Father Brian was born 8 December 1926, at Derryhassen,
Downings, County Donegal, Ireland, in the Diocese of Raphoe, to Patrick and Fanny Gallagher. Educated at St Enda's College, Galway, 1941-43, and St. Eunan's College, Letterkenny, 1943-46, he then entered St Columban's College, Dalgan Park, Navan, the seminary of the Columbans in Ireland, in 1946.  He was ordained on December 21, 1952.

St Eunan's College [Wikipedia]

He arrived in Japan, December 25, 1953 and attended the Franciscan Language School. He served in Ryujin, in the Osaka Diocese; St Columban's, Chiba City, in the Tokyo Archdiocese; in four parishes of Kumamoto. He and Fr James Norris started youth clubs with great success.  In Shimasaki, in the Fukuoka Diocese, he was responsible for the building of a unique church shaped like a chalice and dedicated to St Thérèse.

St Thérèse Church, Shimasaki [Daughters of St Paul]

In March 1973 he was assigned to the US Region for promotion work in Milton, MA. Soon after he was appointed superior of the Milton house. He continued with promotion/mission education work in Chicago in 1978 and also in Los Angeles in 1983.

Starting 1 September 1989 he served as Superior at the Edgemont House, near Philadelphia. There he also became chaplain of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association (emblem above) in Philadelphia. In 1993, when the Edgemont House was closed, Father Brian moved to St Philomena's parish where he helped out and continued with his Columban commitments to mission education and promotion.

He retired in July 1994 and initially went back to Ireland, but in March of 1995 he moved to the Bristol Retirement Home in RI. A priest of dedicated commitment to Columban Mission, he was also known and appreciated for his cooking of sukiyaki and loved to entertain people by playing the accordion.

Not Father Brian, but another Donegal man, John McArrigle

Father Brian's funeral will take place at the Columban retirement home in Bristol on Monday, 10 November 10. Burial will take place immediately afterwards in the cemetery attached to St Mary's Church, Bristol. May he rest in peace.

St Columban's, Bristol, RI, USA

Horse Sculpture in Horseleap [Wikipedia]

Assigned to the Philippines, he spent the first two years in Mindanao, the main southern island that is larger than Ireland, before being assigned to Negros Occidental where he would spend the next 18 years in the parishes of Isabela and Himamaylan. Father Seán was among the first Columban group to be assigned to this new District in 1950. It covered a huge area, had been served by a bare handful of priests, and few of its old churches were standing. The area covered the southern part of the Diocese of Bacolod, which then included the whole province of Negros Occidental. That area became the Diocese of Kabankalan in 1987. 

Camangcamang, Isabela [Wikipedia]

Building up the existing parishes and developing new ones was a herculean task. Father Seán had the gift for bringing the best out of laypeople. Working with the help of innumerable praesidia (branches) of the Legion of Mary, he wore himself out over the following two decades.

 
Altar used at Legion of Mary meetings [Wikipedia]

Assigned to the Region of Ireland in 1970, he spent three years on Vocations Ministry, followed by five years as Farm Manager and Bursar of Dowdstown House. Availing of the expertise of competent lay friends, he established the beginnings of the present cattle herd.

He was also responsible for developing and sustaining Dalgan’s much-admired network of forest walks. [You can see some of these walks in the video below, with links to two other videos in the series.]

There followed a twelve-year period as Assistant and later Parish Priest of St Joseph’s, Balcurris, Ballymun, Dublin. As in the Philippines, his charm, and reliance on the laity won him many friends. He established a school for the Travellers (a nomadic ethnic group in Ireland also called 'Pavee') and helped integrate them into the parish.

Ballymun Lullaby

Father Seán is remembered in Balcurris with great affection. On returning to Dalgan in 1991 he served in other management roles until his health began to deteriorate. A man of great charity and generosity, there was a childlike transparency in him, and a great capacity for making friends, helping develop their gifts, and seeing creative possibilities in every situation.

Father Seán  wrote in his will:  I wish to thank everybody for their personal kindness to me over the many years that the Good Lord has given to me.

May he rest in peace.

St Columban's Cemetery, Dalgan Park

We thank God for her long and fruitful life as a nurse in the U.S. service. We are particularly aware of her dedication to her mother whom she nursed in her final years.

