Brother Kevin Crowley dedicated his life to a simple yet powerful mission: feeding and housing the poor. His legacy spans over five decades, starting with the establishment of the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in 1969. The inspiration behind this initiative came from Brother Kevin witnessing homeless individuals resorting to eating from trash bins.
The Capuchin Day Centre quickly evolved into a cornerstone of support for those experiencing homelessness. Providing two hot meals every weekday, along with essential services like clothing, shower facilities, and medical care, the center serves over 1,000 meals daily. Brother Kevin’s unwavering commitment to helping those in need earned him recognition, including being awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin in 2015 and a visit from Pope Francis in 2018.
After more than half a century of service, Brother Kevin retired to Cork, his birthplace, where he passed away at the age of 90. His funeral at St Mary of the Angels on Church Street in Dublin drew dignitaries and guests from across Ireland. President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina were among those who paid their respects at an overflowing church.
During the funeral service led by Archbishop Dermot Farrell and attended by various public figures including Lord Mayor Ray McAdam and Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald, Brother Richard Hendrick eloquently acknowledged Brother Kevin’s dual “families.
” He expressed gratitude to both Kevin’s biological family and the extended family comprising staff, volunteers, and guests of the Day Centre.
Reflecting on Brother Kevin’s remarkable impact, Brother Patrick Flynn described him as a man who embodied selfless service: “Kevin had a mission in life; it was very simple: Feed and house the poor.” Known for his tireless advocacy on behalf of society’s marginalized members, Brother Kevin was hailed as a fearless advocate for social justice.
In paying tribute to his friend’s memory during an emotional eulogy infused with humor and warmth, Brother Patrick highlighted not only Brother Kevin’s serious dedication but also his lighter side: “He wasn’t perfect… But what he did have in abundance was a generous heart.”
The outpouring of support at Brother Kevin Crowley’s funeral underscored how deeply he touched lives through his compassion-driven work. As Brother Richard emphasized during his remarks, “You are all welcome here today… without all of you there would be much less reason for our gathering.”
Brother Kevin Crowley’s profound legacy continues through the ongoing work of the Capuchin Day Centre—a beacon of hope and assistance for Dublin’s most vulnerable populations.
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