To read the obituaries of deceased members of St Patrick's Missionary Society, from 1942 to 2021, please click on the following link: Fullness of Life

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To view the webcam of St Patrick's Chapel, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, please click on the following link:

Kiltegan Webcam.

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Please note: Our webcam is used for funerals of Society priests or for special occasions. When these occur, they are announced on our website and the password is removed 15 minutes before the Mass begins. These celebrations can then be viewed by the general public. Because the chapel in St Patrick’s, Kiltegan, is part of the residential home of our retired missionary priests, daily Masses are not available to view. The webcam is password protected due to data protection regulations. 

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Eternal rest grand unto them,

O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

With sadness we announce that Fr Seán Rynn (1965 class) died peacefully in the Care Unit, St Patrick’s, Kiltegan on Wednesday evening, March 15th.

Our sincere sympathy to Seán’s family and friends. May Seán rest in peace.

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Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Funeral Mass in St Patrick's Chapel, Kiltegan, on Saturday March 18th at 12 noon followed by burial in the Society cemetery. 

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To view the Funeral Mass recording, please click on the following link:

Funeral Mass - March 18th 2023

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Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.

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Fr Seán Rynn (1938-2023)

John Joseph Rynn, popularly known as Seán, was born on the 13th of April, 1938 in Druminalass House, Ballinaglera, Co Leitrim, to John Thomas Rynn and his wife Teresa (née Leydon). Seán had one brother Jim. He attended Urbal National School from 1945 to 1952 and had his secondary education in St Patrick’s College, Cavan, from 1952 to 1957.

 

In September 1957 Seán joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1958 to 1961 he studied for his BA degree in Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology from 1961 to 1965. Seán was among 18 priests ordained for St. Patrick’s Missionary Society by Bishop Cleary on April 18th 1965.

 

After ordination Seán was appointed to Ikot Ekpene diocese in Nigeria where he ministered until the end of the Biafran war in 1970. After completing a sabbatical programme in Glenart, Co Wicklow, he was transferred to Eldoret Diocese, Kenya. After spending twenty-eight years in Africa, he took on a new mission to the people of Grenada. In 1997 he was called to make another change to minister in the parish of St. Augustine’s, Datchet, England. 

 

In 2017 Seán’s health forced him to retire to Kiltegan where he was cared for by the staff of the Care Unit for the last six years. He endured a variety of health emergencies during these years but made numerous recoveries. On the morning of March 16th, he attended a lecture on end of life care wishes, along with the rest of the Kiltegan community and staff. However, after dinner he took a turn and was anointed, but remained conscious. Just after 7 pm he passed away peacefully in the presence of Frs. Enda Kelly and Ned Grace.

 

Seán was a respected teacher in his earlier years in Ikot Ekpene and a much-loved pastor in all the parishes in the four countries he worked in. He was often described as one of nature’s gentlemen, who always had a kind word for everyone, interspersed with wit and funny comments. He was a committed missionary who kept up to date by participating in renewal programmes like “Faith and Mission” in Dalgan in 1980 and the spiritual renewal programme in St. Beuno’s, Wales in 1990. Seán was a missionary to the core, always ready to go where he was needed most, showing great flexibility in settling down in different cultures and adapting to the different pastoral approaches demanded by the particular country he was assigned to work in.

 

Seán is predeceased by his parents John Thomas and Teresa and his brother Jim and his sister-in-law Kay. He is survived by his nephew Seán and his wife Cliona and their family, and his Society family in Kiltegan.

 

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.

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With sadness we announce that Fr Norbert Reid (1976 class) died peacefully in the Care Unit in St Patrick’s, Kiltegan, this morning, Monday 6th March 2023.

 

Our sincere sympathy to Norbert's family and friends.

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Funeral Arrangements are as follows:

Funeral Mass in St Patrick’s Chapel, Kiltegan, on Thursday, March 9th, at 12 noon followed by burial in the Society Cemetery. 

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To view the recording of the Funeral Mass please click on the following link: 

Funeral Mass Recording, Thursday, March 9th 2023

 

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.

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Fr Norbert Reid (1943-2023)

Norbert Anthony Reid, popularly known as Norbert, was born on October 31st 1943 in Creggan Estate, Derry to Cathal Reid and his wife Johanna (née Wilson). He was the eldest child of a family of three girls and five boys. Norbert attended St Eugene’s Boys National School from 1949 to 1956 and had his secondary education in Derry Technical College and Davenport Technical College from 1956 to 1962.  

 

After finishing school in Derry, Norbert emigrated to England where he served his apprenticeship as an electrician in the Navy in Plymouth Dockyard. From 1966-67 he worked as an electrician with the Navy in Sheffield. But thoughts of the priesthood grew stronger and in late 1966 he returned home to Derry to pursue his vocation. Norbert applied to Kiltegan and was sent to St. Patrick’s house of studies in Buchlyvie, Scotland in 1967, and in 1969 joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1970 to 1972 he studied philosophy in Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology from 1972 to 1976. Norbert was one of ten priests ordained for St. Patrick’s Missionary Society by Bishop Dominic Conway on June 12th 1976 in Killamoate.