Sr. Roberta entered an Irish Congregation, the Missionary Sisters of St. Columban through which she gave dedicated service to many people in the Philippines and Hong Kong.

From the time she became a resident at the German Homes, we sisters visited and accompanied her. Thank you Sisters Evelyn, Stephanie, Ruth, Claire, Amy, Pat, Margaret Devine, Margaret Holleran and Winnie. Our thanks also to the staff of the German Center for the extended care for our Sister.

Just few weeks ago, before I left for Buffalo, New York, I went to see her. She told me “I have a JOB for you.” I was amused when she said this to me. What job? Or task or work is she giving me?

Later as I ponder the word JOB it brought me the deeper meaning of her life. It was an acronym for The Joy Overflowing Beyond. Joy beyond from the unknown to the known, from the unfamiliar to the familiar from the pain to joy. As a missionary she went beyond the boundaries of language, culture, ethnics and beliefs. She accepted the challenge of insertion into ways of living to which she ministered to the people of the Philippines and particularly for many years in Hong Kong.

I’d like to share with you some messages which I received from Sisters and friends in the Columban Community from different parts of the world:

From Wicklow Ireland … And I quote:

I worked with Roberta for many years in Hong Kong. She was a great children’s nurse and ran her ward very efficiently. I also remember her as being very generous in training in the new Sister nurses and in showing them how we managed things. Sr. Mary Damien

 

From Peru, South America…

I knew Roberta fairly well as I had lived with her in Cass Street. She was a very, very gifted woman and I always enjoyed being in her company. Right now, as I write I can picture her in her room in Cass Street with not a thing out of place and ever so neat and tidy. I remember that when I was leaving the U.S. she prepared a little tin box for me with all the things that anyone could need for small sewing jobs. I still have it and still use it. Sr. Mary O’Dea

From Korea

We remember Sr. Roberta who was a dedicated Missionary in all she undertook for the Congregation. Sr. Nora Wiseman

From Ireland

I feel privileged to have shared life with her in her healthy and active days in West Roxbury. I used to tell her to please not climb on a chair to clean the kitchen cupboards. Finally we got a stepladder!! She was a great lady and a wonderful handywoman around the house. We enjoyed life together there in the 90’s. Sr. Eileen Rabbitte

Indeed those where the JOB: the Joy Overflowing Beyond, Just as our Blessed Mother, in the song

O with what Joy we Sing of Mary a Woman of Great Love and Faith….

Sr. Roberta died on the Feast of the Assumption the same date as our mother foundress Mother Mary Patrick Moloney, who died in Ireland of August 15, 1959, a beautiful day to remember, a beautiful day joining her parents, siblings and Columban Sisters who have gone before us.

Sr. Roberta, true to her motto “Jesus, His Will Is Our Peace” she died peacefully reciting the holy mystery of the rosary. Another great Columban Sister has entered into the fullness of life. May she reap the fullness of her reward with the Risen Christ. Amen

St Kieran's College, Kilkenny

Appointed to the Philippines in 1950, Father Con spent the next thirty-four years there, all of them on the southern island of Mindanao. He served as pastor in the parishes of Ozamis City, Clarin, Tangub City and Oroquieta City, all in the present Archdiocese of Ozamiz. His prodigius energy ensured that even the most distant villages were visited regularly, and that wherever the rights of the poor were threatened every effort was made to ensure that they were treated justly.

Cotta Fort, Ozamiz City

In 1984, he was appointed to mission promotion work, and from the Glasgow house, he visited most of the Catholic parishes in Scotland over the next four years. 

St Andrew's Cathedral, Glasgow, Scotland

From 1989 to 1996 he faced a new challenge and became part of the Columban mission to Belize, Central America. This was followed by three years pastoral work in Jamaica, West Indies.

Parliamentary Building, Belmopan, Belize

On celebrating his Golden Jubilee in 1999 he returned to a slower pace of life as a retiree in Dalgan Park. There he helped out in the editorial offices of the Far East, and was always available to do some shopping for those who were less mobile, or to bring a group out for a drive on a sunny afternoon.

Montego Bay, Jamaica, where the Columbans served.

