15 Facts About Charles O'Hea

Father Charles Adolphus O'Hea OSA was an Irish Australian Catholic Priest.

Charles O'Hea began his ministry in Ireland before travelling to Melbourne, Australia where he lived until his death.

Charles O'Hea is best known for establishing a number of churches north of Melbourne and for both baptizing and administering last rites to the bushranger Ned Kelly.

Charles Adolphus O'Hea was born on the first of April 1814 in County Cork to parents James O'Hea and Elizabeth de Lacey Evans.

Charles O'Hea was the youngest child of a large family, members of which eventually went on to represent various professions.

In February 1853, O'Hea arrived at Hobsons Bay, Victoria, from London on board the barque the Koh-I-Noor along with four other priests.

Charles O'Hea was well known for his charitable works and his wealth allowed him to achieve much more for his ministry than would be allowable with his stipend.

Charles O'Hea made his base at St Paul's church Coburg which was opened in August 1855.

Charles O'Hea served both the community of HM Prison Pentridge itself and the residents of the area from 1853 to 1882 when he was made Dean.

In 1867 Charles O'Hea called a public meeting to discuss the potential for changing the name of the local area, as "Pentridge" was seen as too evocative of the gaol.

Charles O'Hea baptised Kelly who along with his siblings attended the parish school.

On 11 November 1880 Charles O'Hea administered the Catholic sacrament of Extreme Unction to Kelly at the Old Melbourne Gaol shortly before the bushranger was hanged, and remained near Kelly during the execution.

Charles O'Hea retired in 1882 and was given the title Monsignor around 1893 possibly for his financial support to the papal treasury.

Charles O'Hea lived in retirement in what was the Mercy Convent, Coburg, and died on 31 August 1903, aged nearly ninety.

Charles O'Hea's remains were interred in the crypt for Roman Catholic priests at the chapel in Melbourne General Cemetery.