Bishop Kevin Birmingham passed away unexpectedly at 51, cause of death and obituary

Most Reverend Kevin Birmingham passed away in his sleep. (Source: Facebook)
Most Reverend Kevin Birmingham passed away in his sleep. (Source: Facebook)

 

We are saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, Kevin Birmingham. His untimely death has shocked and saddened the community. Bishop Kevin was a cherished part of the Chicago community as well as a recognized spiritual leader.

Our hearts and prayers are with his wonderful mother during this extremely difficult time. Keep reading to know more about his death in detail.

Bishop Kevin Birmingham passed away

At the age of 51, Bishop Kevin Birmingham sadly passed away. He was about to turn 52 this week

The heartbroken information was posted on Facebook by St. Augustine Parish Catholic Church, where he served with distinction and devotion.

Most Reverend Kevin Birmingham passed away in his sleep last night. Bishop Birmingham, episcopal vicar of Vicariate VI (and most recently Vicariate IV) for the Archdiocese of Chicago, was ordained to the priesthood in 1997 and to the episcopacy in 2020. Details regarding his funeral arrangements will be shared in the coming days. In the meantime, please join in praying for the repose of his soul and for his family and friends who now mourn.

Bishop Kevin Birmingham cause of death

On October 2,2023, Bishop Kevin Birmingham died peacefully in his sleep. Bishop Kevin Birmingham exhibited a remarkable commitment to his ministry throughout his life, advancing through the ranks of the Church with humility and grace. He was a beacon of hope and spiritual advice for those in need, providing counsel, consolation, and inspiration.

Bishop Kevin Birmingham’s life was marked by unshakable devotion to his faith and service to others. His significant impact on the community, both spiritually and as a caring human being, will be remembered for years.

Who was Kevin Birmingham?

The seventh of ten children, Kevin Birmingham was born on October 7, 1971, in Oak Lawn, Illinois. In the Chicago Ridge School District in Chicago Ridge, Illinois, he went to a public elementary school. Birmingham then enrolled in Chicago’s Quigley Preparatory Seminary South.

Birmingham did a paper route and different jobs to pay for the bus to Quigley. Birmingham enrolled Loyola University Chicago in 1987 after earning his Quigley diploma. He first intended to major in computer technology, but he quickly changed his mind and chose to become a priest.

Birmingham made a transfer to Niles College Seminary at Loyola in 1989 and earned a Bachelor of Philosophy there in 1993. Birmingham continued his education at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, graduating in 1997.

Priesthood

Cardinal Francis George handed Birmingham his priestly ordination on May 24, 1997. Birmingham went to Mexico City after receiving his ordination, where he celebrated his second mass as a priest at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

When Birmingham returned to Illinois, he was given the position of assistant priest at Robbins, Illinois’ St. Peter Claver Mission Parish. At St. Benedict Parish in Blue Island, Illinois, he was moved to the same role in 2001.

Birmingham began working at St. Francis of Assisi Paris in Orland Park, Illinois, in 2001. Birmingham was appointed pastor of St. Anne Parish in Hazel Crest, Illinois, in 2005. He served there until 2011. Additionally, from 2005 to 2009, he was seated on the archdiocese’s Priests’ Placement Board.

In 2006, Birmingham formally joined the Presbyteral Council. He was named dean of Deanery III-A in 2013 after serving as pastor of Chicago’s Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish from 2011 to 2013.

Episcopal ministry

On September 11, 2020, Pope Francis appointed Birmingham as the titular bishop of Dolia and an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago. He was ordained at Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral on November 13, 2020.

On the weekends, Birmingham attended mass at St. John Berchmans Parish in Chicago in Spanish.

Condolences to Bishop Kevin Birmingham

The entire church community has sent condolence messages to show their heartfelt sympathies and support during this difficult time.

Saint Mary of the Lake Catholic Church wrote: “We are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago Kevin Birmingham during his sleep last night. Please join us in praying for his soul and for his dear mother during this very difficult moment for her. He was about to turn 52 this week. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church wrote: “We are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago Kevin Birmingham during his sleep last night. Bishop Kevin was episcopal vicar of Vicariate VI (and most recently Vicariate IV). Please join us in praying for his soul and for his dear mother during this very difficult moment for her. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

Saint Pascal Church of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish wrote: “Very sad news, Bishop Kevin Birmingham passed away in his sleep last night. Bishop Birmingham was ordained a priest in 1997 and made a bishop in 2020. Please join in praying for the repose of his soul and for his family and friends who now mourn.”

Saint Elizabeth Seton Church – Orland Hills wrote: “IN MEMORIAM Most Reverend Kevin Birmingham passed away in his sleep last night. Bishop Birmingham, episcopal vicar of Vicariate VI (and most recently Vicariate IV) for the Archdiocese of Chicago, was ordained to the priesthood in 1997 and to the episcopacy in 2020. Details regarding his funeral arrangements will be shared in the coming days. In the meantime, please join in praying for the repose of his soul and for his family and friends who now mourn.”

Bishop Kevin Birmingham Obituary

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bishop Kevin Birmingham’s family, friends, and the St. Augustine Parish Catholic Church community during this difficult time. May they find comfort in knowing that his life was a tribute to the power of faith and love, and may his legacy inspire and uplift us all.

Let us reflect on the enormous impact he had on our hearts and souls in the days ahead, as we gather to pay respect to his life and work. May his soul rest in peace and may his legacy of compassion and service illuminate our path for all time.

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