Rev. Denis McGowan

1927 - 2018

McGowan C.P., Rev. Denis,

FR. DENIS MCGOWAN, C.P.

PASSIONIST PRIEST--HOLY CROSS PROVINCE

With gratitude to God the Passionist Community and family members announce that on Monday, January 15, 2018 that, Fr. Denis (James Francis) McGowan, fortified by the last rites of the Catholic Church, entered into his heavenly reward.

He was born in Ferguson, MO on Nov. 19, 1927 and baptized on Dec. 11 of the same year. He entered the Novitiate in St. Paul, KS in July of 1948 and professed his Vows as a Passionist on July 9, 1949 and ordained a priest on March 26, 1955. During 70 years of religious life and 60 years as a Missionary in Japan, he served as a Spiritual Director (Vice-Master of Novices), a retreat team member, a teacher, an assistant pastor and pastor, and as a deeply revered principal of a large Catholic Kindergarten. It was the latter two ministries that captured his heart and with which he felt most at home. While Pastor of a Passionist Parish in Ikeda, Japan, he also became the co-founder of a new parish in neighboring Nissei-Chuo. He always had special programs for the children and year after year took the youth camping and climbing in the beautiful Japanese mountains.

He returned to the United States in 2016 and received wonderful care at the Nazareth Home Clifton in Louisville, KY. Fr. Denis frequently visited the Passionists on Newburg Road-in November we gloriously celebrated his 90th birthday there.

Fr. Denis was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph & Laura McGowan, a younger brother, Tommy, and a favored uncle, Fr. Heliodore Mejak. He is survived by his sister, Mary Wald, her son Dr. John Wald, and their children Sheila & Mary Shawn.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, Saturday, January 27 at St. Agnes Church, 1920 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY. Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 AM. Having been unable to attend the funeral of his mother, Fr. Denis has requested burial near her in Calvary Cemetery, St. Louis, MO at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Passionist Community, 1924 Newburg Rd., Louisville, KY 40205.

Bosse Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.

His presence and joyous smile will be missed until that day when we all come together in heaven.