Monsignor Charles Patrick MULVIHILL
Born on July 21, 1932 in Galway City, Co. Galway, Ireland, Monsignor Charles Patrick Mulvihill died peacefully on Tuesday, August 16 in Kelowna B.C. at the age of 84 at Kelowna General Hospital.
In 1959 Father Charlie was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest at St. Patrick’s Seminary and then immigrated to Canada, spending his first year in Canada on loan to St. Anthony’s Parish in Edmonton before being moved to Kelowna in September of 1960 to serve as an assistant pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish. For the next 42 years Fr. Charlie served the Nelson Diocese wherever called, including parishes in Creston, Nakusp, Warfield, Trail and Summerland, but he had a special love for Kelowna where he spent over 25 years as pastor at St. Pius X Parish and Immaculate Conception Parish. Father Charlie “retired” from active priesthood in 2002 but continued to help out the Nelson Diocese, often substituting for priests who were away from their parish.
Blessed with a deep love of the Lord, a healthy dollop of Irish Charm, of quiet wisdom and resolve, Fr. Charlie went about ministering to many individuals and families in the course of his service to the Nelson Diocese, creating lasting friendships and becoming an extended part of many families who knew him as a pastor, a friend and as the priest who presided over most of their family’s weddings, funerals, baptisms and first communions. Fr. Charlie was an active part of the community wherever he served and was fundamental in the formation of Rachel’s Vineyard, the Okanagan Irish Society, had a long involvement with the Kelowna Catholic Public School Board (as it was then known) and was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Along the way he was honored with the role of Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nelson, a Prelate of Honor and finally as a Monsignor. Even with all of that, he remained “Fr. Charlie” to the many people who knew and loved him.
As Fr. Charlie’s health declined and without family in Canada, many of the people that he ministered to over the years took a turn helping him out in a variety of ways and he was very grateful for this. Fr. Charlie was predeceased by his parents, sister and brothers. He is survived by his sister in law, Bridie, his nieces Marie, Breda, Mary and by his nephews JJ, Charles, Patrick and Brian, all of Ireland.
Prayers for Fr. Charlie will be on Tuesday, August 23 at 7:00 pm at Immaculate Conception Parish, 839 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna B.C. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Parish on Wednesday, August 24th at 10:00 am, with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Joseph Project’s Masterpiece Campaign, 3665 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna B.C, V1W 2M7 or online at www.kelownacatholic.org. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com
250-860-7077.