 

After ordination Norbert was appointed to the diocese of Eldoret in Kenya. From 1986 until 2010, Norbert worked in eight different parishes. He began in Ortum and afterwards served in Tongaren, Turbo, Muiben, Kaiboi, Nerkwo, Ndalat and finally from 2002 he spent eight years in Matunda parish.

 

In June 2010 Norbert returned from Kenya for his home leave. He did his usual medical check-up and was sent for emergency surgery in Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry. He survived this operation against the odds, and for the rest of his life had to deal with numerous health issues and treatments. His doctors and consultants were constantly amazed at his ability to defy medical predictions of his demise and labelled him “a miracle man”.

 

In 2013 he moved into the Care Unit in Kiltegan on a permanent basis, where he was loved and cared for by all the staff. In January 2023 Norbert’s health began to decline. His family members from Derry, England and Norway increased their visits to him during the last few months. On the morning of the 6th  of March, 2023, Norbert died peacefully with his sisters Marie and Carmel and niece Oonagh at this bedside.

 

Norbert was a very committed missionary who went about his pastoral work with an easy going style, which endeared him to the Kenyan people. He was practical in his approach to parish work and was content to serve his parishioners in whatever way the situation demanded. During his time in Eldoret his approach was to encourage and build up the small Christian communities. Norbert never sought the limelight but proved himself to be a solid and reliable pastor, always available to his people by giving them time and listening to their needs and concerns. He took his priestly vocation seriously which showed itself very early on in the way he pursued his studies in Bucklyvie to reach the educational standards required to enter the Seminary in Kiltegan. He had a great interest in sport and especially soccer and it was no surprise that his fellow students elected him to be the soccer captain. He never faltered in his support for Derry City and Arsenal. All his life Norbert kept very close to his family and developed close bonds with all his nieces and nephews. They were a great support and comfort to him during his long years of ill health.

 

Norbert is predeceased by his parents, Cathal and Johanna. He is survived by his sisters, Olivia, Carmel and Marie, brothers, Joseph, Brendan, Martin and Shaun, sisters-in-law Marie and Caroline, brothers-in-law Robin, Phil and Gerry, nephews and nieces and their families, and by his Society family.

 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

We regret to announce that Fr Gerry O’Carroll (1968 class) died peacefully on Friday Feb 24th at Sligo Hospice.

May he rest in peace.

 

Our sincere sympathy to Ger’s family and friends in Ireland and Kenya.

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Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Reposing in Perry’s funeral home, Ballymote (F56 TK20) on Monday from 5pm to 7pm with removal to St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyrush, arriving at 7:30pm. Funeral Mass on Tuesday at 12 noon followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. 

 

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.

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Fr Gerry O’Carroll (1944 - 2023)

Gerard Joseph O’Carroll, popularly known as Gerry or Ger, was born on the 8th of January 1944 in Cloghogue, Castlebaldwin, Co Sligo, to James and Beatrice O’Carroll (née McDonagh). Gerry attended Cloghogue Primary School (Ballinafad Parish) from 1949 to 1953 and Annagh Primary School from 1953 to 1956. He had his secondary education in Colaiste Muire, Ballymote, from 1956 to 1961.

 

In September 1961 Gerry joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1962-1964 he studied philosophy in Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology from 1964 to 1968. Gerry was one of 23 priests ordained for St. Patrick’s Missionary Society by Bishop Lennon on April 14th, 1968.

 

After ordination Gerry was appointed to the Diocese of Lodwar, Kenya. When Gerry arrived in Lodwar it was still a relatively new mission for the Society with only a few parishes. Gerry worked in most of them beginning in Kaputir, and later Lorugumu, Kerio, Loarengak, Kataboi, Kalokol, Kakuma, Turkwell, Kainuk and finally Kanamkamer.

 

Gerry was a tremendously dedicated missionary who gave everything for the cause of making Christ known and loved. He placed a lot of influence in catechetics and explaining all aspects of the Christian faith. He was fluent in the Turkana language and taught it to many of the younger Saint Patrick’s missionaries who came after him. He also translated the bible into Turkana. Gerry was very influential in providing education for the Turkana people and was instrumental in the construction of Kakuma Girls Primary School, Our Lady’s Girls’ Secondary School in Kakuma, St. Leo the Great Boys’ Secondary School, Kacaimeri Primary School, and Kabulokor Primary School in Turkwell.

 

In 2007 after giving everything to the Church and people of the Turkana desert, Gerry came to live in Ireland and began his ministry in Knock shrine where he dedicated himself once again to serving the people by providing them with a listening ear in the sacrament of confession as well as other pastoral duties. When the Covid lockdown arrived in March 2020, and pilgrims could no longer visit Knock, Gerry went to live with his sister Patricia in his home place and helped out in his parish by celebrating daily mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyrush.

