A native son of Ireland and longtime pastor of St. Rose Parish in Sacramento passed away Saturday at the age of 92.
Monsignor Edward Kavanagh died of natural causes.
Monsignor Kavanagh was the pastor, or in residence, at the St. Rose Parish for nearly 60 years. He oversaw an orphanage, daycare center and a school during his time, along with many different charities.
Rev. Jaime Soto, Roman Catholic Bishop of Sacramento, released a statement following the news of Monsignor KAvanagh's death:
“Monsignor Ed Kavanagh was an indomitable priestly figure, a force of nature. He cared deeply for the community, working tirelessly on behalf of the poor and children. He was an indefatigable defender of the unborn, always fighting to end the practice of abortion, because he believed all children deserve a chance. He gave his heart to the children and young people who passed through St. Patrick’s Home and Academy.
Did you need a job? A place to live? Maybe an old car to get to that job? A few dollars for gas? Monsignor Kavanagh would always find a way.
In all this Ed Kavanagh believed he was simply being a parish priest. His voice would frequently bellow with the words of the hymn he deeply loved, ‘When Christ shall come, With a shout of acclamation, To take me home what joy shall fill my heart, Then I shall bow in humble adoration, And there proclaim my God how great thou art.’ I am sure St. Peter and St. Patrick can already hear him coming.
