Larkin, Monsignor Patrick J

MONSIGNOR PATRICK J. LARKIN

March 24, 1980

Personal Info

  • Date of Birth:  9 March 1892
  • Place of Birth in Ireland: Knockanure , Newtownsandes
  • County: Kerry
  • Education: Knockanure and Tullamore National Schools in Kerry, St Michael’s College in Listowel and St Patrick’s College in Carlow
  • Date of Ordination: 4 June 1916
  • Place of Ordination: St Patrick’s College Chapel, Carlow
  • Ordained by: Bishop Patrick Foley, Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, Ireland

Diocesan Appointments

  • Assistant – Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Wichita – 10/27/1916 to 6/3/1919
  • Pastor – Sacred Heart, Fredonia and Fall River – 6/4/1919 to 6/30/1937
  • Pastor – St Francis Xavier, Cherryvale – 6/30/1937 to 10/23/1947
  • Pastor – Holy Name, Coffeyville – 10/24/1947 to 4/1/1954
  • Chancery – Vicar Forane of Independence Deanery – Fall 1947
  • Chancery – Dean of Coffeyville Deanery – November 1951
  • Chancery – Apostleship of Prayer, Director – 11/5/1948
  • Designated a Domestic Prelate, with the title of Right Reverend Monsignor by Pope Pius XII – 3/1/1949

According to Monsignor’s Declaration of Intention for United States Citizenship, he immigrated to the United States from Liverpool England on the vessel named St Louis and at which time he renounced his affiliation to King George V. of England to become an American citizen.

Bishop Mark K. Carroll divided the Wichita diocese into nine deaneries in 1947. Msgr Larkin was selected as Vicar Forane of the Independence deanery which encompassed the counties of Chase, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Montgomery, Woodson, Morris and Wilson. When the diocese was again reapportioned in late 1951, Msgr Larkin was assigned dean of the Coffeyville deanery which contained six counties.

Since his ordination in 1916, Monsignor Larkin has only been home twice – once in 1932 to attend the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin and again in 1948 for a little R&R. By that time, both parents were deceased.

Part of the reason Monsignor Larkin retired was due to several serious throat operations he had in April and May of 1952 that resulted in an esophageal voice and limited him from achieving his pastoral duties. His operation in 1952 led to a seven week absence from his post in Coffeyville due to his hospitalization at St Mary’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO.

When he retired in the spring of 1954, he planned to return to his native Ireland. He made a statement about his unplanned retirement to the Advance Register due to his health condition and stated the following: “I suppose I could stay on here in Coffeyville, but it would not be fair to my parishioners. And so I am retiring, and with no complaints. God has been good to me. And so have my Bishop and the people of Holy Name Parish.” His sister, Miss Mary Larkin moved down to Coffeyville to assist with her brother’s care and together they will sail for Ireland from New York City.

 

Monsignor celebrated his Golden Jubilee in Ballybunion, County Kerry Ireland with a Mass of thanksgiving in the Presentation Convent.

  • Date of Death: 24 March 1980  
  • Place of Death: Ireland
  • Age of Death: 88
  • Burial: St Michael’s Cemetery – Listowel, Ireland

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