Irish Priests
Memorial Project
Recognizing the many Catholic Missionary Priests
who faithfully & honorably served the people
of Kansas from 1863-2022
The History
Irish missionaries began to travel to the New World in the 18th century. They were sent from Irish colleges, such as the one in Salamanca, to serve in the Spanish missions of Florida and Louisiana. By the last two decades of the 18th century, Irish priests began to challenge English and French born priests for control of the nascent American Church.
About the Project
These were young men, well-educated in scripture and filled with confidence in their faith, anxiously awaiting to release their missionary zeal with parishioners yet unknown, nervous about a long and challenging journey over an expansive body of water, questioning what Kansas would look and feel like to a native Irish son, and yet tearful and remorseful leaving their family, friends and everything they loved behind.
Come Visit the Celtic Cross at 430 N. Broadway Wichita, Kansas