Father Bernard J. Mahoney

When you think of Bernard Julian Mahoney you think of three things: his deep faith in Jesus Christ, his love of family, and his devotion for sharing knowledge.

Born in South Bend, Indiana October 1, 1926, he felt the Lord call him into service at the age of 14 and he entered Little Seminary High School Notre Dame. He obtained his first degree in philosophy from University of Notre Dame in 1949 and was ordained for the Austin Diocese in 1953. He served as Associate Pastor in Temple and Pastor in Mexia, and College Station, Texas.

With his dedication to share God’s love through the written word, he obtained a Master of Arts in English from the University of Baylor in 1965 and furthered his studies as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Birmingham in Birmingham, England, where he received a doctorate degree in Philosophy in 1967. Always, a thinking man, many referred to his dissertation on Cardinal Newman and the conscious.

His parish in College Station benefitted from his studies and he began to teach philosophy at Houston Community College where he spent over 25 years teaching students new ways to think about their world around them. A tireless scholar, he tutored seminary students as well as nursing students in the Houston area. He served St. Rose of Lima Parish for over 30 years, celebrating 60 years of being a priest in June of 2013. Over 500 people attended his mass and celebration.

Joe and Marge Tillston, said, “We are who we are today as a family because of Father Bernard… as a matter of fact, our youngest son was named after him.” Many families, including his nieces and nephews were baptized, married, and buried by Father Mahoney. He was one of two resident priests for a large family, sharing the spiritual family endeavors with his brother the late Father Robert Mahoney. He was an earnest brother and uncle to four siblings, and seven nieces and nephews, and nine grand-nieces and nephews, and two great-grand nephews.

“He consistently met you right where you were emotionally, and loved you unconditionally without judgment as Jesus wants us to, and most of us aspire to, but he always showed us the way.” stated Tricia Stearns, the youngest niece of the family.

A celebration of life will be held on December 4th 2014 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Austin, Texas followed by a graveside service at St. Edwards Assumption Cemetery. A mass in his honor will be said at St. Rose of Lima in Houston, Texas on December 9th 2014, at 1:00 pm.

To share condolence with the family please visit www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.