Latest news with #BrKevinCrowley
Irish Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
What did you do if you were young, Irish and idealistic 60 years ago? You joined the missions
A cartoonish version of Irish history portrays priests and nuns as conservative, and the general public as relatively liberal or progressive. But then how do you explain Br Kevin Crowley (90), the Franciscan friar who was remembered at his funeral as a 'tireless advocate' for the most vulnerable in society? Or how do you explain Sr Mary Kileen, a fearless campaigner for children's right in Kenya who features in a new RTÉ documentary series, The Last Irish Missionaries? Becoming a missionary doesn't sound very woke. But it was the sort of thing you did if you were young, Irish and idealistic 60-plus years ago. At the age of 16, Killeen was set to get married to a farmer with 'a lovely tractor, a lovely house', she explains to presenter Dearbhail McDonald in the series. 'It could have been a beautiful life ... He became the richest man in that district.' Instead Killeen went back to school, trained as a teacher and joined the Sisters of Mercy. She has spent her life since working for neglected children in Nairobi, helping to establish a string of schools while also blowing the whistle on cases of clerical child sex abuse. The first major wave of Irish Catholic missionaries a century ago were largely focused on 'saving souls' but gradually they moved into education, healthcare and social justice. Evangelisation is a dirty word today. But for many Irish missionaries, it meant demonstrating in practical ways what it meant to be Christian. By the time of Vatican II in the 1960s, the Irish missionary credo was that of Francis of Assisi: 'Preach the Gospel everywhere, and if necessary use words.' The influence of Irish missionaries could be seen in Ireland's official aid programme as well as the founding of agencies such as Trócaire, Goal and Concern. The latter was started by Spiritan priests Fr Jack and Aengus Finucane. Bob Geldof , who went to a Spiritan-run school, became friends with the Finucanes, as did Bono . The U2 singer said Jack Finucane 'turned my life upside down' when he met the priest on a trip to Ethiopia shortly after the Live Aid concert in July 1985; the visit 'began my life as an activist', Bono later said. Bob Geldof with Bono and other performers at the Live Aid concert in July 1985 at Wembley Stadium in London. Photograph: BBC/Brook Lapping/Mirrorpix via Getty It is worth remembering these positive influences at a time when basic human values are under attack. The Trump administration is dismantling the US Agency for International Development under the pretext of combating 'liberal' ideology and reducing wasteful spending. A study in the Lancet last month estimated the agency's closure could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030. 'If this isn't murder, I don't know what is,' Bono said in a message to USAid staff on their last day of work. 'It's not left-wing rhetoric to feed the hungry, heal the sick.' [ Spiritans' promise of redress must be 'substantiated by actions', says abuse survivors group Opens in new window ] Within Trump's political movement, only the Maga ideology is tolerated – everyone else is an extremist, corrupting the minds of Americans. You may think Pope Leo XIV is a reasonable sort of chap – he worked with the poor in Peru for more than a decade, and has urged people to ' to be missionaries ... of true love for a suffering world'. But, no, according to social media activist and Trump loyalist Laura Loomer, the new pope is 'a total Marxist like Pope Francis'. Evangelising on diversity, equity and inclusion has become particularly fraught in the US, with a purge ongoing in education. Last month University of Virginia president James E Ryan was forced out of his job due to an 'overt commitment to social equity'. Jim Bacon, a conservative commentator who led the charge against Ryan, explained: 'Pursuing social justice, as opposed to focusing on the core mission, means that instead of educating kids, he's indoctrinating them.' Away from the divisive rhetoric of US politics, we in Ireland have our own reconciliation to make with agents of 'indoctrination'. There is a live debate about whether to overhaul school patronage. About 90 per cent of primary schools and half of secondary schools have a Catholic patron. Is it time to run them from the door? [ Churches are half-empty. So why does the Catholic Church still control so many of our primary schools? Opens in new window ] One possible solution is for Catholic schools to evangelise but not indoctrinate. In other words, all the St Marys and St Patricks would retain their Catholic identities – and demonstrate their Christian ethos through the good example of the school community. But crucially, faith formation, and especially sacramental preparation, would take place outside the school gates. This would be a win-win. It would end the anomaly of the State paying teachers' salaries to instruct pupils in Catholic Church teaching. But it would allow Catholic patrons to remain in place – and to evangelise, in the best missionary tradition, by modelling what it is to live a Christian life. [ A teacher writes: Sacramental preparation should not be a school responsibility Opens in new window ] The Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai , who in 2004 became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, was taught by Loreto sisters – they had set up a school in Limuru in the 1930s for girls who would otherwise go without an education. Maathai credited a Kilkenny woman, Sr Colombiere Kelly, with giving her both a love of science and a sense of social responsibility. Kelly died in 2021 in Nairobi aged 101. 'After my education by the nuns,' Maathai later wrote, 'I emerged as a person who believed that society is inherently good and that people generally act for the best.' If that's evangelisation, let's have some more. * The Last Irish Missionaries is broadcast on RTÉ One tonight at 9.35pm, with the second episode next Monday.
Irish Times
05-07-2025
- General
- 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.'
