Settlement

The Most Reverend Dr. Michael Browne, Bishop of Galway, visited Los Angeles and Santa Monica, California in the spring of 1948. Msgr. Nicholas Conneally was pastor of Santa Monica parish. He was not satisfied with the way the parish schools had been run, and asked the Bishop for help. Bishop Brown, knowing the great work the Patrician Brothers had done in Galway, immediately recommended them to the pastor. The Bishop wrote to the Superior General Finbar Downes requesting the Brothers administer St. Monica High School.

We Patricians discover the heart of Jesus Christ

The Brothers of St. Patrick was born from the heart of a bishop concerned with the need to educate the poorest members of his Catholic community in Ireland during the 1800’s. Amid penal laws that prohibited the education or advancement of Catholics in that country, to offer a free education to the people of his diocese.

Schools We Served

St. Monica’s High School – Santa Monica (1948-1977)

The Brothers had to obtain visas from the American Legation at Merrion Square in Dublin.

St. Bernard High School – Westchester (1958-1961)

Southern California experienced unprecedented growth during the late 1950’s

Pater Noster Community – Los Angeles (1961-1991)

Discussions were held during 1960 and the Diocese Chancery Office suggested

Mater Dei High School (1953-2005)

Mater Dei High School was established in 1949 as a Diocesan school to serve Orange County.

Midway City Novitiate

The Brothers established a Novitiate in Midway City. This six acre facility was started in August