Fr. Vladislav Ondřej Drda SDS was born on August 8th 1927 in Mala Bystřica, district of Vsetin. After completing school education in Valašském Meziříčí, Vladilslav, in 1945, entered the Salvatorian novitiate there and received his religious name: Ondřej. In 1947 his superiors sent him for studies in Rome, where he was ordained to the Priesthood on December 19th 1953.

He lived his religious vocation in Italian communities of the Salvatorians and parishes entrusted to them.  He took care for the youth and new religious vocations. He also worked as treasurer in the Italian Province of the Salvatorians. Later on he became treasurer of the entire Society.

In 1991 he returned to his homeland and served as superior of the Czech Province of the Salvatorians and pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Prostejov, from November 1st 1991. For several years he was a pastor of the Parish in Jesenik and administrator of the Parish in Vranowice-Kelczice. Since January 1st 2005 he was a pastor of Parish in Čehovice. During those twenty two years he served not only in parishes entrusted to him by the bishop, but also helped other priests in the extensive area. In his free time he took care for the house at Lidicka Street, where he lived with his confreres. He worked in the garden, especially taking care for bees. He knew well Italian and German. Often he taught these languages and translated texts into them.

This year he would celebrate his 60th anniversary of Priesthood, 68th anniversary of religious life, and 86th birthday. For some time he experienced health problems.  On Tuesday, March 12, the Divine Savior called him to Eternity. His confreres will remember Fr. Ondřej as happy, pious and industrious religious and priest. May Our Lord reward his faithful service and prolong his happiness and joy forever.

Fr. Josef Bernard Ondruš SDS