Fr Leo Cronin

Early life till ordination

Leo Joseph Cronin was born in Port Lincoln on the March 19, 1923, the elder son of Myles and Jessie Cronin. He received his early education at St Joseph’s Convent School in Port Lincoln and then went to Sacred Heart College for his Secondary education. He began his studies for the priesthood at Springwood, NSW and completed them at St Patrick’s College Manly. He was ordained in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral on the December 3, 1947. He was one of a class of 14 in that year.

Early ministries: the bikie priest

Leo began his priestly ministry at the Adelaide Cathedral parish, but after a few weeks he was appointed Assistant Priest at Colonel Light Gardens. Four years later in 1952 he returned to the Cathedral.  While at the Cathedral he was known as what today we might call a “bikie priest”. Both he and a fellow assistant priest, Brendan Bowler, were motorcycle enthusiasts and because they were of similar build and with similar features they were often confused with each other – even at times by their bishop at the time.

After four years at the Cathedral Leo was appointed to Semaphore parish and a year later in 1957 to Mt Gambier. While there he was asked to establish a new parish at Kingston in the South East where he took up residence in 1958. In 1960 he went to Pinnaroo and four years later moved to Kingswood, where he was Parish Priest for nearly 35 years.

Mildly conservative; fostering development

In all these parishes he was fondly remembered as a devoted and caring priest. It was during this period the Second Vatican Council occurred and many changes came into the life of the Church. Leo was probably seen by many as quite a conservative priest – but that was only partly true. Kingswood was a parish where there were many well educated people, both in secular and ecclesiastical sense. Leo was not one to stifle the initiative and enthusiasm in the many areas of liturgy and parish life, so his parish was a good example of development, especially in liturgy, music and lay leadership. Apart from the extension and remodelling of the parish church, the building of a new presbytery and development of the parish school, Fr Leo is remembered for enabling his parish to embrace the spirit of Vatican II.

Wider responsibilities

Leo’s interests and energy were not confined to the parish – he was involved in many other fields. For many years he was Chaplain to the Julia Farr Centre and also a member of the Board of Management. He served on the Matrimonial Tribunal for several years. He was also Chaplain to the Knight of The Southern Cross. For more than 30 years he served in various capacities on the Management Board of the Diocesan Salaries Scheme, later to become the Diocesan Presbytery Fund. His good business sense was much appreciated in all these areas. 

For many years he was Chairman of the Sick Priests Benefit Fund, later incorporated within the Presbytery Fund. In later years he was particularly concerned with the care and welfare of retired priests.

He was a Diocesan Consultor for 11 years in all. He served various terms on the Council of Priests, seven years in all, including two years as Chairman. He was also an inaugural member of the Diocesan Finance Council and served on that body for seven and a half years.  In all these areas he was widely recognised for his sensitivity, talent and wisdom.

Health setback, zest for travel

In 1983 Leo had heart by-pass surgery – but he did not allow this to curb his energy or enthusiasm in his ministry. He soon resumed his normal way of life, including a regular game of golf. In 1982 he participated in a pilgrimage to Rome for the new Archbishop’s reception of the Palium – yet another example of his sense of commitment. He was planning a further overseas trip in 2003, but he died a few months before the due date for leaving.

Caring for the sick while in retirement

Leo was especially remembered for his kindness to the sick and housebound. There were several nursing homes in the Kingswood parish and care for the sick was one of the priorities in his ministries. Even after his retirement he maintained that aspect of his ministry in the parish where he retired and he made regular visits to Tappeiner Court Nursing Home.

Serene acceptance

He was always good company and many remember his laconic wit. Another of his many qualities was his great serenity – the way he calmly accepted whatever came his way, whether personally with his health or the various happenings in his parish or the wider Church. This in turn reflected his faith and utter trust in God.

Fr Leo Cronin died suddenly on March 14, 2003, and his funeral liturgy was conducted in his former parish church, Our Lady of Dolours, Kingswood. He is remembered as a dedicated priest, one loyal and committed to his Church and always faithfully serving the people entrusted to his pastoral care. He was a man of wisdom, a true gentleman and a loyal friend to many.

May he rest in peace.