In Memoriam Msgr. Richard Shirley

Click here for a statement from Bishop Michael Mulvey and for information regarding funeral arrangements.


We mourn the loss of Rev. Msgr. Richard J. Shirley, PA VE (August 14, 1941 – May 22, 2023) who passed away last night in his home at 81. A native of Corpus Christi, he was ordained as a priest of the Diocese on May 27, 1967, at the Corpus Christi Cathedral. St. John Paul II made him a Prelate of Honor in 1981, and he was a Member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem.23

In his 56 years of priesthood, he served the Diocese in several capacities: as Chancellor, Vicar General, Rector of the Cathedral, Pastor of St. Pius X and Chaplain to the Sisters of the Incarnate Word Convent. He also served on many boards and commissions of the Diocese.

Serving the poor was always at the center of his ministry; he was a founding member of the local Catholic Charities. He also was dedicated to ecumenical dialogue throughout the Diocese. His merits and areas of service are too numerous to name. His life and contributions to the Church and society testify to his love of Christ.

An official obituary will follow, and his funeral arrangements are pending.

Please keep Msgr. Shirley and his family in your prayers!