Articles

We are happy to offer these articles for your reading, concerning Father James E. Coyle and the circumstances concerning the times of his service to our Lord and his untimely death.

Large Congregations Attend Three Masses at St. Paul’s

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Large Congregations Attend Three Masses at St. Paul’s

Father Coyle Preaches at Two Services at St. Paul’s – Sign of the Cross

Local Birmingham Newspaper
October 1905

The three masses at St. Paul’s yesterday were largely attended. The Rev. Father Coyle said first mass and the Rev. Father Kitrick was the celebrant at the 9:30 and 10:30 o’clock services.

The second mass is attended by the Sunday school children in a body. While the priest at the altar is saying the mass in Latin in low voice Father Coyle occupies the pulpit and reads prayers and scripture in English. This service, including a short discourse, lasts only 35 or 40 minutes. The theme of Father Coyle at the Sunday mass yesterday was the sign of the cross. He said that all Catholic children were taught to make the sign of the cross properly by first placing the fingers of the right hand on the forehead, then below the breast, then on the left shoulder and then on the right shoulder, saying, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, amen;” but many Catholics, said the priest, become careless and make the sign hurriedly. “Not one person in twenty who enters this church,” he continued, “makes the sign properly.”

Father Coyle then impressed upon his hearers the holy significance of the sign. Catholics should always cross themselves slowly and reverently and repeat the words accompanying the sign in devotional spirit.

Father Coyle delivered a sermon at the last mass. There will be only one mass at St. Paul’s each morning this week and the hour will be 8 o’clock. Father Coyle was quite indisposed yesterday afternoon and on the advice of a physician will not leave his bed for several days.

The Rev. Father Goevert is attending to the mission churches in the Birmingham district.

A Word About Father Coyle

Quotes about Father Coyle as printed by a Birmingham Newspaper in May 1904.

Father Coyle Now a Pastor in Birmingham, AL

Father Coyle Now a Pastor in Birmingham, AL, an article published in the Birmingham Age-Herald in October 1904, covers Father Coyle’s appointment to St. Paul’s.

Fr. James E. Coyle Commemoration Day (Part II)

A simple but significant ceremony held in the John Carroll Catholic High School Library in Birmingham, Alabama on Tuesday, May 11, 2004. The library in the original John Carroll on Highland Avenue was named in memory of Father James Edwin Coyle.

Fr. James E. Coyle Commemoration Day (Part I)

The Psalmist says:Weeping may tarry for the night but joy comes in the morning.I believe that after years of weeping, sadness and darkness regarding the murder of Fr. James E. Coyle, almost 83 years ago, that today is a day of joy and light! My only regret is that I am not able to celebrate this commemorative day with you. I blush at the privilege of being associated with such a holy, righteous and courageous man as Fr. Coyle. It is also wonderful to be lifting up his life and memory with all of the participants today. In particular, I want to recognize:

Father Coyle Remembered

Father Coyle Remembered is an account by Helen McGough, who remembers being a girl in her dad’s bakery when normal was shaken by the news about Father Coyle.