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Irish Examiner
05-07-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
'Fearless and relentless': Brother Kevin Crowley 'inspired Ireland to be kinder to the poor'
The founder of Dublin's Capuchin Day Centre was today remembered as a "feisty and challenging' man with a 'compassionate heart' who inspired the people of Ireland to be 'kinder' to the poor. In a tribute to Brother Kevin Crowley, who died at the age of 90 on Wednesday, one of his fellow Capuchin Friars told mourners: '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.' Brother Patrick Flynn added: 'Kevin, thank you for your good example you gave us Capuchins and also to the people of Ireland for inspiring us to be kinder, more thoughtful and more generous to our poor sisters and brothers who live among us.' President Michael D Higgins arriving at the funeral mass of Brother Kevin Crowley at St. Mary of the Angels Church, 7 Church Ter, Church St, Dublin. Picture: Leah Farrell/© His homily received a round of applause from mourners packed into the Church of St Mary of the Angels, Church Street, Dublin 7. They included President Michael D Higgins, the Dublin Lord Mayor Ray McAdam, and Commandant Joe Glennon, Aide de Camp representing Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris. Mourners at the service, which was celebrated by Capuchin Franciscan priest-friar Brother Richard Hendrick, also heard Br Kevin's motto was 'Do it, damn it'. Brother Patrick said: 'He couldn't understand why our country couldn't solve this problem (of poverty). You see, he was the kind of man that didn't see problems. 'He only saw challenges. His attitude, our motto was, do it, damn it. He was never afraid to speak his mind, and he didn't worry if he upset people and the government or anybody else. 'He was a voice speaking loudly and clearly in the name of God's poor and our poor. He was a tireless advocate for those with no voice. 'He was at one with his people, reaching out with his loving, generous, compassionate heart. He was our conscience, reminding us of our obligation to support and help our sisters and brothers who are caught in the poverty trap with no way out unless we bend down to lift him up. 'He was fearless, relentless in his pursuit of justice for the poor.' Former Archbishop Diarmuid Martin on his way to the funeral of Brother Kevin Crowley at St. Mary of the Angels Church, 7 Church Ter, Church St, Dublin. Picture: Leah Farrell/© Originally from Enniskeane, West Cork , Brother Kevin founded the day centre for homeless people on Bow Street in Dublin in 1969. He became and remained synonymous with serving Dublin's poor at a centre that today provides food and shelter to an average of 800 people each day. When he retired at the age of 87 in August 2022, he said he planned to leave Dublin and return to what he described as 'the most beautiful county in Ireland' - his native Cork. Despite this, he made no secret of his fondness for Dublin, and boasted of being 'a great Dubs supporter'. Mourners heard he received many awards and honors over the years for his work in the day centre, including Freedom of the City of Dublin. But they also heard he 'never took these honours too seriously'. Brother Patrick said: 'His focus was always on other people. He wanted to help other people. He was really good at spotting people who were in distress and gently taking them under his wing. It was a gift that he excelled in. 'Countless men and women today would say that Kevin saved their lives.' Mourners were also told that although he rarely spoke about them he had had 'huge' health issues of his own for more than 40 years. He was one of the first people in the country to have open heart surgery. 'He never made much of his sickness through all the years he was in and out of hospital,' Brother Patrick said. 'It's amazing that he lived to his 91st year. It's simply a miracle.' To laughter, he added: 'A story he told me himself was that one day he met his surgeon who had performed the surgery on his heart and he looked at Kevin and he said to him, don't tell me you're still alive.'