 

In January 2023, Gerry was taken into hospital in Sligo and began to grow weaker. He was visited daily by Fr. John Carroll SPS and Fr. Brian Conway SPS and the hospital chaplain Fr. Brian Conlon. On Shrove Tuesday, February 21st, he moved into the hospice where his family took turns to be at his bedside. On Friday night, the 24th February at 10.55 he passed away peacefully, in the presence of his brother Edmund, his nephew Jim and partner Christine, and Fr. Brian Conway.

 

Gerry is predeceased by his parents, James and Beatrice. He is survived by his sisters Miriam and Patricia, his brother Edmund, his nephews and nieces, Fr. Patrick Esekon SPS and his parishioners in Lodwar and his Society family in Kiltegan.

 

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.

With sadness we announce the death of Fr James (Jim) Crowe (1969 Class) on Sunday, February 19th, in University Hospital Limerick.

May he rest in peace.

 

Our sincere sympathy to Jim’s family and friends in Ireland and Brazil.

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Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Reposing in St Senan's Church, Clonlara, Co Clare, this Wednesday (22nd February) from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday (23rd February) at 11am followed by burial afterwards in St Patrick's Missionary Society, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow (arriving at approximately 3pm).

Funeral Mass in St Senan’s will be live-streamed through the following link:

Funeral Mass February 23rd

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Fr James Crowe (1945 - 2023) 

James Crowe, popularly known as Jim, was born on the 7th of March 1945 in Clonlara, Co Clare, to James Crowe and his wife Josephine (née Heffernan). Jim was one of ten children and he attended Clonlara National School from 1949 to 1957 and had his secondary education in Sexton Street CBS, Limerick from 1957 to 1962.

 

In September 1962 he joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1963 – 1965 Jim studied philosophy in Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology from 1965 – 1969. Jim was one of 19 young men ordained for St Patrick’s Missionary Society, by Bishop Lennon on the 6th April 1969.

 

After ordination he was appointed to São Paulo, Brazil. After some months learning Portuguese, Jim moved into the parish of Embu where he remained for 17 years. In 1975 he was joined by his lifelong friend Fr Eddie McGettrick. Embu was a growing parish in a rapidly expanding city. When Jim began the population of the parish was about 7,000 and a decade later it would be close to 200,000. When Jim arrived in São Paulo, the population of the city was estimated at 7 million, while today it is over 25 million.

 

In 1987 Jim and Eddie moved into a new area on the periphery of the city which became famous as Jardim Angela. In 1986 it was declared the most violent area in the world. It was here that Jim made his home and the locus for his ministry and activism for the next 33 years. In 1991 Jim was elected the Regional Leader of St Patrick’s Missionary Society for South America and the Caribbean, for a 6 year term.

 

Jim was a fully committed missionary who had a heart for all people on the margins and for people impacted by violence and injustice. He became totally engrossed in the implementation of the pastoral strategy promulgated by the Bishops Conference of South America from their famous meetings in Medellin, Columbia in 1968 and in Puebla, Mexico in 1979. This was the time in Brazil when the military were dominating politics, but when the church was preaching and living Liberation theology. Jim was at the forefront of this pastoral strategy, of training lay leaders in the parish to take a very active part in the sacramental life of the Church. Jim worked as part of a parish pastoral team with sisters and lay people. He also collaborated with other Christian churches and groups in civil society to bring about programmes and social schemes to improve the lives of the people. In an area where crime and drugs were rampant, Jim and Eddie organised a March for Life and Peace in 1996 which attracted about 5,000 people the first year and grew to about 20,000 in the following years. Another area of focus for Jim’s work was campaigning against police corruption and torture, which put his life in danger. However, he survived which strengthened his faith and belief in Christ’s protection.

 

Jim was well known in Brazil and was often on state TV promoting the values of human rights and speaking out against corruption.

 

Jim retired from Brazil in 2020 and went to live with his family in his native Clare. At the end of January 2023 he was admitted to hospital in Limerick. On Sunday the 19th February he was visited by his niece Marcella in the afternoon and by Fr Tomás O’Connor at around 7pm. He died unexpectedly later that night around 9.30. His death was broadcast on many media outlets in Brazil and President Lula, a personal friend of Jim, and other prominent politicians tweeted their sadness at his passing.

 

Jim is predeceased by his parents, James and Josephine, his sister May and his brother Tom. He is survived by his sisters Noreen, Marcella (Dorran) and Josephine (Grogan), brothers Pat, George and Raymond, sisters-in-law Kitty and Bernie, brother-in-law Meredith, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, his many friends in Brazil and Ireland and his Society family in Kiltegan.

 

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.

With deep regret we announce that Fr. Tim Galvin (1978 Class) died very suddenly in Nairobi Hospital, Kenya, on Thursday February 9th, 2023.

 

We express our deep sympathy to Tim’s family, and to his many friends and colleagues and to his parishioners in South Sudan. May Tim, an extraordinary missionary, rest in peace.