Interested in every aspect of the life of the Society, he had firm convictions on most topics and gladly shared them with others. As his health failed in recent years, he was most appreciative of the level of care he and his companions received in the Dalgan Nursing Home. He read widely, had an extraordinary memory for details of every kind, and was totally involved in the affairs of the house until the end. He will be remembered as a kind and committed missionary, a man of courage and initiative, a warm-hearted and dedicated priest, a friend to all.

May he rest in peace. 

Mount Malindang, which overlooks the four parishes in the Archdiocese of Ozamiz where Fr Campion served.

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Your editor succeeded Fr Campion as parish priest of Tangub City in December 1978, the last Columban to serve in that position. In February 1979 Fr Iluminado ('Lumen') Rojo became the first diocesan priest to be appointed parish priest there. Father Lumen died five days before Father Con, at the age of 64, and was parish priest of Clarin at the time of his death.

Fr Patrick Campion, a brother of Father Con, ordained a year ahead of him in 1948, was also a Columban and died suddenly in Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur, Diocese of Pagadian, on 15 March 1989.

Please remember these three priests in your prayers.

Photos of places from Wikipedia.

Navala [Wikipedia]

During these years Serafina was an avid netball player, and traveled to Europe as a member of the Fiji National Netball Team.

In 1996 Serafina joined Columban Lay Mission and did her orientation program in Suva. After studying Spanish in Bolivia, her first mission assignment was to Chile (1997 - 2000). There she lived and worked among the indigenous Mapuche people, promoting the formation of lay leaders. After a vacation back home she was assigned to Peru where she spent the following nine years (2001 - 2010). There she was engaged in parish ministry, the formation of lay leaders, and the accompaniment of others in their discernment regarding a lay mission vocation. From 2008 to 2011 she served as the Coordinator of the Central Leadership Team of

Columban Lay Mission, while from 2011 to 2014 she continued as a member of that Leadership Team.

During those years that she was in leadership positions, Serafina lived in Dublin, Suva and Los Angeles. While living in Dublin she joined outreach endeavors to migrants and homeless people. After arriving in Los Angeles 20 months ago, she began to learn to drive, and succeeded in obtaining her license a year ago. She had also initiated outreach to parishes in that city as well as to the South Pacifican community across California, particularly in the San Francisco area.

Two weeks ago Serafina was unexpectedly hospitalized in LA and found to be suffering from a number of serious ailments. Since then it seemed that she had only fleeting moments of consciousness. Columban priests in LA, fellow Fijian lay missionaries, Monika Lewatikana and Sainiana Tamatawale, as well as several friends visited her daily. Then, on Saturday evening, 31 May, just after having been commended by them to God, she returned to her Creator,and joined her parents and brothers, Villame and Petero, who had gone ahead of her.

At Holy Family Home for Girls, Bacolod City, Philippines, 2009

As she had lived in several countries and visited several others as a Columban lay missionary leader, Serafina's passing is grieved by Columban Missionaries and the various peoples to whom she ministered.
Serafina's death is also a cause of great sadness to her sister, Udite, her brother Paulo Ramasima, another brother, Sipriano Ranuko, and his wife Sisilia, her sister-in-law, Mere, as well as nephews, nieces and extended family.

Before Requiem Mass for Serafina, St Columban's, Dalgan Park, Ireland

Messages of sympathy may be sent to: Mr Sipriano Ranuko, PO Box 1141, Ba, Fiji. Tel: + 679-667.8026

Please remember to pray for the eternal repose of Serafina, as well as consolation for her grieving family and friends.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace, Amen.

The above was issued by the US Region of the Columbans on 4 June. You may read more about Serafina and how she saw herself as a lay missionary here.

We offer our sympathy to Rose, her sister in Hong Kong, to David, her nephew, and his wife Lucy here with us today, to her many nieces and nephews and all her family and friends across the globe who mourn her passing today.  Your memories of her kindnesses will strengthen you in this time of loss.

Where to begin? This can only be a kind of ‘dim sum’ because who can capture such a life? Fanny Chan was a woman of ten thousand stories, of journeys spanning continents, of talents beyond number, of a humanity that blessed all she met and, more weighty still, a woman whose faith was as deep and wide as the ocean she crossed to come from Hong Kong to the banks of the Shannon river at Cahiracon to begin her religious life.

