Rev. John Cullen

Cullen, Rev. John
Leonard (Bud) C.S.B.
Toronto, Ontario: Died on Monday, October 06, 2008 at St. Michael's Hospital. Bud, as he was known to his Basilian confreres and friends, was born in Toronto on May 22, 1918, one of five children of James Patrick Cullen and Gertrude Helen (Cosgrove) Cullen. After graduating from St. Michael's College School, Toronto, Bud entered St. Basil's Novitiate and made his religious profession on September 12, 1937. Father Cullen's first appointment was to St. Michael's College on Bay Street, where he completed his studies for a B.A. degree at the University of Toronto. While pursuing his theological studies, Bud taught at St. Michael's College School. He was ordained to the priesthood in St. Basil's Church, Toronto, by Archbishop James McGuigan on August 20, 1944. Following ordination, Father Bud again taught at St. Michael's College School for one year and then served in parish ministry at Ste. Anne's Parish, Houston and then at St. Basil's Parish, Toronto for the next three years. Father Cullen returned to the teaching apostolate at St. Michael's College School in 1949 for one year and was then appointed to Aquinas Institute of Rochester, where he taught for the next twenty - nine years. As head of the Art Department at Aquinas, he introduced a greater variety of courses and made it possible for students in Art to earn a New York State Regent's credit. It was also at Aquinas that he revived the defunct dramatics program. From 1950 to 1979, he produced over sixty plays and musicals. By 1979, Father Bud was teaching at Michael Power High School in Islington. He joined the English and the Art Department where he stayed for five years before joining the staff of St. Michael's College School, where he taught art, specializing in the areas of calligraphy, silk screen printing and ceramics. Father Cullen was also moderator of the school year book, enabling him to practice his skills in photography and computerized publishing. He was greatly esteemed and admired by his students for the challenging and enthusiastic approach he brought to teaching and his rapport with students. Many continued to seek him out for advice and counselling after graduating. In 2002 when Father Bud needed special health care, he moved to Anglin House in the Cardinal Flahiff Centre, Toronto. He is predeceased by his sister Doreen. The Basilian Fathers offer their condolences and prayers to his brothers Raymond and Fathers Ronald and Dermott and also to his nieces, nephews and many friends.
There will be a Vigil Service on Wednesday, October 8 at 7:30 p.m., with viewing from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Cardinal Flahiff Basilian Centre, 95 St. Joseph St., Toronto. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated in the same chapel on Thursday, October 9 at 10 a.m. Burial will be in the Basilian plot at Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Basilian Fathers Retirement Fund, 95 St. Joseph St., Toronto, ON M5S 3C2.