Brother Kevin Crowley had a ‘simple mission' in life to ‘feed and house the poor', funeral told
Brother Kevin, who died on Wednesday at the age of 90, founded the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in 1969 in response to seeing homeless men eating from rubbish bins.
Throughout a 55-year history, he oversaw much of its development in response to the needs of homeless people.
Brother Kevin Crowley founded the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in 1969 (PA)
The centre offers two hot meals per day Monday to Saturday, as well as food parcels and a range of services including clothing, showering facilities, and medical interventions.
It provides more than 1,000 hot breakfasts and dinners each day.
Brother Kevin was said to be grateful to be awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin in 2015 and for the visit of Pope Francis to the centre in August 2018.
He retired in 2022 to Cork, where he was born and died earlier this week.
President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina arrive at the funeral mass (Conor O Mearain/PA)
His funeral took place at St Mary of the Angels on Church Street in Dublin on Saturday.
President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina Higgins were among guests in an 'overflowing' church, which the service heard was receiving guests from all over the island of Ireland.
Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell and former primate of Ireland Diarmuid Martin attended the mass alongside Capuchin Franciscans and staff at the day centre.
Also present were Commandant Joe Glennon representing Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who is concluding a trade mission in Japan, Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam, and other public representatives from the city council and Oireachtas.
Leading the service as provincial minister, Brother Richard Hendrick welcomed Brother Kevin's 'two families' – his natural family as well as the staff, volunteers and guests of the Day Centre.
'You are all welcome here today. While Brother Kevin was the inspiration and face as it were of the work of the centre, without all of you there would be much less reason for our gathering.
'We thank you for all you were to Brother Kevin, for all you are to us Capuchin Friars and for all you do to keep that vision alive of a place of refuge and Franciscan welcome in the heart of the city open to all.'
Brother Richard said they had been 'inundated' with stories of the care and love Brother Kevin shared to others, as well as the love shared to him.
Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald attended (Conor O Mearain/PA)
He said Brother Kevin vision was that no one would go hungry and that all would fall a place of inclusive welcome and peace.
Brother Richard said the day centre 'will continue and grow' as long as there are guests who need its services.
Recalling recent queries from visitors if the centre would stop operating, he added: 'I think Kevin would haunt us all if there was even a thought of that.'
Brother Richard thanked all those who had gathered, as well as all those worked at the day centre.
'Yesterday, we heard that there would be two minutes of silence – one in Dublin and one in Cork before the GAA matches take place.
'It is probably Kevin's greatest achievement that as a Cork man he has finally silenced Dublin.'
In a homily, Brother Patrick Flynn said Brother Kevin gave a 'life's service' to the poor.
He said the proud west Cork man was a 'very, very good Capuchin friar', a 'man of God', a 'disciple of Jesus Christ', and a 'humble, devout son of St Francis of Assisi'.
'He was a Capuchin to his fingerprints. Most people didn't know his family name of Crowley, but they knew of 'Brother Kevin'.'
Brother Patrick said Brother Kevin was known the length and breadth of the country as a 'tireless advocate for those with no voice', acting as the nation's conscience to remind the public of their obligation to help others out of the trap of poverty.
'He was fearless, relentless in his pursuit of justice for the poor. I've no doubt that his great spiritual father St Francis is embracing him today for the love and compassion he extended throughout his religious life for God's poor.'
He added: 'Kevin had a mission in life, it was very simple: Feed and house the poor.
'He couldn't understand why in our country we couldn't solve this problem.'
The order of service (Conor O Mearain/PA)
Brother Patrick said Brother Kevin was a man who enjoyed the company of friars and friends, had a love of the GAA marked by a hurley placed beside his coffin during the service, and who had a great sense of humour demonstrated by his ability to laugh at himself.
Remembering his friend for over 60 years, he concluded: 'He wasn't perfect, he could be feisty and challenging when he disagreed with you.
'But what he did have in abundance was a generous, compassionate heart and that is what made the man.
'Kevin, thank you for your good example.'
The service was also read letters containing tributes from the Apostolic Nuncio of Ireland Luis Mariano Montemayor and General Councillor Brother Marek Miszczynski.
