Monsignor John R. Ossola never seemed to outgrow his love of childhood. Whether riding roller coasters with eighth-graders, sharing cookies in a school cafeteria or discussing theology with youngsters, the longtime Springfield priest had a gift for connecting with people, especially children.
That connection is part of the legacy of Ossola, who has been posthumously named pastor of the year.
Ossola, who died July 5 at age 87, served the Catholic Diocese of Springfield for more than six decades, including 21 years as pastor of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and later as pastor of Little Flower Catholic Church.
Anne Antonacci, who worked at Little Flower School, described him as a “true shepherd.”
“He could make them laugh. They respected him,” she said of his relationship with children.
Gail Saner, a longtime Little Flower teacher, recalled Ossola’s enthusiasm for teaching theology. He regularly engaged youngsters in religious discussions and took students on tours of Springfield houses of worship, including Protestant churches, synagogues and the mosque.
He also delighted in accompanying graduating eighth-graders on their class trip to Six Flags in the St. Louis area.
His devotion to young people extended beyond the classroom. He organized trips to Europe, mission work in Haiti and Appalachia, canoe excursions and outings to his cabin near Carlinville.
Bill Moredock, president of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, remembered Ossola’s compassion during difficult times, including the death of a student in an automobile accident.
“He said the right things, and he was always that way, very pastoral in his approach to things,” Moredock said.
“He was everybody’s dad in a way,” Moredock added, noting that as Ossola aged, he became more grandfatherly.
Even after retiring in 2014, Ossola remained a familiar presence at Little Flower School, attending athletic events and joining students for lunch.
He particularly enjoyed cheeseburgers and cookies.
His ministry began with his ordination in 1964. Over the decades, he taught at several Catholic schools, directed diocesan youth programs and officiated countless weddings.
In a 2019 homily, as he struggled with Alzheimer’s disease, Ossola offered a simple explanation of Christian service: “By giving to others, by caring for them, showing them God’s love.”
For those who knew him, that was more than a sermon. It was how he lived.
This article appears in October 29-November 4, 2026.
