Francis John Callahan

Monsignor Francis John Callahan, pastor emeritus of St. Therese Church, Wilkes-Barre, died Tuesday, April 10, 2012, in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

Monsignor Francis J. Callahan, son of the late John A. and Kathryn McNulty Callahan, was born in Pittston on April 27, 1944.

He was a graduate of St. John the Evangelist High School, Pittston, and attended King's College, Wilkes-Barre.

His studies for the priesthood were completed at Christ the King Seminary, St. Bonaventure, N.Y. Monsignor Callahan was ordained to the priesthood on May 13, 1972, in Scranton, by the Most Rev. J. Carroll McCormick, D.D., late bishop of Scranton.

Following ordination, Monsignor Callahan served as assistant pastor at St. Patrick's Church, Milford.

From there, he was appointed assistant pastor at Immaculate Conception, Scranton, on Sept. 5, 1972, where he remained for two years.

He became assistant pastor at St. Peter's Cathedral, Scranton, on Sept. 3, 1974. On May 28, 1976, he was named as diocesan director of Propagation of the Faith and served in this capacity until 1987, having visited all 240 parishes on a regular schedule promoting the cause of the missions.

Monsignor Callahan received his first pastorate when he was appointed pastor at the Church of St. Therese, Wilkes-Barre, on Sept. 1, 1987 and remained as pastor until the parish was closed in June 2011. Monsignor was then appointed pastor of Holy Name/St. Mary's and Holy Trinity parishes, Swoyersville.

In addition to Monsignor's pastoral duties, he served as assistant to the chancellor from Sept. 3, 1974, to May 28, 1976, and as procurator/advocate in the Marriage Tribunal from Sept. 11, 1974, to Oct. 1, 1976.

He served as the catechist at Bishop Hannan High School from September 1972 to June 1983. He was named chaplain of His Holiness on March 17, 1983, and then prelate of honor on Aug. 23, 1990, giving him the title monsignor.

He served as dean of the Wilkes-Barre/Central-South Deanery from Jan. 1, 1995, through Dec. 31, 1997. Monsignor Callahan also served as the moderator of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Northeast Luzerne District.

In 1995, Monsignor Callahan was named Irishman of the Year by the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

He was also an honorary life member of Wilkes-Barre Council 302 of the Knights of Columbus and was appointed council chaplain in July 2010 and served in that capacity until he was transferred to Holy Name/St. Mary's and Holy Trinity parishes in Swoyersville.

He served as past president of the Board of Pastors at Bishop Hoban High School; as former chaplain of the Scranton City Fire Department; was a member of the Diocesan Priest Counsel.

Monsignor Callahan is survived by a brother, Dr. John, Pittston. In addition to his brother are his nephews, John and his wife, Angela; Michael and his wife, Tia; nieces, Catherine and her husband, Adam, Elizabeth and her husband, Kris; Eileen; several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Viewing will take place at St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 William St., Pittston, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Friday. A Vigil Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston, at 7 p.m., with Monsignor John J. Bendik presiding.

A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., bishop of Scranton, at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston.

There will also be a viewing on Saturday morning, prior to the Funeral Mass. Interment will be in St. John the Evangelist Cemetery, Pittston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Propagation of the Faith in care of the Diocese of Scranton, 300 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

Online condolences may be made at www.peterjadoniziofuneralhome.com.