Society Obituaries
Announcements and Funeral Arrangements
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
​
To view the webcam of St Patrick's Chapel, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, please click on the following link:
​
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.
​
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.
Fr William Banda
March 13th
It is with great sadness that we announce the tragic and sudden death of Fr William Banda (2016 Class) who died this morning, March 13th 2024 in Tzaneen, South Africa.
​
Our sincere sympathy to his family in Zambia, his friends, parishioners and colleagues in South Africa and to his Society family.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral in Tzaneen, starting at 7am on Saturday 23 March. (0500 GMT)
Burial will follow at the diocesan cemetery at Ave Maria Pastoral Centre, Tzaneen.
​
Please see below the recordings of the Vigil Mass, Funeral Mass and burial of Fr William Banda SPS. May he rest in peace.
Vigil Mass – Friday, March 22nd
Funeral Mass – Saturday, March 23rd
Burial – Saturday, March 23rd
A video of still photos of the Farewell Ceremonies for Fr William Banda SPS 1986-2024
​
Month's Mind Mass – April 12th
​
William Banda (1986-2024)
William Banda was born on 31st May, 1986 in Lusaka, Zambia to Gabriel Banda and Catherine S. Banda. He was baptised by Fr PJ Breen SPS and made his First Holy Communion and was confirmed at St Peter’s Parish in Garden Township in Lusaka, where St Patrick’s priests ministered. He was the firstborn in a family of seven comprising of three brothers, Vincent, Gabriel and Yamikani and three sisters Monica, Theresa and Loviness. As a young boy, William showed great interest in church activities, he joined the altar servers’ group in the parish and enjoyed assisting the priests in their work.
After completing primary and secondary school, young William applied to join St Patrick’s Missionary Society. He was inspired and encouraged by Fr. Eamon Hayden who was then parish priest at St Peter’s Parish. He began initial formation at the formation house in Foxdale, Lusaka in 2006. His fellow students there commented on his interest in politics and current affairs, which gave him a great interest in people and ways to bring transformation to their lives. After initial formation he continued to the society formation house Kwa Patrick in South Africa and studied philosophy at St Joseph’s Theological Institute, Cedara.
Following his philosophical studies he undertook his First Missionary Assignment (FMA) in the Diocese of Tzaneen in South Africa, working with Fr Michael Bennett SPS. He was involved in youth work and visiting the sick along with all aspects of parish life.
In 2012 he moved to Kenya to pursue his theological studies at Tangaza College in Nairobi, living in the formation community in Lang’ata. In 2015, William was ordained a deacon in Nairobi, together with his classmates Livinus Onogwu and the late Martin Kavisu. William was ordained as a priest at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka, Zambia by Emeritus Archbishop George Telesphore Mpundu on 28 May 2016. Thereafter he was appointed to work in South Africa in the Diocese of Tzaneen.
From 2016 to the time of his death William ministered with prayerful humility, diligence, wisdom and courage. He was a loving priest, approachable and friendly.
William was shot by an unknown man who entered the church during morning prayer and his wounds caused his death. He met his death in the line of duty, praying and about to celebrate the Holy Eucharist; indeed, his life was a sacrifice to others to the end.
May William rest in peace.
​
Fr Brendan McCarron
February 11th
With sadness we announce the death of Fr Brendan McCarron (1973 Class) peacefully in the Care Unit, St Patrick's, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, on Sunday, February 11th, 2024.
Our sincere sympathy to Brendan's family and friends.
May Brendan rest in peace.
​
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Funeral Mass in St Patrick’s Chapel, Kiltegan, on Wednesday, February 14th at 12 noon, followed by burial in the Society Cemetery.
​
To view the Funeral Mass recording, please click on the following link:
Funeral Mass February 14th 2024
​
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
​
Brendan McCarron (1948-2024)
Brendan Francis McCarron was born in Castlederg, Co Tyrone on the 11th of December 1948 to Geoffrey and May McCarron. He was the fifth born in a family of five girls and two boys. He attended St Patrick’s Primary School Castlederg from 1952-61 and had his secondary education in Omagh CBS from 1961-66. Brendan joined the spiritual year in Kiltegan in September 1966 and proceeded to Douglas, Cork for his philosophy studies. From 1969 to 1973 he studied Theology in Kiltegan. He was ordained in 1973 in St Mary’s Church, Killamoate.
