Kevin Crowley (friar)
Kevin Crowley O.F.M. Cap., known as Brother Kevin (24 February 1935 – 2 July 2015), was an Irish Capuchin friar.
Born in Enniskeane, County Cork, Crowley was educated at Kilcolman National school and Bandon Vocational School.[1] He worked initially as a signalman with CIÉ but joined the Capuchin Franciscan Order in Kilkenny in 1958, finishing his noviciate in Rochestown, and taking final orders in 1963.[2]
Stationed in Dublin and working in a Capuchin initiative which provided clothing for the unemployed and people with disabilities, Brother Kevin founded the Capuchin Day Centre in 1969. This centre initially provided soup and bread to the city's homeless and unemployed, before expanding to provide other hot meals, clothing, showers and medical services.[3]
Brother Kevin received the Freedom of the City of Dublin in February 2015.[4] He met with Pope Francis when he visited the Capuchin Day Centre during his visit to Ireland in August 2018.[5] Brother Kevin retired in August 2022.[6]
Brother Kevin died on 2 July 2025, at the age of 90.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ "Capuchin Day Centre will be Brother Kevin's lasting legacy, but he would have preferred if there was no need for it". Irish Independent. 3 July 2025. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
- ^ "50 years of heroism – Br Kevin Crowley". Irish Catholic. 9 December 2018. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
- ^ "Brother Kevin Crowley". Capuchin Day Centre. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
- ^ "Brother Kevin receives the Freedom of Dublin City". Capuchin Franciscans. 1 March 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
- ^ "Pope Francis visits homeless families at the Capuchin Day Centre". Vatican News. 25 August 2018. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
- ^ "'No one should have to queue for food in 2022': Brother Kevin speaks out ahead of his retirement". Irish Examiner. 19 August 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
- ^ "Cork native Brother Kevin Crowley, founder of Capuchin Day Centre, dies aged 90". Irish Examiner. 2 July 2025. Retrieved 7 July 2025.