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A memorial mass for Fr. Tim will take place in the Church of the Assumption, Abbeyfeale on Friday evening, 17th February at 7pm.

 

Fr Tim's funeral mass and burial will take place in Nakuru, Kenya, on February 23rd, 2023.

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The funeral mass for Fr. Tim Galvin SPS will be live-streamed from Nakuru, Kenya (local time 10.45 am)

on Thursday morning (February 23rd) from 07.45 am (Irish time) through the following link:

Funeral Mass Nakuru February 23rd

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Fr. Tim Galvin (1952 -2023)

Timothy Galvin, popularly known as Tim, was born on the 3rd of July 1952 at Kilmanihan, Brosna, Co Kerry to John Galvin and his wife Birdie (née O’Connor). Tim was the second born in the family, with two sisters Mary and Catherine. He attended Feale View National School from 1956 to 1964 and had his secondary education in St Brendan’s, Killarney, from 1964 to 1970.

 

In September 1970 Tim joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1971 to 1974 he studied for his B.A. degree in University College, Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology studies from 1974 to 1978. He was ordained with his classmates for the Society by Bishop John Mahon on June 10th, 1978.

 

After ordination, Tim was appointed to Kitui Diocese, Kenya where he ministered in the parishes of Migwani and Kavisuni. In 1983 the Society opened a new mission in Sudan, in the diocese of Torit. Tim was one of a team of six who entered Sudan via Lokichoggio, (northwest Kenya) on August 15th, just as civil war came to Sudan for a second time. Initially, Torit Diocese was unaffected by the war, so Tim with the others immersed themselves in the language and culture of the people. The war however did soon spread to the diocese. Tim was determined to stay on with the people come what may! He was ever available to go where the Bishop felt he would be needed most. He was ever on the move: Kapoeta, Chukudum, then to Torit, Adjumani and Juba to teach in the minor seminary. In 1989, the diocese came under the “Liberated areas” of the SPLA (Sudan People’s Liberation Army). Tim stayed on, again, ever available where he was needed. From 1994-2009, he moved to “Toposa East” working in Narus, Lotimor, Nanyangachor and Npotisgiria where many of the people in these areas heard the word of God for the first time. Road travel was always treacherous with mines, ambushes and the bad state of the roads made it physically very demanding. From 2009 until his death, Tim worked in the “Toposa West” area moving from Narus, to Kapoeta and to then to his final parish in Riwoto.

 

Tim was a very sincere, prayerful, dedicated and passionate missionary priest. He gave himself totally to the people of South Sudan whom he served faithfully and generously for almost forty years. The provision of high-quality education was an important focus for his mission during his time in South Sudan. Tim spoke many languages – Irish, Arabic, Kikamba and Toposa. He remained close to his family and his home community throughout his missionary life and got great support and encouragement from them. He had a wide network of loyal supporters and friends around Abbeyfeale and Brosna with whom he had a very close relationship. They provided him with the resources to carry out his ministry in South Sudan. He was always extremely grateful to them. Tim was a very proud Kerryman and had a life-long interest in the fortunes of the Kerry gaelic football team. He was particularly proud of his nephew Anthony Maher who wore the green and gold jersey of Kerry with distinction for twelve years.

 

Tim also had a great interest in spirituality and poetry. No doubt this interest sustained him during his nearly forty-five years as a missionary priest in very difficult and challenging situations. Wars and rumours of war were constants in his life. His unshakeable faith in Jesus Christ saw him through these difficult times and enabled him to persevere in his mission until the end. One of his favourite poems was Patrick Kavanagh’s ‘The One’, that describes “A humble scene in a backward place where no one important ever looked”. But it was there Tim discovered “that beautiful, beautiful, beautiful God was breathing His love by a cut-away bog”.

 

Tim is predeceased by his parents, John and Birdie. He is survived by his sisters, Mary (Maher) and Catherine (Walsh), his brothers-in-law Tony Maher and Gerard Walsh, his nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, his parishioners in South Sudan and his Society family.

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Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

With sadness we announce the death of  Fr Pádraig Flanagan (1963 Class).

Pádraig died peacefully in the Care Unit in St Patrick's, Kiltegan this morning Friday, January 6th, 2023.

May he rest in peace.

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Our sincere sympathy to Pádraig’s family.

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Funeral Arrangements are as follows:

Funeral Mass in St Patrick’s Chapel, Kiltegan, on Monday, January 9th, at 12 noon followed by burial in the Society Cemetery. 

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To view the Funeral Mass recording, please click on the following link:

Funeral Mass, January 9th 2023

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Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

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Fr Pádraig Flanagan (1938-2023)

John Pádraig Flanagan, popularly known as Pádraig, was born on the 31st of May 1938 in Ardsoran Co Sligo to James and Katherine (née Rock) Flanagan. He was the fifth child of a family of two girls and six boys. Pádraig attended Killalaght National School from 1942 to 1951 and did his secondary education in St Nathy’s, Ballaghadereen from 1951 to 1955.