Irish Times
04-07-2025
- General
- Irish Times
‘He gave his whole life to the poor': Capuchin centre visitors among those paying respects to Br Kevin Crowley
Some of the people who have received welcome, food and shelter at Dublin's Capuchin Day Centre over the last half-century were among those came to pray and spend some final, quiet time with its founder, Br Kevin Crowley, on Friday. The friar, originally from Enniskeane, Co Cork, died on Wednesday aged 90 . His funeral takes place on Saturday. A steady trickle of people arrived throughout Friday at Dublin's the 19th century Church of St Mary of the Angels, where the remains of the man known to all as Br Kevin reposed. 'He was a lovely man. He very helped an awful lot of people, and he helped me in my darkest days,' Sarah Foran said. READ MORE Sarah Foran, Damien Devereux and Capuchin Day Centre director Fr Kevin Kiernan pay their respects to Br Kevin Crowley. Photograph: Tom Honan Br Kevin had supported her when she was homeless and she felt 'very emotional' while standing by his coffin, Ms Foran said. 'I am originally from Darndale and live in Finglas now. Br Kevin helped everyone – the nicest man.' James Norris, originally from Co Waterford but living in Dublin for 40 years, said he had 'availed of Br Kevin's services' and the centre over the years. James Norris: 'The Holy Spirit was working in him.' Photograph: Tom Honan 'I am only after coming out from getting my dinner there. The people [in the centre] are non-judgmental. They treat everybody the same,' he said. 'If Br Kevin hadn't started that place people would be hungry. He was feeding half of Dublin. He had special grace from God – the Holy Spirit was working in him.' Joseph Deegan, aged in his 80s, became upset when asked why he had come to pay respects to the late friar. Joseph Deegan: 'He was very good to me at a very hard time.' Photograph: Tom Honan 'When I came home from America the man was very good to me, very good to me at a very hard time,' he said. Beverly Gannon, from Finglas, said she felt 'heartbroken and angry' as she emerged from the church. 'It was back in the 1960s when he set that up and we are here in 2025 and we are in an even worse condition,' she said. 'Can this Government not see? It takes that man in there to give his life doing the job that they should be doing. It is heartbreaking.' Beverley Gannon: 'He was a wonderful man.' Photograph: Tom Honan 'Up until last year I used to get [food] parcels [from the centre] and bring them to Finglas. The needs and the amount of people that he helped extend far beyond this area. [Government] are all coming out and saying what a wonderful man he was. He was a wonderful man that done their job.' Ita O'Malley, a retired garda, said she had come 'because he was just so good to the homeless'. Ita O'Malley: 'We could all take a leaf from his book.' Photograph: Tom Honan She said she was 'thinking 'if we could all just take a leaf from his book' ... not just the Government but all of us. 'He gave his whole life to the poor.' Solicitor Pol Ó Murchu said: 'We are poorer without him. He was a good man and he lived the Gospel of Jesus. Leaba i measc na naomh ag Kevin anocht,' he said. 'May Kevin have a bed among the saints.' Elieen O'Connor, a nurse working with homeless people in Dublin's Mater hospital, said she met Br Kevin 24 years ago when she attended a patient's funeral. Br Kevin Crowley outside the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw 'To this day any of my homeless patients will always mention Br Kevin. He is a big loss,' she said. Among those expected at his funeral are President Michael D Higgins, Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam, the Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell and Bishop of Br Kevin's native Cork and Ross, Fintan Gavin. But 'most important' among the mourners will be the those who use the day centre, its director Fr Kevin Kiernan said, adding that seats would be reserved for them.
Irish Times
02-07-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Capuchin Day Centre founder Br Kevin Crowley recalled as ‘champion of the poor'
Br Kevin Crowley, who died on Wednesday aged 90 , was remembered as 'a champion of the poor' and a man who 'saved many lives' at the Capuchin Day Centre he founded more than 55 years ago. The centre on Dublin's Bow Street, which provides food, clothing, medical and other care to the city's homeless and destitute, was busy as ever hours after his death was announced. Craig (37), from Dublin, who had just finished lunch of beef stew, potatoes and vegetables, said he had known Br Kevin for about 20 years. 'I wouldn't be alive today if it wasn't for him and this centre ... He saved many lives and he was a big part of my life. He was always welcoming. He'd shake your hand, ask how your day was. That means a lot to a homeless person. When you're homeless 90 per cent of people walk by you, but that man took 40 seconds out of his day to ask, 'how you are doing today?' READ MORE 'I am homeless still, living in a tent ... I would love a place [home]. Here, you can come in the morning; you are not rushed out the door. You can relax, go asleep, have a shower if necessary.' Derek (60) had known the late friar since about 2015. 'I was just made redundant and it was hard. I came in here to get dinners first. Br Kevin would sit down and chat with me. He was more like a father, a lovely man ... It's very sad now that he has passed. I hope I can get to the funeral.' Food bags at the day centre in Dublin's city centre. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins Robert, from Ballymun, who is living in a nearby hostel, said Br Kevin was 'always kind' to him. 'He'd always help me out with clothes, food ... It is so important, especially when you're in and out of homelessness.' Centre director Fr Kevin Kiernan heard of his mentor's death early this morning. 'Like everything, you are expecting it, but then when it comes, there is a shock. Kevin was 90 last February; he was ready. I spoke to him about two weeks ago and he said, 'I am very weak. I just want to go'. He embraced the Lord in death this morning and that's the way he wanted it ... He is a great loss for us, but his vision is still very much alive in the day centre.' Alan Bailey, a retired Garda detective who has volunteered at the centre for more than 50 years, described Br Kevin as a 'champion of the poor who devoted his whole life to the poor'. On the day he died, the centre he founded served more than 650 hot meals and distributed hundreds of food parcels. Br Kevin's remains will repose at St Mary of the Angels Capuchin Church on Church Street from Thursday evening and through Friday, where the public are invited to pay their respects.
