Harrington, Gabriel, 1893-1953, Capuchin priest

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.