 

In September 1955 Pádraig joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1956 to ‘59 he studied for his BA degree in University College Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology from 1959 until 1963. Pádraig was among sixteen priests ordained for the Society on April 14th, 1963.

 

After ordination Pádraig was appointed to Ikot Ekpene diocese, Nigeria. During the Biafran war Pádraig became relief co-ordinator for the diocese where he set up three centres to provide food and shelter for those who were displaced during the war. One of his most notable contributions was the building of St Joseph’s Major Seminary in Ikot Ekpene which catered for the training of students for the whole of South Eastern Nigeria. In 1978 ill health forced him to return to Ireland.

 

From 1978 to ‘80, he worked with the Irish Missionary Union for two years, during which he helped to organise the Missionary Congress in Knock. For the next five years (1980-‘85) Pádraig taught and acted as chaplain in CBC Monkstown. From 1994 to 2003 Pádraig worked in the diocese of Nottingham, England, before taking up an appointment in Cliffoney parish, Elphin Diocese in 2005.

 

Pádraig was blessed with a practical brain which manifested itself both as a student and later during his co-ordination of different projects. His classmate Sean O’Dowd recalls the time when a printing press was left into the new college in Kiltegan. “Some of us wondered what it was or how it worked! However, Pádraig Flanagan went a bit further and found that it was in perfect working order. He started work on the ordination cards for the 1963 class which were to be shared with students, staff and colleagues”. From the moment he arrived in Nigeria he was able to see the needs of his people and initiated many practical programmes to improve their lives. He was able to draw on his experience of working on the ground in Nigeria, when he went on to study for a MBA in Trinity College, Dublin in 1973-‘74. He worked in other relief projects in Tanzania from 1985-‘87 and in Jordan in 1990-‘91.

 

Pádraig’s main sporting interest was horseracing. His biggest thrill in recent years was when Rachael Blackmore personally wrote to him after she became the leading jockey in Cheltenham in 2021. This led to Pádraig backing her horse for the Aintree Grand National that year, which he was duly rewarded for.

 

Pádraig is predeceased by his parents James and Kate, by his brothers, Bernard, William and Seamus, and by his sister Rita. He is survived by his brothers, Fr Michael (USA), Francis, and his sister Jane Patricia, his nephews and nieces and their families, and his Society family.

 

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.

With sadness we announce the death of Fr Anthony (Tony) Sheerin (1965 Class). Tony died early on Monday morning, December 12th, in the Care Unit in St Patrick’s, Kiltegan. May he rest in peace.

 

Our sincere sympathy to Tony’s family.

 

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Requiem Mass in St Patrick's, Kiltegan, on Wednesday, December 14th at 12 noon followed by burial in the Society Cemetery.

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To view the Funeral Mass recording, please click on the following link:

Funeral Mass, Dec 14th 2022

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Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

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Fr Anthony (Tony) Sheerin SPS (1939-2022)

Anthony Patrick Sheerin, popularly known as Tony was born on the 9th November 1939 to John and Mary (née Ryan) of Aughabrack, Castletown Geoghegan, Co Westmeath. He was the fifth child of a family of six girls and five boys. Tony attended the local national school in Streamstown from 1944 to 1952 and had his secondary education in St Finian’s College, Mullingar from 1952 to 1957.

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In September 1957 Tony joined the spiritual year in Kiltegan. From 1958 to 1961 he studied for his B.A. degree in Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for Theology. Along with his eighteen classmates, Tony was ordained on 18th April 1965 in St Mary’s Church, Killamoate.

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After ordination Tony was appointed to the diocese of Minna, where he ministered until 1970. He taught in different secondary schools in the diocese during a tense time with the Biafran war raging in Eastern Nigeria, where many of his students had come from. From 1970 – ‘72 Tony attended Strasbourg University where he undertook a degree in Catholic Theology and then returned to Kiltegan to take up a position on the Formation Staff.

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In 1984 Tony went to Rome to pursue further studies in Theology and was awarded a doctorate in 1989. He was then appointed to Malawi where he worked in St. Peter’s Seminary, Zomba. In 2003 he took a sabbatical after which he was transferred to Lusaka where he took up pastoral work in the parish of Kalingalinga. In 2007 he was asked to take responsibility for managing the new Society house in Lusaka where he remained until he retired to Ireland in 2013.

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In 2018 his health began to decline, and he moved into the Care Unit at St Patrick’s, Kiltegan. Late on Sunday evening, December 11th Tony’s condition began to deteriorate, and he was anointed by Fr Enda Kelly. Enda sat with him for several hours and Tony died peacefully at 1.45 a.m. on Monday, December 12th.

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Tony was a gifted academic whose passion was the study of theology and he spent lots of time reading books and articles on various facets of theology. He also had a keen interest in Liturgy and was responsible for the redesign of the chapel in the college in Kiltegan in the 1980s, as well as churches in Malawi and Zambia. He also initiated and developed the Society graveyard in Lusaka. Tony was a practical man and took on the role of facilities manager while he was lecturing in St. Peter’s Seminary in Malawi.

