Father Raphael Gallagher C.Ss.R. Biography
Fr. Raphael Gallagher was born in Bailieborough, Co. Cavan. Having completed his primary schooling locally, he went to the Redemptorist College in Limerick in 1955. After his secondary schooling there, he proceded to the Novitiate in Esker and was professed in 1961. Following his studies in Galway and Dublin, he was ordained in 1969.
His first ministry was in Redemptorist Communications. Subsequently, he began higher studies in Rome in 1971 and completed his doctorate there in 1976. Teaching moral theology in Ireland then bacame his primary apostolate and he was Formator of our theology students in Marianella, Dublin. In 1987 he began his six year term as provincial superior. In 1994 he joined the staff of the Alphonsian Academy in Rome where he lectured until 2014. There he was known for his great kindness towards students and his ability to listen, welcome and inspire those around him was remarkable. During his teaching life, he also conducted seminars in moral theology throughout the world. He returned to Ireland and was based in Limerick until he moved to the community in St. Joseph’s in May 2023.
Fr. Raphael was highly regarded as an academic and published numerous articles in theological journals, also publishing his book ‘Conscience in the Moral Theology of Alphonsus de Liguori’ . He was a very pastorally minded person and placed his scholarship at the service of people in a very practical way and did so with a remarkable degree of availability.
In recent times he faced daily challenges caused by illness with much courage and faith. We thank God for Fr. Raphael’s life . His work benefitted not only the Redemptorist mission, but also the Church as a whole. Through his life and work he touched the hearts of many and will be missed – he was a real blessing for all of us. May he rest in peace.