This extraordinary journey began in the heart of her close-knit family in Hong Kong. Her beloved father used to gather Fanny and her sister and brothers each evening after supper and tell them stories of their people, their ancestors and the history of the Chinese Dynasties. They learned from him the great Confucian qualities of respect for all, loyalty, courage, moderation, faithfulness, selfless service and a great love of learning. A far-seeing man, he realized that English would be all-important in the British Colony of Hong Kong and transferred his children from their Chinese school to that of the Canossian Sisters where everyone had to speak in English at all times. She continued her Chinese studies even as she grew proficient in English. Not only that but, a diligent student, Fanny excelled in Christian Doctrine, often outshining her Catholic classmates. In her early teens she wanted to be baptized but her wise and gentle father counselled her to wait until she grew older. “Then,” he said, “you will be able to follow this God of yours with your whole heart.” He never lived to see that day as he died when she was only 15. But even in her old age she could draw, from the vast storehouse of her memory, examples of his guidance that nourished her life.

After her schooling, Fanny went on to train as a nurse in the prestigious Queen Mary Hospital, where she also became a competent midwife and a skilled administrator. A period of great turmoil befell Hong Kong when the Japanese Army arrived in the early 1940s and Fanny with three close friends secretly escaped to China in extraordinarily difficult circumstances. They worked there as WW2 raged on until it was safe to return. Believe me, James Bond has nothing on the adventures of Fanny Chan.

On coming back to Hong Kong she found that her gentle mother had died, her sister was missing and she could not find her brothers. But after some months they were reunited and set up home together. Fanny had a good position and was able to take care of them, which she did gladly. Meanwhile she began taking instruction and was baptised in 1946. She joined the Legion of Mary, was committed to the Catholic Nurses Guild. A woman of prayer, her faith and love of God grew stronger each day. With the world at her feet, all was going along smoothly until a niggling sense of vocation to religious life began to bother her. But how could she possibly leave her beloved family? One evening in her room, reading the gospel we just heard, this recent convert understood it had to be all or nothing and with great courage, she chose to follow Christ. After much discernment and guided by her spiritual director she joined the Columban sisters. Her motto reflects her total commitment: “Behold, I come to do your will, O Lord.”  And we all saw how faithfully she lived this motto, right to the end. Here is a woman who would put her hand to the plough and not rest until the last furrow had been opened.

To the dismay of her family, she left Hong Kong to travel by boat to Ireland, a country far, far from all that was familiar and loved. On the deck that first evening, her heart in her boots she cried out to God. Had she made a terrible mistake? She was all alone and knew no one at all. “Then,” she told us, “a word from the Old Testament came to my mind: ‘You are precious in my eyes.’ And I knew without a shadow of doubt that the Lord was with me and I would never be alone.” Just then a lovely English lady came up to her and suggested that, as she too had no companion, they should join forces. The month long journey was a delight.

After her novitiate in Cahiracon she was sent to Hong Kong where over the years she worked in various positions in the Ruttonjee Sanatorium. A gifted teacher and administrator she passed on her skills and empowered many a poor student to greater heights. She revamped the hospital kitchens and instilled in the staff a passion for good nutrition, especially for the tubercular patients. (Remember this was a woman who couldn’t boil an egg before she entered!) Sr Thomas also found time to give classes on nourishing food to poor mothers to help their families. She had legions of friends and was well known for her warm, welcoming hospitality.

A whole book could be written on her later assignments: to this house which she managed with consummate skill, learning in the process the mysteries of plumbing, the intricacies of electricity as well as teaching staff and producing delicious meals; to London where she oversaw a large International Students’ Hostel; to Scotland where, as bursar and hospital visitor, her circle of friends grew ever wider. In every role she brought the same whole-hearted commitment, knowing with an inner certainty that no matter how hard the road, how difficult the problems, nothing, as we heard in the first reading, ‘could separate her from the love of God in Christ Jesus.’