Brother Kevin's burial site is at Dardistown Cemetery.
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Irish Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Brother Kevin Crowley gave 'life's service' to the poor, funeral told
Brother Kevin Crowley had a simple mission to feed and house the poor, his funeral has been told. Brother Kevin, who died on Wednesday at the age of 90, founded the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in 1969 in response to seeing homeless men eating from rubbish bins. Throughout a 55-year history, he oversaw much of its development in response to the needs of homeless people. The centre offers two hot meals per day Monday to Saturday, as well as food parcels and a range of services including clothing, showering facilities, and medical interventions. It provides more than 1,000 hot breakfasts and dinners each day. Brother Kevin was said to be grateful to be awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin in 2015 and for the visit of Pope Francis to the centre in August 2018. He retired in 2022 to Cork, where he was born and died earlier this week. His funeral took place at St Mary of the Angels on Church Street in Dublin on Saturday. President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina Higgins were among guests in an "overflowing" church, which the service heard was receiving guests from all over the island of Ireland. Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell and former primate of Ireland Diarmuid Martin attended the mass alongside Capuchin Franciscans and staff at the day centre. Also present were Commandant Joe Glennon representing Taoiseach Micheal Martin, who is concluding a trade mission in Japan, Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam, and other public representatives from the city council and Oireachtas. Leading the service as provincial minister, Brother Richard Hendrick welcomed Brother Kevin's "two families" - his natural family as well as the staff, volunteers and guests of the Day Centre. "You are all welcome here today. While Brother Kevin was the inspiration and face as it were of the work of the centre, without all of you there would be much less reason for our gathering. "We thank you for all you were to Brother Kevin, for all you are to us Capuchin Friars and for all you do to keep that vision alive of a place of refuge and Franciscan welcome in the heart of the city open to all." Brother Richard said they had been "inundated" with stories of the care and love Brother Kevin shared to others, as well as the love shared to him. He said Brother Kevin vision was that no one would go hungry and that all would fall a place of inclusive welcome and peace. Brother Richard said the day centre "will continue and grow" as long as there are guests who need its services. Recalling recent queries from visitors if the centre would stop operating, he added: "I think Kevin would haunt us all if there was even a thought of that." Brother Richard thanked all those who had gathered, as well as all those worked at the day centre. "Yesterday, we heard that there would be two minutes of silence - one in Dublin and one in Cork before the GAA matches take place. "It is probably Kevin's greatest achievement that as a Cork man he has finally silenced Dublin." In a homily, Brother Patrick Flynn said Brother Kevin gave a "life's service" to the poor. He said the proud west Cork man was a "very, very good Capuchin friar", a "man of God", a "disciple of Jesus Christ", and a "humble, devout son of St Francis of Assisi". "He was a Capuchin to his fingerprints. Most people didn't know his family name of Crowley, but they knew of 'Brother Kevin'." Brother Patrick said Brother Kevin was known the length and breadth of the country as a "tireless advocate for those with no voice", acting as the nation's conscience to remind the public of their obligation to help others out of the trap of poverty. "He was fearless, relentless in his pursuit of justice for the poor. I've no doubt that his great spiritual father St Francis is embracing him today for the love and compassion he extended throughout his religious life for God's poor." He added: "Kevin had a mission in life, it was very simple: Feed and house the poor. "He couldn't understand why in our country we couldn't solve this problem." Brother Patrick said Brother Kevin was a man who enjoyed the company of friars and friends, had a love of the GAA marked by a hurley placed beside his coffin during the service, and who had a great sense of humour demonstrated by his ability to laugh at himself. Remembering his friend for over 60 years, he concluded: "He wasn't perfect, he could be feisty and challenging when he disagreed with you. "But what he did have in abundance was a generous, compassionate heart and that is what made the man. "Kevin, thank you for your good example." The service was also read letters containing tributes from the Apostolic Nuncio of Ireland Luis Mariano Montemayor and General Councillor Brother Marek Miszczynski. Brother Kevin's burial site is at Dardistown Cemetery.
