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Baptismal name: Cornelius Francis Reardon
Religious name: Fr. Xavier Reardon OFM Cap.
Date of birth: 2 Feb. 1899
Place of birth: Blackrock Road, Ballintemple, County Cork
Name of father: Cornelius Reardon
Name of mother: Elizabeth Reardon (née Keane)
Date of reception into the Capuchin Order: 17 Sept. 1916
Date of first profession: 17 Sept. 1917
Date of final profession: 14 July 1921
Date of ordination (as priest): 29 June 1925
Educational attainments: BA (1926); Higher Diploma in Education (1926)
Missionary activities: Travelled to India in 1937. He returned to Ireland in 1948. Travelled to the United States in 1960. He returned to Ireland in 1967.
Date of death: 26 Dec. 1986
Place of death: Holy Trinity Friary, Cork
Place of burial: Cemetery, Capuchin Friary, Rochestown, County Cork.

From the ‘Necrology of the Western American Province’ (2005):

Cornelius Reardon was born in Cork on 2 February 1916. His early education was with the Christian Brothers’ schools in Cork (Sullivans’ Quay and North Monastery). He completed his studies at the Capuchin Franciscan College in Rochestown, County Cork (1915-6). On 17 September 1916 he was received as a novice in the Capuchin Order, taking Xavier as his religious name. The following year, after making his simple profession, he began philosophy studies in University College Cork. He returned to Rochestown to undertake theological studies. He was ordained to the priesthood at Holy Trinity Church in Cork on 29 June 1925. His first assignment was teaching in Rochestown College (1925-6). He then served in three communities in Ireland (Kilkenny, 1929-30), (Rochestown, 1930-1), (Church Street, Dublin, 1931-7). In 1937 he volunteered for missionary work under Archbishop Sylvester Mulligan OFM Cap. in India. For eleven years he laboured under difficult conditions, returning to Ireland in 1948. In the early 1960s he travelled to the United States and worked at various ministries in St. Patrick’s Friary in Wilmington, Delaware. Here he conducted novenas and retreats. He also helped in supply work. In 1963 he transferred to the new novitiate at San Lorenzo in Mission Santa Inés in California. Here he acted as spiritual director to the novices. He returned to Ireland in 1967 and spent the last years of his life in Holy Trinity Friary in Cork. He died on 26 December 1986 and was buried in the cemetery attached to Rochestown Friary in Cork.

Mulvany was born in the townland of Skearke Moynalty, County Meath on the 1 March 1864 to James Mulvany and Mary Monaghan. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Meath on 6 March 1892.

Following his predecessors death, Pope Pius XI named him Bishop of Meath on 12 April 1929 and he was consecrated on 30 June of that year, with Cardinal Joseph MacRory being the principal consecrator. He retained that position until his death in Mullingar on 16 November 1943.He died in the Bishops Palace, Mullingar, and is buried in the Cathedral grounds.
New cathedral

At the time of his appointment, Mulvany became involved with plans for a new cathedral for Mullingar and the Diocese of Meath to replace the aging Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (1836–1936). He took the plans to Pope Pius XI, who was supportive and requested that the new building be dedicated as The Cathedral of Christ the King.The building was completed from 1932 - 1936.

Mulvany opened St. Patrick's Classical School Navan in the former study hall of St. Finians College, Navan (which had moved to Mullingar).

John Anthony "Jack" Kyne (4 November 1904 - 23 December 1966) was the Roman Catholic Bishop of Meath, Ireland from 1947 to his death in 1966.

Kyne was born in Longwood, County Meath on the 4 November 1904. He won a scholarship to St Finian's College in Mullingar and later became a member of staff there. Kyne studied for the priesthood at the Irish College in Rome and was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Meath on 31 July 1927. From 1930, including during World War II, he served as a vice-rector of the Pontifical Irish College in Rome. In 1939 Pope Pius XII named him a Monsignor and further appointed him as Papal Chamberlain in 1940.
Episcopal ministry

Following his predecessors elevation to Archdiocese of Armagh in 1946, he was appointed Bishop of Meath on 29 June 1947,[1] a position he held until his sudden death in Mullingar on 23 December 1966.

Early Life and Ministry
Sylvan Murphy was born on 11 September 1899, in Belfast. Following his entry into the Capuchin Franciscan Order and his subsequent ordination to the priesthood, he was transferred to the American Custody. Recognized as an exceptional preacher and retreat master, Father Murphy possessed a powerful oratory style and deep theological literacy. He spent his early ministry on the East Coast of the United States, operating out of St. Patrick’s Friary in Wilmington, Delaware, to conduct missions across the Atlantic seaboard dioceses.

