Mannion, Godfrey, 1929-2000, Capuchin priest

John (Seán) Mannion was born in Dublin on 7 April 1929. He attended the Capuchin College in Rochestown in County Cork and joined the Order in October 1947 taking Godfrey as his religious name. He was ordained to the priesthood in May 1955. Soon after his ordination he was sent to Rome to undertake further theological studies obtaining a Licentiate of Sacred Theology (STL) in 1958. On his return to Ireland, he joined the community in St. Bonaventure’s Hostel and completed a Higher Diploma in Education in University College Cork. He spent the following ten years in Ard Mhuire Friary in County Donegal as a director of student friars and vicar. He was transferred to the Church Street community in Dublin in 1967 and would remain here for the next thirty years. He served as the national spiritual assistant for the Third Order of St. Francis confraternity for many years and was well known for the retreats and missions he gave to diocesan clerics and religious of other congregations and orders. He moved to the Capuchin residence in Raheny in 1998. Following a period of illness, he died in Raheny on 2 April 2000. He was buried in Dardistown Cemetery.

Baptismal name: John (Seán) Anthony Mannion
Religious name: Fr. Godfrey Mannion OFM Cap.
Date of birth: 7 Apr. 1929
Place of birth: 36 St. Jarlath Road, Cabra, Dublin
Name of father: Thomas Mannion (Draper’s Assistant)
Name of mother: Mary Mannion (née Morgan)
Primary School Education: Christ the King National School, Cabra, Dublin
Secondary School Education: Rochestown Capuchin College, County Cork
Date of reception into the Capuchin Order: 3 Oct. 1947
Date of first profession: 4 Oct. 1948
Date of final profession: 4 Oct. 1951
Date of ordination (as priest): 17 May 1955
Educational attainments: BA, 2nd class honours (1951); Higher Diploma in Education (1956); Licentiate of Sacred Theology (STL) (1958).
Leadership positions: Provincial Definitor (Councillor), 1970-9.
Date of death: 2 Apr. 2000
Place of death: Capuchin Friary, Raheny, Dublin
Place of burial: Dardistown Cemetery, Dublin