​
After ordination Brendan was appointed to the archdiocese of Lusaka and was among the pioneering St Patrick’s missionaries in Zambia. He ministered in different parishes, beginning in Mpanshya. In 1986 he was in Chongwe and in 1990 was appointed to St Paul’s parish. He was appointed as Society Coordinator in Lusaka in 1990 for six years. In 1995 he moved to the parish of Kabanana. In 1997 Brendan took a sabbatical. After completing his sabbatical, he was appointed to the promotion team in the UK and was based in East Molesey. He travelled around England and Wales promoting the work of the Society and sharing his missionary experience of working in Zambia. In 2006 he was reappointed back to Lusaka where he opened a new parish which he named St Faustina’s.
In 2012 Brendan returned to Ireland to be with his mother. His regular visits to Parkview House nursing home were a great source of comfort to all the people there. After his mother’s death in 2015 he moved to our community in Leeson Park where he took an active part in the activities of the house. In 2023 his health began to decline, and he had to be admitted to hospital a few times. On January 18th, 2024, he came to the Care Unit in Kiltegan where he was lovingly cared for by all the staff. On Sunday last, February 11th, Brendan attended Mass in the company of his nieces and their husbands and enjoyed their company for the day. After they left, his condition deteriorated rapidly, and he died just before 9pm with five Society priests holding vigil at his bedside. It was the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of Prayer for the Sick. Being a man so devoted to Our Lady and having suffered his own share of sickness, it was so appropriate and surely God’s way of granting Brendan a final gift.
Brendan was a wonderful missionary and blessed with a deep faith. He loved the people of Zambia and immersed himself in the language and culture of the people whom he served so generously. He had a special care for the sick and dying, both in Zambia and when he was at home in Castlederg. He had a great devotion to St Faustina and visited her convent in Poland and returned with a first-class relic, gifted to him by the Sisters, which he greatly treasured. Brendan remained close to his family and the people of Castlederg all his life. His family supported him throughout his missionary life and this loving bond was clearly seen during his final illness with their visits to Kiltegan, and they kept his spirits up right to the end. Brendan’s deep faith helped him to cope with his illness and diagnosis, which he accepted with fortitude and serenity.
Brendan was predeceased by his parents, Geoffrey and May, his brother Billy and sister Lucia. He is deeply regretted by his sisters, Margaret, Marian, Eithne, Christina and his brother Anthony, his sister-in-law Margaret, his brothers-in-law Tim and Eugene, his nephews and nieces and their families, and by his Society family in Kiltegan.
​
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
Fr Edward (Eddie) Lalor
January 9th
With sadness we announce the death of Fr Edward (Eddie) Lalor (1964 Class), peacefully today, Tuesday, January 9th, in St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin.
Our sincere sympathy to Eddie's family and friends.
May Eddie rest in peace.
​
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Reposing in St. Peter and Paul’s Parish Church, Portlaoise 5.30pm-7.30pm, Thursday, 11th January.
Funeral Mass in St Fintan’s Church, Raheen, Co. Laois, on Friday, 12th January, at 12 noon followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
"A Blessed Life Well Lived”
​
Edward Lalor (1939-2024)
Edward Lalor, popularly known as Eddie, was born on the 17th of September 1939 at Cappanaclough in the parish of Raheen, Co Laois, to Thomas Lalor and his wife Agnes (née Brennan). Eddie had two sisters and one brother. Eddie attended Raheen Primary School from 1944 to 1951 and Abbeyleix Primary School from 1951 to 1952. Eddie had his secondary education in the Patrician College Ballyfin as a boarder from 1952 to 1956.
In September 1956 Eddie joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1957 to 1960 he studied for his B.Sc. Degree in University College, Cork, and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology from 1960 until 1964. Eddie was among twenty priests ordained for St Patrick’s Missionary Society by Bishop Cleary on March 29th, 1964.
After ordination, Eddie was appointed to Kenya where he was to spend the rest of his missionary life. He worked first in Eldoret Diocese from 1964 to 1968, before transferring to Nakuru Diocese where he remained until 1984. He began his missionary work teaching in the Minor Seminary. He also taught in an army secondary school and different parishes, including the cathedral in Nakuru, Njoro and Baraka. He was Vocations Director in the diocese for a number of years.
In 1984, Eddie was elected as the Society’s Regional Superior for East Africa, a post he held for the next twelve years. During these years he looked after all our missionaries in Kenya and Sudan and guided and supported their ministries in parishes and schools. He helped to co-ordinate many development programmes to enhance the lives of the people.
In 1997 Eddie returned to parish work and opened up a new parish in Embakasi, Nairobi, where St Patrick’s priests still minister. After two years he moved into hospital chaplaincy in Kenyatta Hospital, Nairobi. He made a great contribution to the life of the hospital and provided spiritual comfort to the patients and assisted many of them by helping to pay their hospital bills. He also developed a great working relationship with all the staff who relied on him for advice and spiritual support.