First Pastorate at Burlingame, California
In 1940, Father Murphy was appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Angels Parish in Burlingame, California, serving until 1946. His administration spanned the years of the Second World War, managing parish operations through wartime austerity and material constraints. Notably, capital improvements to the deteriorated parish rectory (affectionately dubbed ‘Uncle Tom's Cabin’) had to be deferred, requiring temporary structural maintenance until full replacement was possible in the 1950s.

Subsequent Assignments and Return to California
Following his tenure in Burlingame, Father Murphy was reassigned to pastoral duties across the Western missions:

• 1951-1952: Served as Pastor of Our Lady of Angels Parish in Hermiston, Oregon.
• 1960s: Returned to Our Lady of Angels Parish in Burlingame, California, serving as an Associate Pastor for several years.
• Final Assignment: Transferred to St. Joseph’s Parish in Roseburg, Oregon, where he assisted in local parish ministry during his retirement years.

Father Sylvan Murphy died in Roseburg, Oregon, on 3 September 1981. He is interred in San Lorenzo Seminary Cemetery, Santa Inés, California.

Early Life and Academic Formation
Gabriel Harrington was born Charles Harrington on 27 March 1893, in Cork. He received his preliminary education from the Christian Brothers at the North Monastery School in Cork before advancing to the Capuchin Franciscan College in Rochestown. On 14 September 1910, he entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order as a novice. His subsequent higher education comprised philosophical studies at University College Cork and theological training at Rochestown Capuchin College. He was ordained to the priesthood on 3 May 1918.

Missionary Assignments in the United States
In November 1919 Father Harrington was transferred to the American missions, embarking on nearly a decade of pastoral service across several states:

• Abbottstown, Pennsylvania: Assigned to the local Capuchin House, ministering from 8 December 1919, through September 1920.
• Bend, Oregon: Served as Assistant Pastor at St. Francis of Assisi Parish from September 1920 until 23 December 1922.
• Los Angeles, California: Appointed Associate Pastor at St. Lawrence of Brindisi Parish, serving from late 1922 until autumn 1927.
• Ukiah, California: Reassigned to St. Mary Parish in the Autumn of 1927.

Throughout these regional postings, Father Harrington travelled widely to conduct parish missions and novena devotions. This itinerant evangelical ministry served a dual purpose: spreading Catholic doctrine and generating critical financial support for the Capuchin friars.

Illness, Return to Ireland, and Final Years
During his assignments in the Western United States, Father Harrington developed severe arthritis, which progressively incapacitated him over the ensuing years. Due to his declining health, he returned permanently to Ireland in February 1929. He spent his remaining years in retirement at the novitiate Friary in Rochestown, enduring chronic pain. Despite his physical limitations, he remained an active participant in religious life. Father Harrington passed away on 25 December 1953. He is buried in the cemetery attached to Rochestown Friary in County Cork.

Early Life and Academic Formation
Adrian Sharkey was born Hubert Sharkey on 25 March 1879 in County Sligo. He received his primary education within the local National School system. Following the completion of his secondary education, he entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order in 1896. His philosophical and theological preparation was completed at the order’s houses of study in Cork and Kilkenny. He was ordained to the priesthood on 17 September 1903, at the Holy Trinity Church in Cork. The subsequent year was dedicated to advanced ecclesiastical studies in Louvain, Belgium.

Missionary Assignments and Pastoral Leadership
In 1915, Father Sharkey was assigned to the American Capuchin Mission, embarking upon fifty years of ministry across the United States:

• Bend, Oregon: Initial assignment to the Pacific Northwest mission field in 1915.
• Roseburg, Oregon: Transferred locally to continue parochial ministry.
• Lincoln, Nebraska: Appointed to his first pastorate.
• Los Angeles, California: Appointed Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in 1934.
• Ukiah, California: Transferred to serve as Pastor of St. Mary's Church from 1937 until 1940.

Administrative Governance and Chaplaincy
In 1940, Father Sharkey shifted into administrative leadership upon his election as Consultor to the Custos Provincial of the Irish Capuchins in America. He served continuously in this governance capacity for nearly a decade, concluding his term in 1949. Following his administrative tenure, he returned to Oregon in 1949 to serve as Chaplain to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Roseburg, providing pastoral care to hospitalized military veterans.

