Mgr Michael Hourigan

Early Life

Michael Hourigan was born May 2, 1859 at Kilcullane, County Limerick in Ireland. His studies for the priesthood were undertaken with the Trappist monks at Mt Melleray College and his ecclesiastical studies were at St John’s College in Waterford. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 20, 1882 in St John’s College Chapel.

Appointments

He arrived in the Archdiocese of Adelaide on February 1, 1883. His first appointment was as assistant priest at Mount Barker for a year and then assistant to Dean Ryan in Mount Gambier where he stayed for 11 years..

On January 1, 1895 he was appointed parish priest of Brompton where he remained for seven years.

On January 2, 1902 he was appointed parish priest of Kadina, which at that time was still part of the Adelaide Archdiocese. He remained there for 10 years until he was appointed parish priest of Goodwood on January 1, 1912. And he remained at Goodwood for the rest of his priestly ministry.

During his time at Goodwood the buildings at the St Vincent’s Orphanage were enlarged and brought up to date and stood as a monument to his memory. All those who lived at the orphanage would long remember his gentle care for them.

On January 1, 1915 he was appointed a Diocesan Consultor. His leadership in the Archdiocese was recognised in January 1921 when he was made a Prelate of Honour with the title of Monsignor.

On death of Mgr Hurley VG Mgr Hourigan was on January 16, 1930 appointed Vicar General for the diocese. He continued in this role and was re-appointed by Archbishop Beovich in 1939. On three occasions he was left in charge of the Archdiocese – when Archbishop Spence was away on ad limina visit to Rome, on the death of Archbishop Killian in 1939 and when Archbishop Beovich went on his ad limina visit to Rome.

He died on June 5, 1951 at Calvary Hospital, North Adelaide at the age of 92 years. On June 7 Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated in the St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral by Archbishop Beovich assisted by Fr T.J. Maloney, a nephew and former assistant to Mgr Hourigan.

Tributes

In paying tribute to Mgr Hourigan Archbishop Beovich said: “For nearly 70 years he enjoyed the confidence and trust of Archbishops, the fraternal esteem and respect of fellow priests and the deep love and reverence of the people.

“We would find it hard to believe that he has left us, he seemed such an unshakeable part of the Archdiocese – an irremovable institution. But while missing him deeply we could rejoice in the triumph of his remarkable life and confidently hope in the everlasting reward for this great priest.

“Coming to Adelaide as a young 23 year old priest, intellectually he was gifted above average. He had a clear mind and was always a student. His reasoning faculties remained with him right to the end of his long life. He was as well a great and good priest, full of humility and kindliness and love for his fellow men, especially the poor. No priest in the diocese was more loved by his fellow priests – they were always welcome in his home and when they sought it they were assured of good advice. He had a special love for the young priests who would miss him most of all.

“He was loved by the people because he possessed those rare gifts of understanding and sympathy which enabled him to identify himself with the lives of people. He could appreciate their difficulties and their feelings.”

Many tributes also appeared in The Southern Cross newspaper, including one on his 91^st Birthday in May 1950. It read: ‘Though his sight is failing Mgr Hourigan is singularly blessed by God in his general health and in particular in the clarity and vigour of his mind. He is clear and cogent in is public speeches, and alert, wise and entertaining in his private conversation. He celebrates Mass every day and fulfils the exacting duties of parish priest in the large parish of Goodwood. He is endowed with the qualities of gentleness and sympathy to a remarkable degree. A loveable personality, he still manifests a quick and whimsical sense of humour. He is still acting as Vicar General and is in charge of the archdiocese in the absence of Archbishop Beovich.’

He was buried in West Terrace Cemetery where there is quite a significant grave stone memorial in his honour.

Requiem Mass was also celebrated in his native parish of Herbertstown Co. Limerick in Ireland on June 13 by three SA priests visiting Ireland at that time – Frs D O’Connell, W Collins, and P Molloy.

May he rest in peace.