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Tony is predeceased by his parents John and Mary, his sister, Sr Maria, (Loreto), and his brothers, Jimmy and John Joe and Pat. He is survived by his sisters, Sr Philomena (MMM), Sr Teresa (Mercy), Brid (Kiernan), Sr Bernadette (Mercy), Martha (Laffan), his brother, Fr Michael, (Diocese of Meath), his brother-in-law Lawrence, his nephews and nieces and their families, and his Society family.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.

With sadness we  announce the death of Fr Liam Kelly (1968 Class). Liam died peacefully on Tuesday evening, November 22nd in the Care Unit in St Patrick's, Kiltegan.

May he rest in peace.

Our sincere sympathy to Liam's family.

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Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Funeral Mass in St Patrick’s Chapel, Kiltegan, on Friday, November 25th, at 12 noon followed by burial in the Society Cemetery.

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To view the Funeral Mass recording, please click on the following link: 

Funeral Mass, November 25th

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Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

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Fr Liam Kelly SPS (1941-2022)

William John Kelly, popularly known as Liam was born on the 24th June 1941 to John and Kathleen Kelly (nee Long) of Ileigh, Borrisoleigh, Co Tipperary. He was the eldest of a family of one brother and three sisters. He attended the local national school in Ileigh from 1947 to 1954 and had his secondary education with the Patrician Brothers in Ballyfin Co. Laois from 1954 to 1959.

In September 1959 he joined the spiritual year in Kiltegan. From 1960-64 he studied for his BSc degree in Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology and was ordained on 14th April 1968 along with twenty-two classmates in St Mary’s Church, Killamoate.

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After ordination Liam was appointed to the diocese of Kitui, to a young church to work alongside his fellow missionaries who were determined to implement the vision of Vatican II. For fifty years Kitui diocese was his home and the place where he exercised his missionary vocation with great zeal by teaching in schools and in parish work.

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Liam’s early missionary life was spent teaching science in secondary schools. He spent sixteen years in Kitui Secondary School. He taught in St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary Mwingi for eleven years from 1986-97. After a four-month sabbatical in Jerusalem in 1997, he moved to parish ministry in St Patrick’s, Migwani. In 2004 he transferred to Holy Spirit Parish, Mulutu, to join his lifelong friend Frank Minogue and they worked together for the next fourteen years, ministering to the people of the parish. After celebrating his Golden Jubilee of priesthood and serving the people of Kitui for fifty years, ill health forced him to retire and return to Ireland in May 2018. He immediately moved into the Care Unit and bore his failing health with great serenity.

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Pope Francis wrote a pastoral letter, entitled ‘The joy of the Gospel’ in 2013. If there was ever a man who lived out this message, it was Liam Kelly, who radiated joy to everyone he encountered. Liam was a most positive person and always full of hope and related to his students and parishioners without judgement or criticism. He was a fantastic and committed teacher who was loved by all his students who blossomed under his encouragement. Before he retired a big group of his former students gathered to thank him and show their appreciation for all he did for them while at school. Liam was a very kind pastor who promoted small Christian communities in the spirit of Vatican II. He was also a great model and support to the young African priests who followed in his footsteps. Part of his spirituality was praying and sharing his faith with his fellow priests in the Charles de Foucauld fraternity. When one of the Kitui priests was badly traumatised by armed robbers, Liam accompanied him for a long period of time and helped to restore him to full health. Liam’s beautiful smile and gentle spirit will live long in the memory of all the people who knew him.

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On Sunday the 20th November Liam began to get a bit confused and two days later his condition deteriorated and he was anointed that morning. He died, as he had lived, peacefully at lunch time on the 22nd November, 2022 on the feast of St. Cecelia patron of musicians, and being a man who loved listening to classical music it was surely appropriate.

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Liam is predeceased by his parents John and Kathleen and his sister Loretta. He is survived by his brother Austin, his sisters Irene Houlihan and Geraldine Healy, his brothers-in-law Jim and Tommy and his sister-in-law Helen and their families.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.

With sadness we  announce the death of Fr Martin O'Connell (1978 Class). Martin died peacefully on Sunday evening, October 30th in the Care Unit in St Patrick's, Kiltegan.

May he rest in peace.

 

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Funeral Mass in St Patrick’s Chapel, Kiltegan, on Thursday, November 3rd, at 12 noon followed by burial in the Society Cemetery.

 

To view the Funeral Mass recording, please click on the following link:

Funeral Mass, November 3rd

 

Our sincere sympathy to Martin's family.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

​

Fr Martin O’Connell (1945 -2022)

Martin Joseph O’Connell was born on the 1st of March 1945 to John O’Connell and his wife Mary (nee Hession) of Kiniska, Claregalway, Co. Galway. He was the eldest of a family of six boys and four girls. He received his primary education in Claregalway National School from 1951 to 1959. After primary school he went to work in Rooney & Reidy Furniture business. He joined the Legion of Mary and became the President of the Praesidium. Embarking on many “pereginatios” as a Legionary to England sowed the seeds of a missionary vocation. In 1968 he applied to join St. Patrick’s, Kiltegan. Because he had no secondary education, he spent three years in St. Patrick’s Buchlyvie, Scotland, where he obtained his O Levels. He was admitted to the Spiritual Year in September 1971. He did his philosophy studies in Douglas, Cork for two years. He then proceeded to study theology for four years in Kiltegan and was ordained on June 10th, 1978.