Eddie returned to Ireland in 2013 and worked in the parish of Portlaoise. He spent seven very happy years there, where he had the opportunity to minister to the people of his native county. The people of Portlaoise appreciated his kindness and humility and were blessed with the rich wisdom he shared with them from his experience in Africa.
In 2020 Eddie developed serious health issues, and he moved back to Kiltegan where he underwent a lot of medical treatment. He was lovingly cared for by the staff of the Care Unit whom he was constantly thanking for their attentiveness and care. On January 2nd, 2024, he was admitted to St Vincent’s hospital in Dublin. He died there peacefully just before midday on January 9th, with his sister Eleanor, niece Emma and Fr David Larkin SPS by his bedside.
Eddie was a very committed missionary who spent 49 years in Kenya where he loved the country and its people. He always had great heart for the poor and the weak whom he supported with the help of his family and many friends in Ireland. During his years as Regional Leader in East Africa Eddie devoted great care and attention to the Society’s mission in Sudan which had begun the year before he took up office. His encouragement to all who worked in Sudan was exceptional.
Eddie is predeceased by his parents Thomas and Agnes, his brother P.J. and sister Annette. He is survived by his sister Eleanor Robinson, his nephews Patrick and Eddie and nieces Emma and Una and their families, and his Society family.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.
Fr Martin Kavisu
December 14th
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Fr Martin Kavisu (2016 Class).
Martin died in a road accident on December 14th in Malawi.
Mr Francis Dzanjalimodzi, one of his parishioners who was traveling with him, also died in the accident.
May Martin and Francis rest in peace.
Our sincere sympathy to Martin’s family, to his parishioners and the community.
We will keep the families of Martin and Francis in our prayers.
​
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Removal on Thursday, December 21st at Lee Funeral Home to St. Augustine Catholic Church, Kiamunyi, Nakuru, Kenya, for funeral Mass at 11 am.
Followed by burial in the Society cemetery at St. Patrick’s, Formation House, Kiamunyi.
May Martin rest in peace.
To view the Funeral Mass recording, please click on the following link:
​
Fr Martin Kavisu SPS, 1982-2023
Fr Martin Kavisu was born of the late Cosmas Kavisu and the late Jenifer Kanyaa on 7th August 1982 in Kitumbi location of Kitui town under St Paul’s Mutune Parish in Kitui Diocese, Kenya. He was the fourth born in a family of eight – three boys and five girls.
​
He attended Kitumbi primary school and St Joseph’s Minor Seminary Mwingi for his secondary education which he completed in 2001. He then worked for two years as a clerical officer in an audit firm in Nairobi.
​
He was a dedicated Christian from childhood, and this saw him join St Patrick’s Missionary Society in 2007 in response to his felt call to missionary priesthood to serve God and His people across the world. He had Initial Formation at Nakuru (Kenya); Philosophy at St Joseph’s Theological Institute Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa (2008 – 2010); pastoral year at St Margaret’s Parish Kokwe in Chipata Diocese in Zambia (2011) and Theology at Tangaza University College Nairobi, Kenya (2012 – 2015).
He was ordained deacon on 8th August 2015 at St John the Evangelist Langata Nairobi and ordained priest on 28th May 2016 at Our Lady of Africa Cathedral Kitui for St Patrick’s Missionary Society. He served briefly at Christ the Redeemer Parish Kapsoya in Eldoret Diocese before proceeding to St Augustine’s Parish Mtengowanthenga in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe in Malawi as parochial vicar from 2016 to 2018. From 2018 to 2022, he served as a parochial vicar at St Kizito Parish Chigoneka in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe. He was appointed Parish Priest of St Kizito Chigoneka in 2022 and served faithfully until his sudden passing on 14th December 2023 in a fatal road accident around Kamphata area of Lilongwe. He was with Mr Francis, a parishioner, in the car and both of them died at the scene. May they rest in peace.
​
Fr Martin Kavisu was a jovial, friendly, adventurous and outgoing person with a great sense of humor. Described by his friends as a people person, Fr Martin is loved by many people in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa. His friends nicknamed him “Agogo” – a name that means a jack of all trades because of his all-roundedness. He has many friends who are devastated by his death. His endearing character saw him appointed as Master of Ceremony of Maula Deanery in July 2023. He also served as the Vocations Director of St Patrick’s Missionary Society covering Malawi and Zambia as well as the Bursar in Malawi. The responsibilities he held were indicative of his personality, integrity and commitment. He will be greatly missed by St Patrick’s Missionaries.
