Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017:
Cronin, Kevin

Missionary, teacher, writer, archivist; born Richmond, Victoria, 29 September 1929; died Hazaribag, 9 October 2007; aged 78.

Kevin Cronin was educated by the De La Salle Brothers, and after school worked for a time in the Motor Registration Office in Melbourne. During these years, he was active in the YCW at Richmond under Father Lou Lachal, who was an important influence on him.

He entered the Jesuit noviciate at Watsonia, 15 February 1949, and three years later was assigned to the Jesuit mission in India. After only three months studying Hindi, Cronin went to St Xavier's School, Hazaribag, where he taught English until 1953. He was there again, 1959-61, and gained the reputation for being a good teacher of almost any subject. As a scholastic he studied for an honours degree in English at the Bihar University. He was appointed principal in 1970, a difficult time for the school as it closed its boarding section, which had largely catered for students from Calcutta. A Hindi medium school, St Robert's, was opened in the former boarding house, and St Xavier's made an option for the people of Hazaribag. Cronin discharged his responsibilities during this transition with courage and tact.

Cronin also had a period of time in parish ministry. In 1965 he was appointed parish priest of Bokaro Thermal, caring for the Catholics of Maraphari, the new city that was later known as Bokaro Steel City. He was also parish priest of Bhurkunda, 1968-69, and in 1970 was about to be appointed parish priest of Mahuadanr when he was called back to St Xavier's School to be principal.

In 1976 Cronin was sent to the United States for postgraduate studies in English so that he could replace Gerry Lawlor in the English department of St Xavier's College, Ranchi. Cronin taught there from 1977 and was soon appointed vice-principal of the College.

In late 1986 he was appointed socius and secretary of the Jesuit provincial of Hazaribag.

About this time he had a tumour removed from his spine, as a result of which he became partially paralysed that stayed with him for the rest of his life. This disability made teaching and life difficult. Yet, this illness opened up the occasion to take on the apostolate of spiritual direction. He worked around the diocese, saying Masses, giving retreats, recollections and spiritual support to people from Bartua to Maheshmunda, from Patki to Patratu.

Cronin also began to write. He wrote innumerable articles, reports and minutes in his role as socius, but he also wrote the history of the province, In Ever Increasing Measure, which was later expanded with a history of lay support under the new title, Missioned in Company. He later, during his pastoral ministry, wrote two books about relationship to God and with each other. These books, Encountering the Cartman, and Scarecrow experiences, Elements of spirituality for the twilight years, are parables of life.

Although Cronin was always a slightly withdrawn person, he loved company and many an evening he enlivened the community with stories from his past. His witty comments on affairs formed the salt of Jesuit recreations.

During periods of illness or writing, Cronin would sit on the verandah outside his room, keeping an eye on all who passed, always willing to have a talk. His health declined over the last few months of his life during periods of chemotherapy in Patna. His last three weeks were at the Holy Family Hospital where he felt completely cared for and in peace at the thought of dying.

There were two sides to Cronin's life, one the serious and thought person who wrote reports and books, and the other Cronin remembered for his gift of friendship. He loved to be with friends, and getting everyone singing along with him.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)