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After ordination Martin was appointed to the diocese of Ogoja in Nigeria. His first tour was spent living with different priests to get a feel for the varied apostolates of the diocese as part of his orientation. One of his first parishes was Wula; from there he moved to Ugep and by 1982 he was parish priest of Mbube. Afterwards he worked in the parishes of Bansara and Obudu. In 1995 he took a sabbatical and did the three month Spirituality Programme in St Beunos, Wales, which included the 30 Day Retreat.

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In 1995 Martin was appointed to South Africa. He worked in Maryvale Parish in Johannesburg and also spent some time in the diocese of Tzaneen. In 2003 he was appointed as Spiritual Director to the Formation House in KwaPatrick, Kwa Zulu-Natal, a post he held until 2010. He was then assigned a special ministry in Johannesburg and lived in the Society house in Benoni on the outskirts of the city. In 2017 he was once again called on to be the Spiritual Director in KwaPatrick for three years. He moved back to the Society House in Johannesburg in December 2020.

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At the beginning of 2022 Martin began to feel unwell and had some treatment and diagnosis in South Africa. He was advised to come home and arrived in Ireland on April 6th. He was admitted to the Care Unit in Kiltegan and his health gradually deteriorated. The time spent in Kiltegan gave him an opportunity to spend time with his family after many years on the missions. On Sunday the 30th of October, some of his siblings and other family members spent much of the day with him. Later that evening Martin died peacefully with Fr Jimmy McDonnell by his bedside.

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Martin was a very sincere, committed and dedicated missionary priest. He spent all his priestly life in Africa, serving the people with great generosity and compassion. He was a gracious host and made hospitality his special charism. In his mid-twenties he felt the call to be a missionary priest and he never deviated from that call over the following forty-four years. His zeal and commitment never waned. Martin remained very close to his family even when he was in Africa. This closeness was very evident during Martin’s final months when he had a visit almost every day from a member of his family. This closeness was a source of great consolation and comfort to him as he faced the end of his life.

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Martin is survived by his sisters Mary, Brid, Kathleen and Anne, his brothers Pat, Jimmy, John, Michael and Tom, his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and their families

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

We are sad to announce the death of Fr Gregory McManus (1967 Class). Greg died peacefully on Sunday, October 30th in Naas General Hospital.

May he rest in peace.

 

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Funeral Mass in St Patrick’s Chapel, Kiltegan, on Wednesday, November 2nd, at 12 noon followed by burial in the Society Cemetery.

 

To view the recording of the Funeral please click on the following link:

Funeral Mass, November 2nd, 2022

Please note: Unfortunately due to stormy weather in Kiltegan, there was a short disruption to the live-stream during the homily.

 

Our sincere sympathy to Gregory's family.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

​

Fr Gregory McManus (1942-2022)

Gregory McManus was born on the 6th July 1942 to John McManus and his wife Delia (nee Gilmartin) of Keadue, Co Roscommon. He is from a family of four boys and one girl. He attended Keadue National School from 1947 to 1955 and, Summerhill College, Sligo from 1955 to 1960 for his secondary education. He joined the spiritual year in Kiltegan in September 1960. He proceeded to St Patrick’s, Douglas Cork for his philosophy studies and returned to Kiltegan in 1963 to begin his theological training. He was ordained on the 26th March, 1967 in Hacketstown along with his ten classmates by Bishop Patrick Lennon DD, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin.

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After ordination Gregory was appointed to Kenya and to the diocese of Eldoret. His first appointment was to the parish of Nerkwo. He also served in the parishes of Iten, Sigor, Ortum, Chepariria, Kapcherop and Turbo where he taught in schools as well as parish work. In 1994 he was posted to work in the diocese of Menevia in Wales, ministering in Llanelli.

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In January 1998 he was appointed to Grenada where he worked for the next 14 years. He worked in the parishes of Carriacou, Gouyave, Victoria, Beauliau, Victoria and Petit Martinique. He taught catechetics in many of the schools and instructed the youth in the Catholic faith.

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In 2012 Gregory began a new phase of his priestly ministry by taking up his role as a chaplain. He spent a number of years in chaplaincy work in England and also as a chaplain in Maryfield Nursing home in Chapelizod. In 2016 he retired to Kiltegan where he enjoyed walking and entertained the community with his quick wit. He moved to the Care Unit earlier this year. He began to feel unwell in the last week of October. He was admitted to Naas Hospital where he died in the early hours of Sunday morning the 30th October.

