Cork native Brother Kevin Crowley, founder of Capuchin Day Centre, dies aged 90
Brother Kevin Crowley. Picture: Nick Bradshaw / fotonic
Brother Kevin Crowley, founder of the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin, has died at the age of 90.
Originally from Enniskeane, Brother Kevin founded the day centre for homeless people on Bow Street in Dublin in 1969. He retired in August 2022 and returned to his native Cork.
The Irish Capuchin Franciscans said Brother Kevin died early on Wednesday "in the wonderful care of Mount Desert Nursing Home in Cork."
"He was known throughout the country and beyond as a Brother to the poor, particularly through his work in the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People which he founded on Bow Street, Dublin in 1969," said a statement.
"Through his ministry and life as a Capuchin Friar, Brother Kevin opened his heart and his hands to serve those most in need."
After founding the day centre in 1969, Brother Kevin became synonymous with serving Dublin’s poor for decades. The centre provides food and shelter to an average of 800 people each day. His last day at the centre was August 19, 2022.
In 2018, Pope Francis visited the centre, where he met Brother Kevin and some of the people who rely on its essential services.
President Michael D Higgins led the tributes, saying that through his support and respect for those most in need, Brother Kevin "made an invaluable contribution to the people of Dublin city".
He said the Capuchin Day Centre has gone on to provide essential services to the homeless population of the city for nearly 60 years.
"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.
"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.
"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."
President Higgins said Brother Kevin "leaves a wonderful legacy to all those whose lives to which he made such a difference".
Former lord mayor of Dublin Christy Burke said Brother Kevin was a remarkable man and a cherished friend.
“It was a pleasure to bestow the Freedom of the City on Br Kevin in 2015. He helped thousands of people who were homeless over the years. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. His legacy will live on forever,” Mr Burke said.
“For decades, Br Kevin was a beacon of compassion and dignity for those experiencing homelessness in Dublin. He gave his life to serving others, always with kindness, humility and quiet strength. To so many, he was nothing less than a living saint.
"When I last visited him in Cork, he spoke with deep affection about the people he had served and the incredible generosity he witnessed over the past 50 years. He never sought recognition, but he inspired countless others through his example.
“Today, I mourn not only a remarkable man, but a close and cherished friend. His presence will be missed dearly, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those he helped and those who loved him."
Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell said Brother Kevin's work "transformed the lives of the poor and marginalised" in Dublin.
"His was a love that reached out with no questions asked of those who sought assistance."
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
