Gaynor, Barnabas, 1925-2001, Capuchin priest

Patrick Francis Gaynor was born in Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary on 17 May 1925. He received his primary and secondary education at the local Christian Brothers’ school. He entered the Capuchin novitiate at Rochestown in County Cork on 3 October 1944. He took Barnabas as his religious name upon joining the Order. He obtained a BA degree from University College Cork in 1948 and then proceeded to Ard Mhuire Friary in County Donegal for his theological studies. He was ordained to the priesthood on 12 June 1952. He served as assistant master of novices in Rochestown Friary until July 1953 when he moved to Kilkenny where he served as a questor for five years. In 1958 he was transferred to the Church Street Friary in Dublin. He taught religion in various vocational schools for ten years. He attended University College Dublin from 1971 to 1973 and was awarded a Higher Diploma in Education and later a Diploma in Counselling and Career Guidance. He also held the position of Provincial Bursar for two years. A posting to Cape Town in South Africa for missionary work was cut short due to medical issues and he returned to the Church Street Friary in Dublin. He continued to be active in ministry (particularly with the Secular Franciscan Organisation and Padre Pio prayer groups) until his death on 14 May 2001. He was buried in the Capuchin plot in Dardistown Cemetery in County Dublin.

Baptismal name: Patrick Francis Gaynor
Religious name: Fr. Barnabas Gaynor OFM Cap.
Date of birth: 17 May 1925
Place of birth: Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary (Diocese of Waterford & Lismore)
Name of father: Michael Gaynor
Name of mother: Margaret Gaynor (née Guiry)
Date of reception into the Capuchin Order: 3 Oct. 1944
Date of first profession: 4 Oct. 1945
Date of final profession: 4 Oct. 1948
Date of ordination (as priest): 12 June 1952
Educational attainments: BA, 2nd class hons. (1948); Higher Diploma in Education (1973)
Date of death: 14 May 2001
Place of death: Sacred Heart Residence, Sybil Hill Nursing Home, Dublin
Place of burial: Dardistown Cemetery, Dublin