Irish Independent
03-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
The Irish Independent's View: Brother Kevin had a heart big enough to carry troubles of so many and inspired Pope Francis
Neither the splendours of Rome nor the domes of the Vatican troubled his thoughts as he humbly concentrated his energies on feeding the lines of hungry people that grew in the decades since he opened his soup kitchen on Dublin's Bow Street in 1969. 'I saw the people looking into dustbins and taking food out of the dustbins,' he said in one of his last interviews. 'As a follower of Saint Francis, I decided something should be done for them.' From a modest start preparing 50 meals a day, the centre was providing more than 800 by 2018. He was always a gentle, meek man, but his perennial red cheeks would glow a shade deeper when he contemplated how the tide of need was rising instead of ebbing, despite the country becoming increasingly wealthy. The movers and shakers at the top of the hierarchy did not figure greatly in his thoughts, but his legacy of devotion and care will live on in the minds of those shunted to the margins of our ever more busy world. You are a child of God He would come to the attention of Pope Francis. When the pontiff visited Ireland in 2018, he made his way to the Capuchin Centre to meet the diminutive Leesider. In Rome, Francis regaled a group of Italian Capuchins on how he had been inspired by the warmth, kindness and deep humanity he had witnessed on Bow Street. He then quoted Brother Kevin's account of how the centre was open to all: 'Here we do not ask where you come from, who you are. You are a child of God.' Everyone who met Brother Kevin was struck by his meekness; a small man lost within a giant brown habit. You came away wondering how a heart big enough to carry the troubles of so many could be contained in such a tiny frame. On that day in Rome, Pope Francis also told his audience not to forget that 'the devil enters from the pockets'. Brother Kevin and his fellow Capuchins devoted themselves to making sure that those who had nothing in their pockets still had somewhere safe to go – a sanctuary where they would be treated with dignity. Many now fear the church has become remote and distant. They saw the spires of churches shaken by scandals. They also feel its future rests not in great cathedrals or gilded basilicas, but in the priceless selfless acts of compassion as exemplified by brother Kevin and his confreres. Pope Francis also warned of the risks of transforming pastors from servants to masters. However, for Brother Kevin there was never any such risk – the only privilege he recognised was to be a servant of the poor.
Sunday World
02-07-2025
- General
- Sunday World
Founder of Capuchin Day Centre, Brother Kevin Crowley, dies aged 90
Breaking | 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.
The Journal
02-07-2025
- General
- The Journal
Brother Kevin Crowley, founder of Dublin's Capuchin Day Centre, has died
THE FOUNDER OF the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People in Dublin City Brother Kevin Crowley has passed away, it's been confirmed. The esteemed humanitarian founded the organisation in 1969. It provides over 1,000 hot meals each day and more than 1,450 food parcels each week to those in need and those who are homeless. Brother Kevin was a Capuchin Friar who devoted his life to supporting people living in poverty and in food need. The Capuchin Franciscans today confirmed that Brother Kevin died early this morning in the 'wonderful care' of the Mount Desert Nursing Home in Cork. 'Through his ministry and life as a Capuchin Friar, Brother Kevin opened his heart and his hands to serve those most in need,' they said. Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell offered his 'sincere sympathy' to Brother Kevin's family and his Capuchin Confréres on his death. 'Brother Kevin devoted his life to the service of the poor. 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 further said. The Archbishop said that as we mourn Brother Kevin, 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 country today.' President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins joined with all those who have 'expressed such sadness' on learning of Brother Kevin's death. 'I was deeply honoured to meet with Brother Kevin on many occasions throughout the years and to share in his company. Brother Kevin was a warm, caring, yet fearless man, who dedicated his life to living his Christian faith in dedication to those most in need,' Higgins said. 'Sabina and I will miss his messages, which continued after his move to Cork,' he added. Advertisement Tánaiste Simon Harris said that Brother Kevin was 'one of life's true heros' who devoted his life to helping others. 'A proud Cork man, he made an enormous contribution to assisting vulnerable Dublin people with the foundation of the Capuchin Day Centre,' he added. Harris said that the work of the day centre went beyond the provision of food, as it provided a range of medical services and family supports. Brother Kevin was originally from Enniskeane in Co. Cork. In his early days as a friar he worked in the Co-operative Clothing Guild for unemployed persons and families in Dublin. In 1969 he had the small Guild offices on Bow Street reconstructed to create the day centre, with its chief purpose being to 'relieve the hardship endured by homeless people'. The centre went on to become a core part of homelessness supports in Dublin. In recent years, it has also extended its support to international protection applicants who were living homeless in the city. In 2018 the late Pope Francis visited the centre and met service users, and said that the Capuchins are 'especially attuned with the people of God, and indeed with the poor'. Father Kevin Crowley meeting Pope Francis. Brother Kevin retired in 2022 at the age of 87. On his retirement President Michael D. Higgins said that Brother Kevin had led an 'invaluable service that is providing essential food and compassion to those most in need in our capital city'. He praised Brother Kevin and his team for their 'great spirit of shared humanity and determined pursuit of dignity, their practical work in the delivery of human rights for all our fellow citizens.' At the tome. Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell said Brother Kevin had 'devoted his life to the service of the poor'. Brother Kevin will be laid to rest on Saturday 5 July, with a funeral mass to be held at 11am at St Mary of the Angel's, Church Street, with burial afterwards in Dardistown. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
02-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
President Michael D Higgins leads tributes as founder of Capuchin Day Centre, Brother Kevin Crowley, dies aged 90
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.' 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. ADVERTISEMENT "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. '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.
