Father Howard E. O'Brien was born July 30, 1924, in Providence, Rhode Island, the son of Francis J. and Alma La Voie O'Brien. He attended St. Pius grade school and Mt. Pleasant high school there. During World War 11, he served in the U.S. Air Force for three years. After his military service, he spent two years at Providence College before entering Maryknoll in 1947.

After his ordination in 1955, Fr. O'Brien was assigned to Japan, where he served in parishes of the Kyoto, Sapporo and Hokkaido dioceses. In 1977, he returned to the United States and was named Administrator of the Maryknoll Society House in New York City.

He took on a new mission assignment to Tanzania in 1984, serving in Dar es Salaam as the Regional Procurator and Society House Guest Master. During these years, he also assisted at the nearby parishes of St. Peter's and Kibaha. Since 1997, Howie retired from active ministry. He continues to reside in Dar and to participate in the local Maryknoll community.

Howard's Reflections             Howard's Ministry

Visit the Maryknollers Currently in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania