Item 11 - Letter from Fr. Vincent Kerwick

Francis Kerwick was born in Kilkenny city on 22 September 1883. He joined the Capuchin Franciscans in 1911, took Vincent as his religious name, and was ordained to the priesthood after the completion of his studies in March 1919. The following year he was assigned to the Capuchin mission custody in the United States. Most of his ministry was in Oregon. He was assigned to Hermiston from 1921 to 1924 working primarily in parish ministry. From 1926 to 1928 he ministered in the city of Bend in Oregon. While driving near McKenzie Bridge in Oregon state, he was involved in a serious accident when his car ran off the highway. He was rescued in time and narrowly escaped dying at the scene. From 1950 to 1951 he was pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Bend. Later, he was assigned to help the friars working in Los Angeles in California. Here he had another serious accident when he fell and severely injured his foot while getting off a streetcar. His last days were spent in Saint John of God of Rest Home in Los Angeles. He died on 4 May 1965 and was buried in Cavalry Cemetery in Los Angeles.

Baptismal name: Francis Kerwick
Name in religion: Fr. Vincent Kerwick OFM Cap.
Date of birth: 22 Sept. 1883
Place of birth: Kilkenny (Diocese of Ossory)
Name of father: Daniel Kerwick (Tea and Grocery Merchant)
Name of mother: Ellen Kerwick (née Lyons)
Date of reception into the Capuchin Order: 2 Sept. 1911
Date of first profession: 17 Sept. 1912
Date of final profession: 8 July 1916
Date of ordination: 15 Mar. 1919
Missionary activity: Travelled to the mission custody in the Western United States in 1920.
Date of death: 4 May 1965
Place of burial: Calvary Cemetery, Los Angeles, California