Beatification call for Galway-born missionary martyr
A former County Galway priest, who was martyred on what became known as the Death March in Korea over 60 years ago, is being promoted for beatification.
Fr Frank Canavan, a native of Headford, has been nominated for beatification, a move that has been welcomed by the Archbishop of Tuam, Michael Neary.
Fr Canavan, a former student of St Mary’s in Galway City, died in a Communist internment camp in Korea in 1950 – he is one of 84 modern day martyrs who the Korean Catholic Church is promoting for beatification. The authorities in Rome are currently looking at the case.
Fr Canavan ministered in the parishes of Oughterard, Kinvara and Clarinbridge between 1943 and 1948. He is one of seven priests of the Society of Columban, known as the Columbans who has been promoted by the Koreans for beatification. They were remembered at the Irish Catholic Bishops’ conference in Maynooth last week, where the imminent beatification was discussed.
The bishop of the Diocese in which the individual died (in this case Korea) can petition the Holy See to allow the process of beatification and canonisation. In instances of martyrdom the miracle required for beatification can be waived.
“It is a cause for much rejoicing and giving thanks in the Archdiocese and especially in the parish of Headford and no doubt amongst the Columban fathers. His heroic life of pastoral service, missionary endeavour and giving to the point of martyrdom is a great testament to the faith of himself, his family, the community of Headford and the Archbishop of Tuam at the time,” said Archbishop of Tuam, Michael Neary this week.
The Canavan family had a shop on Main Street Headford where Duffy’s hardware is today.
See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.