Founder of Capuchin Day Centre, Brother Kevin Crowley, dies aged 90
President Michael D Higgins has lead tributes saying he made 'an invaluable contribution to the people of Dublin city' though the 'essential services' provided by the Capuchin Day Centre.
Day Centre founder Brother Kevin Crowley
Known across Ireland for his work helping the poor and homeless, Brother Kevin founded the Capuchin Day Centre, based on Bow Street in Dublin, in 1969.
The organisation provides more than 1,000 hot meals every day and more than 1,000 food parcels every week for homeless and poor people.
Tributes to Br Kevin have been led by President Michael D Higgins, who said he made 'an invaluable contribution to the people of Dublin city' though the 'essential services' provided by the Capuchin Day Centre.
'The hot meals, food parcels, clothing, showers, family services, and medical and dental services have not just extended care of the most vulnerable, but has been exemplary in showing a fundamental respect for the dignity of each person and allowed so many of those who have availed of the services to rebuild their lives,' he said.
'It was extremely appropriate that Pope Francis visited Brother Kevin and the Capuchin Day Centre during his visit to Ireland in 2018 and met with those present and volunteers.'
Day Centre founder Brother Kevin Crowley
Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd
President Higgins said he was 'deeply honoured' to meet with Br Kevin 'on many occasions' throughout the years and to share in his company.
He described him as a 'warm, caring, yet fearless man, who dedicated his life to living his Christian faith in dedication to those most in need'.
'Brother Kevin leaves a wonderful legacy to all those whose lives to which he made such a difference. Sabina and I will miss his messages, which continued after his move to Cork.
'May I express my deepest condolences to Brother Kevin's family, to all of his fellow Capuchins, and to all of his many friends and colleagues across the country. Síocháin síoraí do a anam lách uasal.'
The Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell extended his sympathies to Br Kevin's family and his fellow Capuchins.
"His work with the Capuchin Day Centre staff and volunteers transformed the lives of the poor and marginalised in our city who availed of its services, from misery and despair to hope and love,' he said.
"He was always able to see Christ in the people he met. His was a love that reached out with no questions asked of those who sought assistance. Brother Kevin was an authentic follower of St Francis of Assisi. Read more
'As we mourn Brother Kevin's death, he would want us to remember the poor we still have with us in ever greater numbers because of homelessness, wars, famine and the multiplicity of addictions that affect our county today.
"Today we ask the Lord to grant us compassion for those who are experiencing Calvary and sorrow for our own self-indulgence. We cannot put words on that love of God, and yet when we have witnessed it in a good man's life and death, we too are able to recognise it, and to say a deeper and more grateful 'yes' to God.
'May Brother Kevin Crowley rest in the eternal embrace of God.'
Born to parents William and Catherina in Kilcolean in Enniskeane, Co Cork in February of 1935, Br Kevin was baptised William. He attended school at the local national school and Bandon Vocational School.
He then entered the Capuchin Postulancy in Co Kilkenny on April 7, 1958, Easter Monday of that year. In October of that year, he was admitted to the Novitate in Rochestown in Cork where he received the name Kevin.
After spending time working in the Cooperative Clothing Guild in Dublin, he had offices on Bow Street reconstructed to build the Capuchin Day Centre.
It has since gone on to become a vital facility for supporting poor and homeless people in Dublin. In recent years, it has offered support for international protection applicants.
The centre was visited by Pope Francis during his time in Ireland in 2018, where he met service users.
Addressing Capuchins in the Vatican later that year, the late pontiff said: 'Recently in Ireland, I saw your work with the most discarded and I was moved. It is a beautiful thing that … the elderly founder told me, 'Here we do not ask where you come from, who you are: you are a child of God'.
"This is one of your traits. To really understand the persons, by 'smell', unconditionally. Come in, then we will see. As Capuchins, closeness is your charism. Preserve it.'
Brother Kevin retired in 2022, aged 87.
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