Irish Times
4 hours ago
- Irish Times
Br Kevin Crowley remembered as ‘fearless and tireless advocate' for the most vulnerable in society
Br Kevin Crowley was a 'fearless and tireless advocate' for the most vulnerable in society and a man with a 'generous, passionate heart', the funeral of the late Capuchin Friar has heard. The founder of the Capuchin Day Centre for homeless people in Dublin died this week, aged 91. His funeral at the St Mary of the Angels church on Saturday morning, one street over from the homeless centre, was attended by hundreds of mourners who paid tribute to the man who represented 'the conscience' of the Irish people. Known to most simply as Br Kevin, he was 'a tireless advocate for those with no voice' and 'always had a particular affection for the vulnerable people in our country', Br Patrick Flynn told the packed church in Dublin 7. READ MORE He was a 'driven' and 'deeply religious' man who 'used his gifts well', the congregation heard. The Funeral of Br Kevin Crowley at the St Mary of the Angels Church in Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan Mourners pay their respects by touching the coffin of Br Kevin Crowley. Photograph: PA Br Flynn recalled how Br Kevin awoke at 4am each morning, went to chapel for prayer at 4.30am and then walked over to the day centre to prepare for the hundreds of people who would arrive for breakfast. 'Kevin was really good at spotting people in distress and gently taking them under his wing,' he said. [ Br Kevin Crowley obituary: Champion of the homeless Opens in new window ] 'He wasn't perfect; he could be feisty and challenging. But what he did have in abundance was a generous, passionate heart.' Tributes were also paid to the staff and volunteers at the centre. 'He was never a one-man band,' said Br Flynn. 'One of his great gifts was to inspire other people to come with him.' Br Crowley's funeral cortege leaving the church. Photograph: Tom Honan A mourner reaches to touch Br Crowley's coffin on Saturday. Photograph: Tom Honan A letter sent from the Capuchin general council in Rome following Br Kevin's death – recalling how he had founded the day centre in 1969 in response to seeing homeless men eating from rubbish bins – was read out during the mass. It noted how the late Pope Francis, who visited the Capuchin centre during his visit to Ireland in 2018, said he was 'moved' by Br Kevin's 'beautiful' work in Dublin. Br Richard Hendrick, principal celebrant of the funeral, expressed the Capuchin friars' commitment to carry on Br Kevin's work into the future. 'It will continue and it will grow and as long as there are guests who wish to avail of the service, we make it our commitment as friars to be there for you along with the staff and the volunteers.' Saturday's funeral was attended by President Michael D Higgins and his wife, Sabina. Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell, retired archbishop Diarmuid Martin and Bishop of Cork and Ross Fintan Gavin joined in the celebration of mass. Archdeacon David Pierpoint also attended, representing the Church of Ireland. Following the mass, the funeral procession made its way slowly up Church Street to the sound of applause from attendees and members of the local community. It turned on to King Street North and then to Bow Street where it stopped briefly in front of the Capuchin Day Centre. A mourner holds a funeral booklet for Br Kevin Crowley. Photograph: Tom Honan Alan Bailey, the centre's manager, recalled how Br Kevin had built it up from 'nothing' to providing daily breakfasts to 400 people and dinners to 700. This Saturday alone, just under 400 people attended for breakfast. 'We had to close early today to get to the funeral,' Mr Bailey said. When the centre opened in the late 60s, Br Kevin never could have imagined the hundreds of people who would be in need of food five decades later, said Mr Bailey. 'We never thought we'd still be here. There will come a day when we can close the door and say his work is done. But that day is not here yet.' Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said Br Kevin's life, and death, set the challenge to 'do better' in responding to the State's homelessness crisis. He 'respected people immeasurably' but was also 'extremely opinionated', said Ms McDonald. 'He couldn't have achieved what he achieved without incredible stamina and very strong opinions. He was a man of love but he hated poverty.' Senator Aubrey McCarthy, founder of the Tiglin Lighthouse homeless cafe, said Br Kevin was a 'beacon of light to thousands of people in the inner city' who worked 'without judgment' and with 'humility'. Mr McCarthy said he had contacted Dublin City Council and the Lord Mayor requesting a street in the capital be named after the friar. 'He would possibly not like it, but I do think we need to pay tribute to Br Kevin, who really made a difference to the people of Dublin.'