Father Sharkey passed away in Roseburg on 22 June 1965. He is buried in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Roseburg, Oregon.

Early Life and Religious Formation
Bernard Clery (spelled Cleary in some provincial records) was born in Cork on 24 August 1888. He was invested with the Franciscan habit on 4 October 1909. He pronounced his religious profession on 16 October of the following year, 1910. His ecclesiastical curriculum was completed at the Capuchin friaries in Cork and Rochestown, where he pursued comprehensive studies in philosophy and theology. He was ordained to the priesthood on 1 July 1917, at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Cork.

Domestic Ministry and Emigration to America
Following his ordination, Father Clery spent four years serving the domestic houses of the Irish Capuchin Province. In May 1921, he was officially transferred to the order’s mission territory in the United States to join the American custody, where his early career spanned several key postings:

• Lincoln, Nebraska: Stationed from 1921 to 1922, assisting with regional pastoral duties.
• Watts, California: Detailed to Southern California in 1922 to conduct evangelical parish missions.
• Roseburg, Oregon: Transferred to the Pacific Northwest in 1924 upon his appointment as Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Illness, Disability, and Final Years
A short time after launching his active ministry in the United States, Father Clery contracted multiple sclerosis. The progressive nature of the condition left him completely disabled, bringing a premature end to his active parish labour. For more than twenty years, he was completely unable to take part in active work. He was highly esteemed by his superiors, brother priests, and the laity for enduring his illness patiently and valiantly. He passed away in Oregon on 19 May 1952. He was buried in Roseburg, Oregon.

Religious name: Fr. Bernard Clery OFM Cap.
Baptismal name: Richard Patrick Clery
Date of birth: 24 Aug. 1888
Place of birth: Montenotte Cottage, Cork
Name of father: Richard W. Clery
Name of mother: Joanna ‘Jennie’ Clery (née O’Flaherty)
Date of reception into the Capuchin Order: 4 Oct. 1909
Date of first profession: 16 Oct. 1910
Date of final (solemn) profession: 21 Dec. 1913
Date of ordination (as priest): 1 July 1917
Missionary activity: Travelled to the United States on 18 May 1921
Date of death: 19 May 1952
Place of death: Roseburg, Oregon
Place of burial: Roseburg, Oregon

Early Life and Religious Formation
James O’Reilly was born on 11 September 1862 in County Cavan to Philip O’Reilly and Catherine O’Reilly (née Plunkett). He entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order as a lay brother, receiving the religious name Seraphin upon his investiture on 2 February 1889. He pronounced his first vows on 4 February 1890, and made his solemn, perpetual profession on 22 February 1893.

Domestic Ministry in Ireland
Following his professions, Brother Seraphin was assigned to the domestic houses of the Irish Capuchin Province. The primary scene of his religious labour was Rochestown Friary in County Cork. He served there for three years.

Missionary Service in the United States
In October 1914, Brother Seraphin travelled from Ireland to support the expanding American mission field, dedicating his final decade to the Western American houses:

• Hermiston, Oregon: Arrived in late 1914 to assist the local friars. During his assignment, he provided critical manual labour and support to help build the new Hermiston parish church.
• Ukiah, California: Transferred to Northern California to join the community at St. Mary's Parish, where he ministered for several years.

Within the Ukiah friary, Brother Seraphin managed the domestic operations of the house. Contemporary records from 1924 described him as an excellent chef and housekeeper who maintained a robust, distinguished, and fatherly presence, standing six feet four inches tall and wearing a well-trimmed beard.

Illness and Decease
In the early months of 1925, Brother Seraphin’s declining health caused profound alarm to his religious superiors. After receiving the last Sacraments of the Church, he passed away peacefully on 28 June 1925, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in San Francisco, California. He was buried in Ukiah, California.

Religious name: Br. Seraphin O’Reilly OFM Cap.
Baptismal name: James O’Reilly
Date of birth: 11 Sept. 1862
Place of birth: County Cavan (Diocese of Kilmore)
Name of father: Philip O’Reilly
Name of mother: Catherine O’Reilly (née Plunkett)
Date of reception into the Capuchin Order: 2 Feb. 1889
Date of first profession: 4 Feb. 1890
Date of final (solemn) profession: 22 Feb. 1893
Missionary activity: Travelled to the United States in Oct. 1914
Date of death: 28 June 1925
Place of death: St. Joseph’s Hospital, San Francisco, California
Place of burial: Ukiah, California

Early Life and Religious Formation
Valerian O’Leary was born Niall O’Leary on 5 September 1910 in Cork city. He received his preliminary education under the direction of the Christian Brothers in Cork. Following graduation, he entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order on 3 October 1927. He pronounced his solemn profession on 4 October 1931 and completed his theological curriculum over the ensuing years. He was ordained to the priesthood on 23 June 1935, at St. Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny, County Donegal.

