Fr. Luke Dempsey, O.P. (1934-2020)

Fr. Luke Dempsey, O.P. (1934-2020)

 

Fr. Luke Dempsey, O.P., beloved Emeritus professor and former rector of the Convitto, passed away on February 9, two days after his 86th birthday. His influence was felt particularly in Paris, Rome, Jerusalem and Nova Scotia, Canada.  Ordained in 1959., he came to Rome for studies, earning a Ph.D. in Theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas (Angelicum).  In the 1970s, Fr. Dempsey returned to the Angelicum to teach, while residing at San Clemente on the Via Labicana, close to the Colosseum. As Prior in 1977, Fr. Dempsey celebrated 300 years of Irish Dominican guardianship of the minor basilica.  His next assignment was as prior of St. Stephen’s, Jerusalem, which is attached to the world-famous École Biblique.  Fr. Dempsey’s final postings were in Rome, as rector of the Convitto, an international community of students and teachers attached to the Angelicum, and as a confessor at Santa Maria Maggiore.  With failing health, he returned to Tallaght, where he spent his last two years

Adapted from the original article in The Irish Times.   For full memorial, click here.