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Gregory loved teaching and preaching. He had a very powerful voice and didn’t need a microphone and he preached with great conviction. He used posters and gathered a lot of stories and jokes to illustrate his message and keep his students attentive. Gregory was a very good pastor and put great emphasis on home visitation and caring for the sick. The people of Kenya and Grenada really appreciated this aspect of his ministry. He was a very generous and caring priest. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan which devastated the island of Grenada in September 2004, he used any money that came his way from his family and the Society to help those in need. He never asked questions but helped everyone who came to him for assistance. Gregory’s chief form of relaxation was reading novels which he enjoyed.

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Gregory was predeceased by his brother Manus and his brother-in-law Gabriel Layden. He is survived by his brothers Ultan and Raymond and his sister Mena and his sisters-in-law Anne, Patricia and Pauline, his nephews and nieces and their families.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

We are sad to announce the death of Fr Francis (Frank) Morgan (1962 Class). Frank died peacefully on Friday, October 14th in Naas General Hospital.

May he rest in peace.

 

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Funeral Mass in St Patrick’s Chapel, Kiltegan, on Tuesday, October 18th, at 12 noon followed by burial in the Society Cemetery.

 

To view the recorded Mass please click on the following link:

Funeral Mass, October 18th 2022

 

Our sincere sympathy to Frank's family.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

​

Fr Francis Patrick Morgan (1937-2022)

Francis Patrick (Frank) Morgan was born on the 5th of February 1937 to Henry Morgan and his wife Julia (née McCarthy) of 3515 Flournoy Street, Chicago. He was the last born of the family and the only son. When Frank was two years of age the family left Chicago and went to live at his father’s home place at Glenview, Crumlin, Co Antrim. Frank attended St James Primary School, Aldergrove (1943-1947) and St Joseph’s Primary School, Crumlin (1947-1950). For the first part of his secondary education Frank attended St Malachy’s College, Belfast (1950-1951). The family moved to Ballinhassig, Cork, in the early 1950s and Frank transferred to St Finbarr’s College, Farranferris. In 1953 he returned to St Malachy’s College for the final two years of his secondary education. He joined St Patrick’s Missionary Society in September 1955. After the usual course of studies he was ordained in St Mary’s Church, Killamoat, on Easter Sunday (22nd of April) 1962. The ordaining prelate was Most Rev Patrick Cleary SSC, Exiled Bishop of Nancheng, China.

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After ordination Frank was appointed to the Diocese of Eldoret, Kenya where he would minister for the following twenty-nine years. He spent most of his priestly ministry teaching in Mother of Apostles Junior Seminary, Eldoret. He also taught for a short period in a Harambee School in Eldoret. He took a sabbatical in 1986/87 and participated in a Renewal Course at Gort Muire, Dublin. For the second part of the sabbatical he attended some courses at Loyola University in his native city of Chicago. At the end of the sabbatical Frank returned to the Diocese of Eldoret and ministered in Turbo and in Majengo.

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In 1991 Frank left Kenya and took up an appointment in Grenada, the West Indies. He spent twenty-four years in Grenada and was involved in parish ministry during all that time. He served in Sauteurs, Gouyave, Victoria, River Sallee and Beaulieu. Frank was in River Sallee when Hurricane Ivan devastated Grenada in September 2004. He counted himself very fortunate that Hurricane Ivan spared the part of island in which he lived; the destruction around River Sallee was considerably less than in other parts. Frank’s final years in Grenada were spent in Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Beaulieu, where he worked with Fr Sean Doggett.

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Ill-health forced Frank to retire to Ireland at the end of 2014. He went to live at St Patrick’s, Kiltegan. He adapted to community life at Kiltegan very easily and was a very popular member of the community. He accepted his new situation with serenity and calm. He enjoyed his retirement and was able to stay in touch with his family in Cork and in Antrim. He also did some pastoral work and often celebrated Sunday Mass for the residents of Ardeen Cheshire Home, Shillelagh, Co Wicklow. His health deteriorated significantly over the last two years and he went to live in the Care Unit at Kiltegan. He was admitted to Naas General Hospital on the evening of the 11th of October. He died peacefully on Friday afternoon, the 14th of October. At his bedside were Frs Joe Rabbitt and Jimmie McDonnell. He had been anointed earlier in the day by Fr Enda Kelly.

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Frank was a very quiet, gentle and unassuming man who made no demands on anyone. He was blessed with a beautiful tenor voice and he enjoyed singing. He was a much respected member of the Senior Choir during his student days and was often one of the principal chanters at Sunday Mass. ABBA’s great hit Fernando became one of his party pieces. Frank is remembered as a very patient, fair and dedicated teacher who treated his students with the utmost respect and kindness. He was a very compassionate and caring pastor who was always there for the people. He was very proud of his family and loved to stay in touch with them.

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Frank was predeceased by his sisters Maureen (Murphy) and Sr Sheila (Religious Sisters of the Heart of Mary) and by his brother-in-law Timmy Murphy. He is survived by his cousins in Crumlin, Co Antrim and his cousins in Castletownbere, Co Cork.

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Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.