A Special Memorial
“We should spend ourselves in the service of all, particularly those who suffer hardship and distress. Helping them in their material needs, let us, by our life, work and words, devote ourselves to their human development.”
Const 12:2-5 Rule and Testament of the Seraphic Father Saint Francis and Constitution of the Capuchin Friars Minor 1990
Dear Friends
We recently marked the first anniversary of the passing of our brother and founder of the Capuchin Day
Centre for Homeless People, Brother Kevin Crowley OFM Cap.
Remembering Brother Kevin
We Capuchin Franciscan Friars, joined by his family and friends, Day Centre Guests, staff, volunteers,
supporters and partners took time to remember Brother Kevin’s life and service at a Memorial Mass of
Remembrance on 2nd July 2026.
In the Day Centre, following the Mass, we unveiled and blessed a memorial that features a framed photo
of Brother Kevin, alongside an icon of St Francis of Assisi, which was presented by His Holiness Pope
Francis to the Capuchin Friars on the occasion of his visit to the Capuchin Day Centre in August 2018.
The memorial was unveiled by Denise Harris, a long-time friend of Brother Kevin and the friars and a
compassionate supporter of the Day Centre over many years, who kindly funded the memorial including
a protective glass display cabinet specially made to preserve the icon given its provenance and fragility.
Brother Kevin’s memorial on the wall of the dining
hall at the Capuchin Day Centre and standing
(L-R):
Fr Kevin Kiernan OFM Cap (Capuchin Director),
Denise Harris,
Br Martin Bennet OFM Cap (Chairman),
Brian Friel (CEO),
Br Richard Hendrick OFM Cap (Provincial)
The memorial reminds al who come through the doors of the Day Centre of Brother Kevin’s strong faith and vocation as a Capuchin Franciscan Friar, his vision and determination, his compassion and his service.
Mounted on the wal of our dining hal at the Day Centre, Brother Kevin’s image overlooks the breakfast and lunch services for our Guests – a fitting location that reflects his legacy and his vision that no one goes hungry.
A legacy of service
Brother Kevin was a friend to many and a champion of the most marginalised in our society.
He dedicated his life to helping homeless people as a Capuchin Friar.
I have some wonderful memories of Brother Kevin’s service and his humour. Before he started each day, he would spend some time in prayer in the friary. I’d come down at 5.30am and see him and I’d say, “Where were you? Were you out?,” and he would say “Oh yeah, I was at a disco last night. I’m only coming home.”
But, by that time each morning Brother Kevin would have already been over in the Day Centre putting on the porridge for breakfast for our Guests.
That’s the way he was – his whole life was centred on service.
There was only one Brother Kevin. He was a gifted man in the sense that he was very personal and reached out to people, especially those who were left out of society. He reached out to everyone and could connect with anyone.
Ireland is a multicultural society now. We will continue to welcome all people into the Day Centre and offer them shelter and food, medical and hygiene services, and family supports.
We are able to do this thanks to the compassionate support of people just like you, who care about our Guests at the Day Centre. The kindness of our supporters is felt each day, by the adults and families experiencing homelessness or food insecurity who are warmly welcomed through our doors to enjoy a hot meal and experience a moment of comfort and connection.
Br Kevin’s expression of our Capuchin values continues to inspire us as, together with our supporters, we continue the important work he started.
With Peace and Goodness,
Fr Kevin Kiernan OFM Cap
