June 22, 1932 – September 14, 2017
Monsignor Caverly passed peacefully with loved ones around him at 3:00 pm on Thursday, September 14th – The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.
Monsignor Caverly had a special relationship with our Blessed Mother. Please pray a rosary for the repose of his soul and in thanksgiving for his selfless Priestly ministry. The Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, September 20, 5:00 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Carmelite Convent in Louisiana that Monsignor supported throughout his life. Checks may be made payable to Carmelite Monastery. The address is: Carmelite Monastery, 73530 River Road, Covington, La. 70435-2206
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Monsignor Patrick Caverly.
Obituary
Monsignor Patrick Joseph Caverly was born to James and Agnes Caverly and grew up with three brothers and one sister. He was ordained on June 10, 1961 at the Cathedral of the Assumption in County Carlow, Ireland, by Bishop Keogh and was sent to serve in Florida. Upon his arrival in Florida, he served at Bishop Barry High School and Holy Family Parish in the Diocese of St. Augustine (now Diocese of St. Petersburg). In his years of service with the Diocese of Orlando, Monsignor Caverly served as President of Santa Fe Catholic High School beginning in 1967 and in 1968, he was also appointed Pastor of Resurrection Parish in Lakeland. He was instrumental in the creation of the diocesan-wide Bishop’s Appeal for its ministries.
In 1972, he began his tenure as Pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Altamonte Springs, where he oversaw the construction of its church. In 1981 he embarked on his “longest assignment,” when Annunciation Parish in Altamonte Springs was established. He served as Pastor there until his retirement in 2011.
In 1991, Monsignor Caverly was named Vicar General of the Diocese of Orlando. In 2005, he was given the title of Monsignor, Prelate of Honor and in 2008, Pope Benedict XVI named Monsignor Caverly a Protonotary Apostolic Supernumerary, the highest honor the pope confers on priests.
He was awarded the Catholic Charities of Central Florida Hope and Opportunity Award in 2010 for his leadership in raising funds in support of people in need. The Annunciation Fall Festival donates all of its proceeds to local charities, a practice begun by Monsignor Caverly and which continues to this day. Under his guidance, Annunciation Parish also gave $1 million to the San Jose Mission in Pierson, which serves a mostly migrant community, to expand its worship space and build a multipurpose building for the Catholic community.
Monsignor Caverly led or served on a number of diocesan boards, including, but not limited to Diocesan Finance Council, Real Estate Committee, Pension/Investments Committee, Insurance Committee, Building Committee, Presbyteral Council, Task Force on Diocesan Services, Secretary to Christian Life Education Secretariat, Secretary of Administration, and College of Counsultors.
In a 2011 interview with the Florida Catholic, Monsignor Caverly shared that his greatest joy had been, “introducing Christ to others” and that his greatest hope was to, “one day see God face to face.” He had a great devotion to our Blessed Mother and encouraged all to pray the rosary.
Monsignor Caverly continued in residence at Annunciation Parish as Pastor Emeritus until his death. He passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, September 14th – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. He is survived by two brothers, Monsignor Bernard Caverly of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and Vincent Caverly of Rochester, NY.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Reception of the Body:
Tuesday, September 19, 3:00 p.m.
Viewing from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Annunciation Catholic Church, St. Gabriel Life Center,1020 Montgomery Rd, Altamonte Springs
Vigil Service:
Tuesday, September 19, 7:00 p.m.
Annunciation Catholic Church, St. Gabriel Life Center,1020 Montgomery Rd, Altamonte Springs
Viewing will continue on Wednesday, September 20 at Annunciation Catholic Church, St. Gabriel Life Center, 9:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Daily Mass will be celebrated at 12:15 p.m.
Funeral Mass:
Wednesday, September 20, 5:00 p.m.
St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 861 Maitland Ave, Altamonte Springs
Monsignor Caverly will be interred in Ireland.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace.