He has spent a lifetime putting out fires, literally and figuratively, by rushing into burning buildings, as well as helping those who need spiritual rescuing. That’s because the Rev. John O’Connor is a pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Triangle and lead chaplain/battalion chief of the Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue.
He has been a certified volunteer firefighter for nearly as long as he’s been a professed friar with Holy Name Province, the largest community of Franciscan friars in the United States.
O’Connor, who ministers to thousands of parishioners and is responsible for an area of more than 400 square miles as pastor and lead chaplain, is celebrating his 50th anniversary in the priesthood.