McCann, Cuthbert, 1906-1991, Capuchin priest

Robert McCann was born in Belfast on 2 July 1906. He joined the Capuchin Franciscans in October 1925. He made his solemn profession in 1929 and was immediately afterwards sent to Rome to study theology. He was ordained in the Italian capital in June 1932 and secured a Licentiate of Sacred Theology (STL) the following year. On his return to Ireland, he began teaching theology at Ard Mhuire Friary in County Donegal. He held various positions in the following years: two years as director of students in St. Bonaventure’s in Cork during which he time he obtained a Master of Arts degree; one year as mission secretary; eight years as a missionary friar in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia); nine years as master of novices in Rochestown Friary in County Cork. He was a member of the community in St. Bonaventure’s for twenty-four years most of which time was spent giving lectures in philosophy to novices. He also served as a Provincial Definitor (Councillor) for a total of nine years. At the time of his death (6 March 1991), he was a member of the Church Street community in Dublin. He was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.

Baptismal name: Robert McCann
Religious name: Fr. Cuthbert McCann OFM Cap.
Date of birth: 2 July 1906
Place of birth: Belfast
Name of father: John Patrick McCann (Cabinet Maker)
Name of mother: Mary Jane McCann (née Riddel)
Date of reception into the Capuchin Order: 4 Oct. 1925
Date of first profession: 4 Oct. 1926
Date of final profession: 4 Oct. 1929
Date of ordination (as priest): 17 July 1932 (Rome)
Education details: BA, 1st class hons. (NUI), 1929; Licentiate of Sacred Theology (Rome), 1933; Higher Diploma in Education (UCC), 1935; MA (UCC), 1936.
Missionary activity: Travelled to Barotseland, Northern Rhodesia (later Zambia), in October 1938. Returned to Ireland in 1946. He was elected 2nd Discreet of the Northern Rhodesian mission in March 1946 but was recalled to Ireland to take charge of the cleric novitiate in December of that year.
Leadership positions: Provincial Definitor (Councillor): 1949-51, 1958-61, 1967-70; Custos General: 1952-5, 1961-4.
Date of death: 6 Mar. 1991
Place of death: Blanchardstown, Dublin
Place of burial: Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin