In Memory of Monsignor Michael Doyle

By Norbert McDermott

His reputation went before him. I heard and/or read a lot about him and his accomplishments before I met him. Then it all made sense. Right away one felt a steely calmness, gentleness, with an underlying determination.

One could not but be impressed by his demeanour – the manner in which he stood for the underprivileged in a declining neighborhood; his sense of conviction that this could only be changed via education; but knowing that it is difficult to educate on an empty stomach he set about repossessing and rebuilding derelict properties in the neighborhood.

He had the charisma as well as the understated drive to attract supporters to the cause – and privately raised large amounts of dollars over the past decades to make it possible. Today his school accepts pupils of every denomination – and is thriving.

His assigned parish happened to be the “Heart of Camden” – and he made it the beating heart of Camden.

A recent documentary on his life summarized it well “As a young priest, Father Michael J. Doyle came to the U.S. from rural Ireland in 1959, bringing with him a joyful disposition, a fervent Catholic faith and an unwavering determination to help his congregation and community. These traits were put to the test in Camden, where he found himself confronted with urban decay and despair. Industries were closing and people were leaving. Crime, drug use, the breakdown of families, the proliferation of hopelessness—this was Camden’s reality”

I was a regular visitor to Camden for some “fireside chats” over the years – he hailed from a very rural area of east Longford quite close to the Cavan border… and I had a close affinity with those parts having been born and raised in Oldcastle on the Meath/Cavan/Westmeath border. At our first meeting he enquired where I live now. I told him Oreland near Fort Washington/PA – “that’s easy” sez he “it’s just Ireland with an “O” – funny I recalled my mother was the only other person I heard make such an association!

Some 7 to 8 years ago he had a serious battle with cancer of the jaw – but Fox Chase Cancer Center did a great job for him – and I visited him in the rectory shortly after he was released.

And I was thrilled, with in-person visits being off limits for a few years due to Covid, that I made my most recent visit on Bloomsday, June 16, this year – and caught up with him in his “retirement home” – a little row house on a side-street right across from the church and the school at the Sacred Heart of Camden – he took a lot of pleasure from watering the shrubs outside on his sidewalk and watching the comings and goings of the schoolkids.

Over the years I raised circa $10,000 for the school each year and before leaving he always thanked me for that. And I so clearly remember his parting words when I said goodbye to him on Bloomsday…. as I turned on my heel he quipped “when I’m gone you’ll be adding inflation to that – won’t you?” with the usual twinkle in his eye….

He had a way about him – so I guess, with or without his presence, I am now obliged to continue the practice.

RIP.