Stuk 11 - Letter from Fr. Bernard Clery

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