Initial Ministry and Missionary Transfer
Following ordination, Father O’Leary served his initial clerical assignment as Assistant Master of Novices in Ireland from July 1935 to October 1936. In late 1936, he was transferred to the American missions, commencing his long service on the West Coast as Assistant Pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Roseburg, Oregon.

Apostolates and Governance
Father O’Leary held the unique distinction of working within every primary apostolate of the Western American Mission, encompassing parochial work, education, healthcare chaplaincy, formation, and administration:

• Educational Leadership: Appointed as the inaugural Principal of St. Francis High School in La Cañada Flintridge, California, directing the institution through its foundational years from 1946 until 1952.
• Provincial Governance: Elected as a member of the Custos-Provincial Council, serving a three-year administrative term from 1949 to 1952.
• Healthcare Chaplaincy: Served as Chaplain to the State Hospital in Ukiah, California, from 1957 to 1961, and later as Hospital Chaplain in Fresno, California, from 1968 to 1975.
• Local Superiorship: Appointed Guardian of San Lorenzo Seminary in Santa Ynez, California, serving from 1975 to 1982.

Archival Labors and Concluding Years
Upon completing his term as Guardian in 1982, Father O’Leary remained in residence at San Lorenzo Seminary. During this period, he dedicated his efforts to a long-term historical project initiated in 1972: updating, compiling, and publishing the Provincial Catalogue, a highly utilized reference registry for the jurisdiction. In his advanced years, Father O’Leary suffered from failing health. He died on 19 December 1991. He was buried in the Capuchin Provincial Cemetery, San Lorenzo Seminary, Santa Ynez, California.

Early Life and Religious Formation
Leopold O’Riordan was born Robert O’Riordan on 7 November 1912, in Cork. He completed his secondary education at the Capuchin Franciscan College in Rochestown, County Cork. On 3 October 1930, he entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order, receiving the religious name Leopold upon his admission into the novitiate at Rochestown. He pursued his philosophical curriculum at University College Cork, followed by theological studies at Ard Mhuire Capuchin Friary in County Donegal. He was ordained to the priesthood on 19 June 1938, at St. Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny, County Donegal.

Missionary Transfer and Early West Coast Ministry
Following his ordination, Father O’Riordan was transferred to the United States to support the Western American missions. His early ministerial path across the Pacific Coast included:

• Los Angeles, California: Stationed from 1938 until 1949, engaging in parochial ministry alongside the local community of friars.
• Roseburg, Oregon: Transferred to the Pacific Northwest in 1949, serving as an Associate Pastor at St. Joseph Parish.
• Hermiston, Oregon: Reassigned locally in 1950 to serve as an Associate Pastor at Our Lady of Angels Parish.

Pastorate and Parochial Expansion in Hermiston
On 12 January 1952, Father O’Riordan was elevated to Pastor of Our Lady of Angels Parish in Hermiston, initiating a significant fifteen-year tenure defined by extensive infrastructural growth. Driven by a commitment to religious instruction, he oversaw a major capital campaign that successfully funded and developed the parish complex, constructing:

• The permanent Parish Church
• The Parish Hall
• The Parochial Rectory
• Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) classrooms

On 23 April 1963, he celebrated his silver jubilee in the priesthood. The milestone was marked by a Solemn High Mass presided over by Bishop Francis P. Leipzig of the Diocese of Baker, featuring a sermon delivered by the Reverend William Stone. The subsequent civic banquet held in the new parish hall was attended by diocesan clergy, religious sisters, 300 parishioners, and prominent civic figures, including members of the Hermiston Ministerial Association, the local mayor, and the president of the Chamber of Commerce.

Later Pastorates and Chaplaincy
In October 1965, concluding fifteen years of service in Hermiston, Father O’Riordan returned to California upon his appointment as Pastor of Our Lady of Angels Parish in Burlingame. He was subsequently reassigned to Oregon as Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Bend, where he replicated his earlier building success by erecting a new parish hall. His final assignment was as Chaplain to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Roseburg, Oregon, where he provided pastoral care to hospitalized military personnel. Following a protracted illness, Father O’Riordan passed away in Roseburg on 28 February 1991.