MICHAEL CULHANE, a former parish priest of Killeedy in Co Limerick, moved with ease between the pastoral world of priest and chaplain and the academic world of teacher and lecturer.
Following his ordination in 1966, his academic life was framed by his first ministry as curate to St Munchin’s Parish, Limerick (1966-1977), and his final ministry as parish priest at Killeedy parish (including Ashford and Raheenagh), Co Limerick (2005-2009).
In parish life he is fondly remembered for his strong pastoral approach, his openness and compassion, his youth initiatives and his quiet faith reflected in the quality of his homilies.
Michael began his post-graduate studies in divinity in the Gregorian University, Rome, in 1977. Cardinal John Henry Newman became the focus of his research, and in 1984 he received his doctorate in divinity.
While Rome reinforced Michael’s great love of learning, it also saw the beginning of a life-long friendship with Fr Michael Courtney, from Nenagh, Co Tipperary, a fellow student and kindred spirit.
Fr Courtney later became archbishop of Burundi, and in 2003 he was tragically shot while going about his daily duties. His death had a profound impact on Michael.
Michael had many academic appointments: as professor of theology at St John’s College, Waterford (1980) and at St John’s Seminary, Wonersh, England (1982); in 1984-2000 he was chaplain and lecturer in religious studies at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick. He applied his skill in teaching and lecturing with enthusiasm and commitment.
His academic prowess and proficiency regarding the works of Newman and Gerard Manley Hopkins was internationally recognised. In 2004 he was Sullivan visiting professor at Regis University, Denver. There he delivered courses on Cardinal Newman and Catholic theology.
Michael is greatly mourned by staff, colleagues, graduates, scholars and friends of the many institutions in which he taught and ministered. We remember him for his insightful teaching, for his academic contributions and for his generous, approachable, kind, and humble pastoral presence.
In compiling this appreciation many graduates (at home and internationally) were eager to express how Michael affected their lives. Some recalled his memorable and popular Justice and Peace course at Mary Immaculate College.
They remembered how he had visited India and met Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama, and how his experience of the Native American pueblos and the workshops of traditional santeros (“saint carvers”) and artists informed his understanding of theology.
His supportive, comforting presence at times of grief and loss and during student examination times was deeply appreciated. Many were grateful to him for introducing them to the meditation practice of Rev Fr John Main, OSB.
An appreciation of Michael would not be complete without singling out the Youth Exchange programme between St Munchin’s parish, in Limerick city, and Cloppenburg in Germany. Michael, a German speaker, along with former mayor of Limerick, John Cronin, and present mayor, Kevin Kiely, and many other locals, was instrumental in promoting the Cloppenburg initiative. Links forged with the then city manager of Cloppenburg, Herbert Rauch, have lasted 35 years.
Not long into his final ministry in Killeedy parish, Michael suffered a stroke and his health declined.
He died peacefully last July in St Catherine’s Nursing Home at Newcastle West in Co Limerick.
All who knew Michael well are deeply touched by his passing.
He was laid to rest, beside his mother and father, in his native Cappagh.
– EG and others