Tribute paid to Fr Kevin’s kindness, compassion and wit

By Wendy Shaw

Passionist priest Fr Kevin Connolly CP, also known as Fr Kevin Tuitu’u, who served in Tasmania, has been remembered for his kindness, wit and deeply spiritual homilies.

He died, aged 70, at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney on 4 October. He was professed a Passionist on 25 January, 1975 and ordained a priest on 6 December, 1980.

He spent six months in Tasmania as part of a novitiate group in 1974. He later returned as a deacon and for his first year as a priest. He was appointed Parish Priest of St Joseph’s and Superior of the Passionists’ Hobart Community in October 1992 and continued in this role until February 1994, when he undertook a period of discernment with the Archdiocese of Hobart, serving in the Latrobe and Devonport areas.

Fr Kevin also served in Glen Osmond at Adelaide, Marrickville in NSW and Vanimo, Papua New Guinea.

Among a number of roles, he was Director of the Retreat House at Glen Osmond and chaplain of St Joseph’s College at Hunter’s Hill, Trinity College at Auburn, and Christian Brothers High School at Lewisham.

Superior of the Passionists Hobart Community, Fr Peter Addicoat CP, recalled Fr Kevin’s sense of humour and humanity.

“He had experiences of ill health but it didn’t destroy his spirituality,” Fr Addicoat said.

“It provided him with compassion and sensitivity in his approach to ministry.”

Mourners at his funeral Mass at St Brigid’s Church, Marrickville on 15 October heard that Fr Kevin was born in 1954 in Singleton, NSW, “with a Bible in one hand and a rosary in the other”, the eldest of six children of Eileen and John Connolly.

Family members paid tribute to Fr Kevin’s “big heart for the people struggling with life’s challenges. Anyone who was lonely, struggling, or needed extra support – Kev was always there”.

According to the family eulogy, “Kevin loved everyone and animals. He forgave easily and was extremely generous even though he had nothing.

“He was a very professional, private man and never judged. He was quick witted and had a cheeky sense of humour.”

Fr Kevin’s Passionist brother priests gave thanks for the many blessings and graces Fr Kevin brought to his ministry as a Passionist priest.

The funeral Mass was followed by burial at Rookwood Cemetery.

Fr Kevin Connolly CP, also known as Fr Kevin Tuitu’u CP: born 22 July 1954; died 4 October, 2024.