Her final years were spent here where she was most wonderfully cared for by the attentive staff in the Nursing Home. One was struck by the many friends who came to see her, sisters, current and former staff members who all loved her, as well as many overseas friends. As her poor little body grew frailer it seemed to many of us that her spirit shone more brightly. Most movingly, in those final speechless days, she smiled at us with a peace that was her final blessing.

A few years ago, sensing her diminishment, she wrote the following: “When I reflect on all that’s happened me in my life, I’m happy, I have no regrets. No matter what illness may afflict me, especially now in my winter years, I thank God for everything, absolutely everything in my life. I’ve come to realise that true love is as much about failure as success. As much about the painful times as the good times. If we can rejoice in the bad times as well as the good, then God will shine through our words and deeds. We can bring healing to the sick, food to the hungry, hope to the downhearted. Be a beacon of light in the darkness; this is my belief.”

When we leave here, may each one of us become a beacon of light to others even as Sr Mary Thomas, throughout her long life, was to us.  This would be the most fitting memorial of all. God bless you. Tien Jiu Bo Yau…

Cotta Fort and Shrine, Ozamiz City

He was assigned to the Philippines where he served in Mindanao for two separate periods 1967 to 1971 and 1975 to 1981. During those times he worked in the parishes of Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental; Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur; and Immaculate Conception Cathedral,Ozamis City. From 1981 to 1985 he was Chaplain at Far Eastern University in Manila. During the intervening period 1971 to 1975 he was assigned to Mission Education/Vocations work at the Columban Retreat House in Derby, NY.

He volunteered to be a member of the first Columban mission team that went to Brazil in August 1985. After language studies in Brasilia, he served in Cristopolis in Wanderley, and Riacha͂o das Neves, all in the Diocese of Barreiras, Bahia.

Pratinha River, Bahia, Brazil

He returned to the United States in 2000. He became part of the pastoring team at St Philomena Parish in Chicago until 2007. He then helped in the Spanish Ministry in the Diocese of Dubuque, Iowa. In 2012 he took part in a renewal course in St Louis before being assigned to St Columbans, NE. There he courageously faced health problems marked by cancer and infections. He died in hospice care in Dubuque, Iowa, near family members and people he had served. 

Throughout his life he was known for his cheerfulness in serving people and relating to fellow Columbans.

St Raphael's Cathedral, Dubuque, Iowa

The wake will be held on Sunday, May 4, from 2:00 7:00pm at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, IA.  A viewing will be held on Monday, May 5, at St Raphael Cathedral in Dubuque from 9:00am – 10:30am with the funeral Mass to follow.  A luncheon will be held downstairs immediately after the funeral.  Burial will take place at 2:00pm, Monday, at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Lamont, IA.
Obituary by Fr Tim Mulroy, Director of the US Region of the Columbans.

Photos of places from Wikipedia.

Fr Edward Patrick Dolan (Ned) was born on 10 December 1933, in Derry Parish, Donemana, Strabane, County Tyrone, Ireland. He died on 22 April at St Elizabeth’s Manor, Bristol, Rhode Island, USA. He attended St Columb's College, Derry, 1946-52. He did pre-med studies at Queens University, Belfast, before entering St columban’s College, Dalgan Park, Navana, County Meath, Ireland. He was ordained 21 December 1958 in Dalgan Park.

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, Jeju Island, at night

He was appointed to Korea. In June of 1960 he was an assistant n Holy Rosary Parish, Cheju City. He subsequently served as pastor at Queen of Heaven and Earth Parish, Chindo, from the fall of 1962. Seriously ill with meningitis he left for Ireland in March 1963.

Downtown Omaha from America Park

In February 1964, he came to the USA to do parish work in Florida. In August 1967 he was appointed to promotion work in the US Region. He went to Houston in November 1967. He was later appointed to Boston (Milton) for promotion and as Vicar of the Milton House. On 3 May 1971 he was assigned to the office in St Columbans, Omaha, Nebraska. On 27 March 1972 he was appointed head of the General Mission Office there. He did a renewal course at Notre Dame University March to July 1980. He continued on in his General Mission Office work, developing the Planned Giving/Gift Annuity Program.  In January 1995 he was appointed as Director of Planned Giving. While stationed in Nebraska he became active in Worldwide Marriage Encounter.