The Journal
6 hours ago
- The Journal
Brother Kevin Crowley gave ‘life's service' to the poor, funeral told
BROTHER KEVIN CROWLEY had a simple mission to feed and house the poor, his funeral has been told. Brother Kevin, who died on Wednesday at the age of 90, founded the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in 1969 in response to seeing homeless men eating from rubbish bins. Throughout a 55-year history, he oversaw much of its development in response to the needs of homeless people. The centre offers two hot meals per day Monday to Saturday, as well as food parcels and a range of services including clothing, showering facilities, and medical interventions. It provides more than 1,000 hot breakfasts and dinners each day. Brother Kevin was said to be grateful to be awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin in 2015 and for the visit of Pope Francis to the centre in August 2018. He retired in 2022 to Cork, where he was born and died earlier this week. His funeral took place at St Mary of the Angels on Church Street in Dublin on Saturday. President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina Higgins were among guests in an 'overflowing' church, which the service heard was receiving guests from all over the island of Ireland. President Michael D Higgins arriving at the funeral mass of Brother Kevin Crowley. Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell and former primate of Ireland Diarmuid Martin attended the mass alongside Capuchin Franciscans and staff at the day centre. Also present were Commandant Joe Glennon representing Taoiseach Micheal Martin, who is concluding a trade mission in Japan, Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam, and other public representatives from the city council and Oireachtas, including Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald. Leading the service as provincial minister, Brother Richard Hendrick welcomed Brother Kevin's 'two families' – his natural family as well as the staff, volunteers and guests of the Day Centre. 'You are all welcome here today. While Brother Kevin was the inspiration and face as it were of the work of the centre, without all of you there would be much less reason for our gathering. 'We thank you for all you were to Brother Kevin, for all you are to us Capuchin Friars and for all you do to keep that vision alive of a place of refuge and Franciscan welcome in the heart of the city open to all.' Brother Richard said they had been 'inundated' with stories of the care and love Brother Kevin shared to others, as well as the love shared to him. He said Brother Kevin vision was that no one would go hungry and that all would fall a place of inclusive welcome and peace. Advertisement Brother Richard said the day centre 'will continue and grow' as long as there are guests who need its services. Recalling recent queries from visitors if the centre would stop operating, he added: 'I think Kevin would haunt us all if there was even a thought of that.' Brother Richard thanked all those who had gathered, as well as all those worked at the day centre. 'Yesterday, we heard that there would be two minutes of silence – one in Dublin and one in Cork before the GAA matches take place. 'It is probably Kevin's greatest achievement that as a Cork man he has finally silenced Dublin.' In a homily, Brother Patrick Flynn said Brother Kevin gave a 'life's service' to the poor. He said the proud west Cork man was a 'very, very good Capuchin friar', a 'man of God', a 'disciple of Jesus Christ', and a 'humble, devout son of St Francis of Assisi'. 'He was a Capuchin to his fingerprints. Most people didn't know his family name of Crowley, but they knew of 'Brother Kevin'.' Brother Patrick said Brother Kevin was known the length and breadth of the country as a 'tireless advocate for those with no voice', acting as the nation's conscience to remind the public of their obligation to help others out of the trap of poverty. 'He was fearless, relentless in his pursuit of justice for the poor. I've no doubt that his great spiritual father St Francis is embracing him today for the love and compassion he extended throughout his religious life for God's poor.' He added: 'Kevin had a mission in life, it was very simple: Feed and house the poor. 'He couldn't understand why in our country we couldn't solve this problem.' Brother Patrick said Brother Kevin was a man who enjoyed the company of friars and friends, had a love of the GAA marked by a hurley placed beside his coffin during the service, and who had a great sense of humour demonstrated by his ability to laugh at himself. Remembering his friend for over 60 years, he concluded: 'He wasn't perfect, he could be feisty and challenging when he disagreed with you. 'But what he did have in abundance was a generous, compassionate heart and that is what made the man. 'Kevin, thank you for your good example.' The service was also read letters containing tributes from the Apostolic Nuncio of Ireland Luis Mariano Montemayor and General Councillor Brother Marek Miszczynski. Brother Kevin's burial site is at Dardistown Cemetery.
