Rev. Joseph E. Begue

The Reverend Joseph E. Begue entered into eternal life on January 9, 2018. He was 94 years of age. He was born in Chicago on February 24, 1923 to Angela (McQuade) and Joseph Begue. Father Joe spent the majority of his priestly life in St. Louis, MO, over 55 years! He loved the city. However, his allegiance to Chicago’s football team, the Bears, never waivered. If the Bears were on TV, he wanted to watch “his” team play. Father Joe atteneded parochial schools on Chicago’s northside. After his high school graduation, he served his country in the United States army during World War II. He was stationed in California, Texas, Illinois, and overseas. He was discharged on February 18, 1946 with the rank of master sergeant. Helped by the GI Bill for veterans, he was able to pursue higher education at De Paul University, and then he decided to follow in the footsteps for Jesus Christ, evangelizer of the poor, as lived out by Saint Vincent de Paul. He entered the novitiate on September 15, 1948 and took his vows on September 16, 1950. He completed his philosopy and theology at St. Mary’s of the Barrens, Perryville, Mo and was ordained there on May 29, 1955. As a newly ordained priest, he taught at St. Vincent’s College, Cape Girardeau, MO. After three years on the faculty, he became the Director of the Vincentian Press, St. Louis, MO. What was the Vincentian Press? Throughout the years the Vincentian Community, like other religious orders and congregations, has had many missions and missionaries throughout the world. Priests, pastors and institutions often needed to buy religious items and supplies. Having a retail store where religious goods could be purchased in bulk and sold at modest prices, the Congregation of the Mission provided a great service, not only to Vincentians but also to many diocesan priests and parishes and lay people. For over 50 years Father Joe was the Director at the Vincentian Press and was well lnown in the Archdiocese of St. Louis for selling religious merchandise at a reasonable price. He always had a smile for anyone who entered the store. A hernia surgery, fractures and the aches and pains of a long life did not slow him down. He continued to work daily at the Vincentian Press, supported by a devoted lay staff, until his age and health caught up with him and the Press closed in December 2011. Father Joe was a hard worker who served faithfully, whether in the US army, in his priestly life or at Vincentian Press. We can only imagine what the Lord is saying to him-“Welcome, favored of my Father! Take possessions of the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world” (Matt26:34). May he rest in peace. Visitation will be held at Mary Mother of God Chapel on Wednesday, January 10 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and on Thursday from 9:00 am until time of Mass at 10:00 am. Funeral Mass for Fr. Joseph Begue, CM will be held at Mary Mother of God Chapel on Thursday at 10:00 am with Rev. Ray Van Dorpe, CM officiating, followed by Rite of Committal in Vincentian Community Cemetery with military Graveside Service provided by American Legion and Delta Team. Online condolences may be made at youngandsonsfuneral.com.

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Rev. Joseph E. Begue

February 24, 1923 - January 9, 2018