Story perspectives

Boston Priest Urges Irish Remember Emigration Amid Migrant Critique

7/25/2026

Summary

Father Costello Urges

Father David Costello, a priest from County Limerick, said he is saddened by Irish criticism of migrants and urged recall of the emigration past.
He leads St Stephen’s Church in Boston’s North End as its longest-serving priest and noted that Irish arrived there before Italians.
Costello told IrishStar.com that Irish should visit immigrant neighborhoods to understand migrants’ motives, adding that migrants leave only when necessary for their children’s futures.

Summary

Father Costello Alerts

Father David Costello noted that direct Boston-Shannon flights now replace the former 12-hour Lima-Amsterdam-Dublin itinerary, enabling weekend visits for Irish expatriates.
He said WhatsApp now delivers instant contact and live-broadcast funerals, easing the isolation felt by Irish abroad.
Costello warned that Irish-owned stores and import shops in Boston face heightened taxes and tariffs that threaten their margins, while expressing empathy for undocumented Irish in the United States.

History

Historical Context

The Great Irish Famine (1845-1852), with its deadliest year “Black ’47” prompting roughly 250,000 departures, drove a massive exodus to North America. By 1850 Irish newcomers formed about one-quarter of Boston’s population and founded St. Stephen’s parish in the North End. Father David Costello notes today that direct Boston-Shannon flights and instant messaging echo that historic migration.

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Father Costello Urges

Father David Costello, a priest from County Limerick, said he is saddened by Irish criticism of migrants and urged recall of the emigration past.
He leads St Stephen’s Church in Boston’s North End as its longest-serving priest and noted that Irish arrived there before Italians.
Costello told IrishStar.com that Irish should visit immigrant neighborhoods to understand migrants’ motives, adding that migrants leave only when necessary for their children’s futures.

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