Profile Dan McCauley

Fr Daniel M (Dan) McCauley SMA

A FULL AND CHALLENGING LIFE….

Dan McCauley is from near Strabane Co Tyrone. A big influence on his decision to join SMA was his uncle, the late Fr Dan McCauley SMA who ministered for many years in Ondo Diocese, Nigeria and who died in 1990.

Dan is a product of Ballinafad College, formerly a minor seminary of the SMA located in Co Mayo, where aspirants to the Society received their secondary education. He studied philosophy and theology at Dromantine, Co Down, and was ordained in 1970 in St Colman’s Cathedral, Newry, by the late Bishop Eugene O’Doherty.

Following ordination, Dan was appointed to Nigeria in 1971 and began his time there by learning the Yoruba language and customs of the people before undertaking work in the Diocese of Ilorin where he spent 23 years. In 1995 the new Vicariate Apostolic of Kontagora was created from part of the Diocese of Ilorin. Dan transferred to the Vicariate and is currently the Vicar General under the Vicar Apostolic, Bishop Tim Carroll SMA. He is resposible for the pastoral administration of the Cathedral and St Michael’s Parish, Kontagora.

After 34 years in Nigeria, Dan is still drawn to the work there. What is the attraction? “One thing is being part of a team that is involved in the development of a new territory as it moves towards the day when it will become a fully-fledged diocese”, he says. “But also, the people… the people are joyful, generous and welcoming despite economic harshness, insecurity and the many other problems they have to face”.

Dan’s busy daily schedule in the cathedral parish “is varied and unpredictable”. The needs of parishioners – prayer, blessings, visiting the sick, wedding preparations, marital problems – take priority. Much time is devoted to meeting catechists and scheduling baptism classes. Development work too is demanding – well-digging projects, transportation, etc. Being at the central parish means frequent visits from diocesan personnel needing accommodation and hospitality. Other activities include the Parish Council, meetings of Small Christian Communities and hosting and attending the Vicariate’s Pastoral Council, Catechetical Committee and Health Committee.

“All in all, a pretty full life… a life that is busy and challenging” he says.

Would you like to join Fr Dan?
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Why not contact the SMA Vocations Director?