Latest news with #CapuchinFranciscan
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 Post
02-07-2025
- General
- Irish Post
'Warm, caring, fearless': President Higgins leads tributes following death of Brother Kevin Crowley
PRESIDENT Michael D. Higgins has led the tributes following the death of Capuchin friar, Brother Kevin Crowley, at the age of 90. Br Kevin founded the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in 1969 after being moved by the plight of homeless people in the city. Over the course of the centre's history, Br Kevin — who is originally from Enniskeane, Co. Cork — oversaw much of its development in response to the needs of homeless people. Br Kevin, who welcomed the late Pope Francis to the centre in 2018, retired from his role in August 2022. "His commitment to people who were poor, homeless or in need in any way was a hallmark of the man who felt compelled to express his Capuchin Franciscan values through concrete actions," read a statement from the centre. Br Kevin shakes hands with Pope Francis during the pontiff's visit to the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in 2018 (Image: Damien Eagers / Maxwell Photography Pool Photos / Rolling News) In his tribute, President Higgins said Br Kevin 'made an invaluable contribution to the people of Dublin city'. "I was deeply honoured to meet with Br Kevin on many occasions throughout the years and to share in his company," said the president. "Br Kevin was a warm, caring, yet fearless man, who dedicated his life to living his Christian faith in dedication to those most in need. "Br Kevin leaves a wonderful legacy to all those whose lives to which he made such a difference." 'Warmth and decency' Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald described Br Kevin as 'a champion of the poor and of those who fall on hard times'. "A proud son of Cork, his relentless work in the Capuchin Centre here in Dublin is the stuff of legend. He lived for others and changed lives," she said. "He was a man of deep faith and real modesty. He loved people and worked every day to help those in need. "He believed fully that nobody should be forgotten or left behind. "Every time I met Br Kevin, his warmth and decency shone through. Br Kevin with then Taoiseach Enda Kenny in 2012 (Image: Laura Hutton / "The legacy he leaves us is a legacy of love and the belief that a person can make a difference." Archbishop of Dublin Fr Dermot Farrell said Br Kevin changed the lives of those he helped while seeking nothing in return. "Br Kevin devoted his life to the service of the poor," he said. "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 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." 'Unwavering commitment' The Salvation Army in Ireland said they hoped their own work would be a 'consolation to all who mourn Br Crowley's passing'. "He was a man of faith, compassion, and action who devoted his life to those most in need," read a statement from the charity. "His unwavering commitment to dignity, kindness, and inclusion changed countless lives. "We in the Salvation Army share in his values and mission of supporting our most vulnerable people particularly those experiencing homelessness." Br Kevin outside the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in 2020, with the centre's then chairman, Brother Peter Rogers (Image: Julien Behal Photography / Core to Br Kevin's vision and the Capuchin Day Centre's mission is the unconditionality of access irrespective of age, race, gender, nationality and religious or political beliefs. Those who come to the centre are not asked for any personal information, or about their reasons for accessing its services. This unique openness, fostered by Br Kevin, led to the Capuchin Day Centre becoming a bedrock of homeless services in Dublin and a reliable safety net for the most vulnerable in society. When Br Kevin founded the centre in 1969, around 50 people accessed it regularly — today, that number has grown to more than 1,000 hot breakfasts and dinners served each day. See More: Brother Kevin Crowley, Capuchin Day Centre, Michael D Higgins
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pope Francis's health worsens after inhaling vomit, rosary prayer to be held in Detroit
Pope Francis's health has taken a turn for the worse, according to the Vatican. He has been in critical condition after a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis." In a statement posted to the Vatican News on Friday, the Vatican said the pope, who is undergoing respiratory physiotherapy, experienced "an isolated episode of bronchospasm. This caused an episode of vomiting, which led to him inhaling some and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition." The 88-year-old underwent bronchial aspiration to clear his airways and was placed on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which improved his oxygen levels, according to the Vatican. The pope's bronchitis was publicly announced on Feb. 6. He was hospitalized at the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome on Feb. 14. More: Pope Francis in critical condition after a 'respiratory crisis,' Vatican says "He has remained alert and aware at all times, cooperating with therapeutic treatments," according to the latest statement. "The prognosis, therefore, remains guarded. In the morning, he received the Eucharist." Meanwhile, the Capuchin Franciscan friars will hold a rosary prayer for Pope Francis at St. Bonaventure Chapel inside the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit at noon on Saturday, March 1. Fr. Casey, who was born in 1870, is the co-founder of the Detroit Capuchin Soup Kitchen. He was beatified in the Roman Catholic Church in 2017, putting him one step closer to canonization. The center is located at 1740 Mt. Elliott St. More details about the rosary prayer will be posted at This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Pope Francis's health worsens after inhaling vomit, Vatican reports