In his missionary journey from Mutune to Malawi, “Marto” as he was fondly called, was full of life and devoted himself selflessly and tirelessly to the pastoral care of his Christians. He immersed himself in the dynamics of missionary priesthood, sharing the Gospel with passion and touching the hearts and minds of the young and the old alike. He was available and served with smiles, humility, gentility, kindness, simplicity and love.
People encountered him as a life-giving Father in word and in deed. He was a fine priest who used stories a lot in his homilies as a way to drive home the gospel message. At his Masses, there were no dull moments as he captivated the hearts, minds and attention of his congregation. Martin’s motto which inspired his ministry was “to spend and be spent for Christ.” One of his favorite sayings was “a candle does not lose its light when other candles are lit from it.” He has gone far too soon but he has lit many other candles from his candle of faith and humanity. Truly, Marto has spent his life for Christ and His people! Fr Martin’s life so pleased God that God has called him home at this time and in a manner that demonstrates Martin’s participation in the passion, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ for our salvation. God will indeed reward Martin for his life and ministry as his candle shines on in Christ. May we all be inspired by the short but sweet story of this beautiful soul called Martin Kavisu to love and serve God and all people wholeheartedly in this passing world.
Fr Martin was predeceased by his brother Stephen Kavisu (2003) and three sisters namely, Rose Kavisu (2006), Winfred Kavisu (2007) and Catherine Kavisu (2017). May they rest in peace. He is survived by his brother Micheal Kavisu and two sisters Elizabeth Mwiathi and Stella Mutanu and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with them during this sad moment.
Marto, smile on into the loving embrace of God whom you loved and served with apostolic zeal.
Rest in the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ until we meet to part no more. Amen. Adieu!
Fr John O'Brien
November 7th, 2023
With sadness we announce the death of Fr John O'Brien (1964 Class). He died peacefully on Tuesday, November 7th, in the Care Unit, St Patrick's, Kiltegan.
Our sincere sympathy to the John's family and friends.
May John rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Funeral Mass in St Patrick’s Chapel, Kiltegan, on Friday, November 10th, at 12 noon, followed by burial in the Society Cemetery.
​
To view the recording of the Funeral Mass that took place on November 10th, please click on the following link:
Funeral Mass Recording- November 10th
​
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
​
John O’Brien (1939 - 2023)
John Joseph O’Brien was born on July 31st 1939 at Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, to Garda Patrick O’Brien and his wife Eileen (née Leahy). By the time he joined St Patrick’s Missionary Society the family had moved to nearby Parteen, Co Clare. He was the youngest child in a family of three. His brother Patrick became a Camillian priest. John attended the CBS Primary School in Limerick from 1947 to 1952 and continued in CBS Limerick for his secondary education (1952 to 1957).
In September 1957 John joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1958 to 1960 he studied philosophy in Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology from 1960 to 1964. He was among twenty priests ordained for St Patrick’s Missionary Society on Easter Sunday (March 29th ) 1964 by Bishop Patrick Cleary SSC, Exiled Bishop of Nancheng, China.
After ordination John was appointed to Eldoret Diocese, Kenya. In those days Eldoret was a vast diocese and he was appointed to the Turkana region in the north which later became the Diocese of Lodwar. When Nakuru became a diocese on its own, John found himself in the new diocese where he remained until 1992. In 1992 he moved to South Africa and took up an appointment in Tzaneen Diocese. In 1999 John was transferred to Clifton Diocese in England where he ministered at St Patrick’s Parish, Corsham.
After ministering for twenty years in Clifton, John retired to our Society House in Cork in September 2019. He moved from Cork to the Kiltegan community on the 9th October 2023 when he realised that he needed more medical care. He was happy with this decision and was filled with gratitude that he had lived his dream of being a pastoral missionary priest and was now ready to face his final journey back to God. He completed the earthly part of this journey on 7th November 2023 when he passed away peacefully under the care of the medical staff and accompanied by his Society brothers who kept vigil at his bedside.
John was a true missionary at heart, and he was always eager to serve wherever the missionary needs were greatest. He loved being a pastor to the people where he ministered. He spent all his active years in pastoral ministry. Even in his retirement he responded to a request to work in the parish of Kilmacow in Co Kilkenny where the people really appreciated his generosity. For a good part of his life John had to cope with challenges to his health. He underwent heart surgery in the late 1980s and again during his time in England. However, he never allowed these health challenges to prevent him from responding to the missionary call. John was an avid reader and a great lover of classical music. He lived a very frugal life and made do with very little. He was a very unassuming person who was blessed with a very deep faith. He faced his final illness with great calm and serenity.
John is predeceased by his parents, Patrick and Eileen and by his brother, Fr Patrick, He is survived by his sister Eileen, his cousins, his many friends, and his Society family.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.