Msgr. Eugene O'Callaghan

Monsignor Eugene O'Callaghan passed away on Saturday, April 30 at the age of 86. This beloved pastor, mentor and friend to many served as a priest in the Archdiocese of San Antonio for 51 years, retiring in 2006. Born on July 9, 1929 in Derrivane, Inchigeelagh, Ireland, the oldest of five children, Father O'Callaghan knew early on he wanted to be a Catholic priest. While studying theology at St. Patrick's College in Ireland, Archbishop Robert Lucey from San Antonio invited him to come to Texas. So after his ordination on June 5, 1955, he arrived in Texas on a hot September day at the age of 25 to begin his life's work in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Father O'Callaghan's first assignment was at St. Mary Magdalene, where he served for eight years. Next he was assigned a short time at a parish in Victoria. During the 1960's he spent time in Ireland recruiting other priests to come to Texas. On his return he served in Palacios, a small town on the Texas coast. He spent five years in Schulenburg and then ten years at St. Benedict's Church in San Antonio. In June 1985 Father O'Callaghan began his final assignment in New Braunfels and served the Parish of Sts. Peter and Paul for 21 years until his retirement. Father O'Callaghan was instrumental in many building projects at Sts. Peter and Paul, most notably a large church expansion, Grotto and Parish Center. But he was most proud of the 24-hour Adoration Chapel he helped to establish. His legacy will also live on through the O'Callaghan Center, a building dedicated in his honor in June 2015 at the Mission of Divine Mercy, Canyon Lake, TX. Following his retirement, Father O'Callaghan returned to his native Ireland, and enjoyed winter months in Texas. He is survived by his sisters, Eileen Dineen and Josie Hackett, his brother John (Norma) O'Callaghan, brother-in-law Tadgh O'Connell and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his father and mother, John and Margaret O'Callaghan, sister Margaret O'Connell, and brother-in-laws, Sean Dineen and John Hackett. Visitation will begin at 5 pm on Wednesday, May 4 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church with a rosary at 7 pm. The Mass of Resurrection will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church on Thursday, May 5 at 11:00 am followed by a reception in St. Mary's Hall of the Parish Center. Burial will be in Father O'Callaghan's beloved Ireland, St. Finbarr Church, Inchigeelagh. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Mission of Divine Mercy, Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School, and John Paul II Catholic High School.