Previous Shrine Directors and Chaplains
Before 2008, the Shrine was managed by the Shrine Director who had the dual role of chaplain and manager. However, this was changed after 2008 with the management of the site handled by an office manager, and then later the Development Manager. A friar took on the role as Chaplain to run the spiritual side.
Our founder, Fr. Elias Lynch never took on the position as Shrine Director, but he worked closely with his friend and Carmelite brother, Br. Anthony McGreal, O.Carm when he was Shrine Director.
Shrine Director
1955 – 1965: Br. Anthony McGreal, O.Carm
1965 – 1975: Fr. Conleth Doyle, O.Carm
1975 – 1985: Fr. Bonaventure Fitz-Gerald, O.Carm
1985 – 1987: Fr. Richard Hearne, O.Carm
1987 – 1995: Fr. David Fox, O.Carm
1995 – 1996: Fr. Adrian Wilde, O.Carm
1996 – 1999: Fr. Alphonsus Brennan, O.Carm
1999 – 2002: Fr. Kevin Alban, O.Carm
2002 – 2005: Fr. Francis Kemsley, O.Carm
2005 – 2008: Fr. Brendan Grady, O.Carm
Chaplain
2008 – 2014: Fr. Piet Wijngaard, O.Carm
2014 – 2016: Fr. Michael Manning, O.Carm
2016 – 2021: Fr. Brendan O’Grady, O.Carm
2021 – : Br. Paul de Groot, O.Carm: 2021 –
Further information about the National Shrine’s development
In 2007 the then Prior of Faversham, Fr. Wilfrid McGreal, published a biography of Fr. Elias Lynch which details the development of the National Shrine of Saint Jude.
Entitled Friar Beyond the Pale, it is available to order from the Shrine of Saint Jude online shop. To read an extract please click here.