Socialism and Catholicism: Canada's First Priest in the CCF

By Dave McGrane

In 1946, Father Eugene Cullinane became the first Catholic Priest in Canada to become a member of the CCF. Cullinane, who was then a Professor of Politics and Economics at St. Thomas More College (STM) in Saskatoon, believed that the CCF was the only political party whose philosophy reflected Catholic teachings concerning charity and social justice. Cullinane’s public support for the CCF was very controversial and he was eventually dismissed from STM, on the request of the Bishop of Saskatoon, after urging Catholics to vote for the CCF during the 1948 provincial election.

Sixty-two years later, STM is celebrating Father Eugene Cullinane. Former Premier Lorne Calvert, Political Studies Professor David McGrane, Sister Teresita Kambeitz, and John Burton (a former student of Cullinane) will be speaking at an event commemorating the life and legacy of STM’s most controversial founding professors. Admission is free. A wine and cheese will follow. '

Location 344 St. Thomas More College
1437 College Drive
Saskatoon, SK

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