He retired in 2008 staying on at St Columbans and later moving to the Columban Retirement House in Bristol, Rhode Island, due to ill health.

Bristol Harbor, Bristol, RI

Father Ned is quoted as saying Throughout my life, though I have functioned in many different capacities, I have always found them fulfilling in whatever I do. I see it as another opportunity to serve the mission of the Church.

Father Dolan was buried in St Mary’s Cemetery, Bristol, RI, on 25 April.
May he rest in peace.
Fr Tim Mulroy,
Regional Director, USA.

Photos, except that of Fr Dolan, are from Wikipedia.

Columbans in Lima, Peru, remember him with cash stuffed into his shirt pocket and clearly visible to anyone ‘on the make'. He was one of the easiest 'touches' in town and people came from far and wide to try their luck with Peter. He would give the shirt off his back to those in need and that of any Columban who left a shirt hanging from a chair in the priest's house.

He was deeply appreciated by the parishioners because of his capacity to listen and empathize. His sense of humor was a great asset in his work and in the final analysis, he was a very humble man. He knew his limitations and still did whatever was requested of him.

Pioneer Valley, west of Mackay, Queensland

Peter John Doyle was a local from Marian, just outside Mackay, where his father was a cane farmer. After primary school with the Sisters of Mercy at Marian, and secondary school with the Christian Brothers at Yeppoon, Peter completed his teacher training in Brisbane and taught in Queensland State Schools for three years during 1959-1961.

He entered Pius X seminary in Brisbane in 1962 and was ordained a priest for the Rockhampton diocese in 1968 by Bishop Francis Rush at St Patrick's Church, Mackay. His first appointment was as assistant priest in Bundaberg, 1969-1973, where he became friends with the Kinne family, (their son, Warren is now a Columban missionary priest in Shanghai, China).

Cane workers, Bundaberg, where Fr Peter served. His father was a cane farmer.

Bishop Francis Rush had a scheme of sending priests from the Diocese of Rockhampton to New Guinea. Peter spent three years at the Catholic Mission, Burlei, in Wewak Diocese. On his return, he was appointed to St Joseph's parish in North Mackay, but after three years he asked for permission to become a Priest Associate with the Columban Fathers and was assigned to Lima, Peru. Six years later, Peter applied to become a permanent member of the Missionary Society of St Columban in 1987 and remained in parishes in Lima until 1998 when he returned to Australia.

Near Wewak, Papua New Guinea

Ill health became an issue for Fr Peter and in 2008 he retired to St Francis of Assisi Nursing Home in Mackay under the splendid care of the Franciscan Sisters. The nursing home became his 'parish' and each morning after Mass he would do the rounds greeting the people, staff and carers.

He celebrated his last Mass with some assistance on St Patrick's Day, 17 March, and insisted on saying a few words in honor of St Patrick.

He died quietly on Friday afternoon 21 March in contrast to his sometimes boisterous life. He was buried in the family plot at Walkerston outside of Mackay.

May he rest in peace.

Stained glass window of St Patrick

All photos, except that of Fr Doyle, are from Wikipedia.

St John's Cathedral, Limerick

In 1955 he arrived in Japan where he would minister for the next forty-five years. He served in all four of the Columban areas, in the Archdioceses of Tokyo and Osaka and the Dioceses of Yokohama and Fukuoka. Notably he served for long periods in Oe and Goi - both in Chiba. His last assignment was in Shingu. He was appointed back to Ireland in 1999.

Shingū 新宮市

Father Eugene was a quiet person, a constant and unobtrusive worker. His language skills were excellent, and being a good listener he was much appreciated by the Japanese people, and by his fellow Columbans. He was deeply interested in every aspect of Japanese culture, and in the history of the Church in Japan. He always felt privileged to serve the Japanese people and he will  be remembered by them as a gentle and zealous missionary.

May he rest in peace.

Hamabe no Uta (Song of the Seashore), Sir James Galway

St Columban’s Cemetery, Dalgan Park, Ireland

[Photos of Tulla, Limerick and Shingū: Wikipedia] 

Port Lincoln, South Australia, where Fr O'Hara worked as harbour master in his younger days [Wikipedia]

Father John had been a harbour master in South Australia before he went to the seminary at the ripe old age of 27 years, hence the name 'Pop'  by which  he was commonly known. He spent 30 years in Korea in two blocks of time, 1964-1974 and 1976-1995.

Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Seoul [Wikipedia]
(Popularly known as Myeongdong Cathedral)

On his return to Australia he worked in several parishes in the Melbourne Archdiocese  and later was in demand for supply work. He took his  priestly identity seriously and provided a great deal of back up to priests in  local parishes; he believed in being of service to  people.

He had a reputation as a fine preacher; people enjoyed his homilies which were interlaced with his sardonic humour. He will be remembered for his incisive sense of humour. 

Fr Gary Walker, Columban Regional Director in Australia and New Zealand, spoke about the death and resurrection of Jesus in his life as he came to terms with his alcohol addiction. In fact, his weakness became his strength in his priestly ministry. The Vicar General of the Melbourne Archdiocese. Monsignor Greg Bennett, described him as a kind mentor and  supporter of many priests.

Requiem Mass was held in St Vincent de Paul Church, Strathmore, at 10.00am on Christmas Eve. A large crowd turned out despite it being Christmas Eve; a large contingent of Koreans  came to pay their last respects to him. Their rendition of Amazing Grace was superb.

Amazing Grace sung by Hanwoori Choir, a choir of workers, South Korea

Father John was buried in the Columban plot  at the Melbourne General Cemetery, Carlton. May he rest in peace.

Melbourne General Cemetery Chapel [Wikipedia]

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Your editor was blessed to have met Father John in Seoul in September 2002 when both of us were visiting. Seven years later your editor spent nearly two months at the Columban Australian headquarters in Essendon/Strathmore, Archdiocese of Melbourne, where Father John lived and saw his deep devotion to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and his kindness to his brother Columbans, especially those older than himself. And the humour mentioned in the obituary was very evident. 

Fr James Wilson, one of the early Columbans, who grew up in Cobh, a major port in the south of Ireland, wrote a poem in praise of his native town, where St Colman's Cathedral is located. He would often stop us seminarians in the corridors of St Columban's, Dalgan Park, in Ireland to recite the last lines of his poem:

'When St Colman's bell rings its last farewell
and we're laid beneath the sod,
we'll raise the harbour at sunset
and anchor at peace with God.'
May Fr John O'Hara, a former harbour master and a kind man, 'raise the harbour at sunset and anchor at peace with God'.

Sister Mary Austin always gave expression to the gratitude she felt towards the Columban Fathers showing it in practical ways by baking homemade bread, scones and on special occasions making a special cake and trifle.    

Soon after 1st Profession, Mary Austin’s wonderful gift with people was given full scope as she became involved in theMission Awareness and Fund Raising Ministry of the Congregation.  She witnessed to her deep love for the Congregation and its mission where ever she went.  Working first out of Boston, and later Chicago and California she covered most of the United States during her life and where ever she went visiting parishes, she would always express gratitude for having the privilege to witness to the Columban mission and gratitude that the priests and people, wanted to participate in our mission in whatever way they could.  She also carried in her heart the many requests for prayers she received and whenever it was possible would follow up with people – often making friends that lasted a life time.  She was also marvelous for reaching out to people who were grieving – travelling to wakes and funerals which was deeply appreciated by the families who were mourning.

Mary Austin also had the gift of teaching and having trained as a Montessori teacher shared this gift firstly in our kindergarten in Boston and later in California, both in our own schools and later opening a Montessori kindergarten there. Her students loved her and the parents appreciated the wonderful foundation that she gave their children.  In later life many of her students came back to thank her and even on Saturday, the day she died, one of the mothers whose sons she had taught in Kindergarten rang to enquire after her and on hearing of her death expressed her gratitude.

Although Mary Austin was fulfilled as a teacher nevertheless her first love continued to be mission awareness and even in the kindergartens she ‘recruited’ the parents to be part of the functions she was involved in organizing whether it was the lawn fetes or the dance or some other means of fund raising.  Whatever she did she put her whole self into it –  making the task one of joy – able to enjoy her work – if the fundraising was a dance, she danced; if it was a dinner dance it became a party and yet she never took her eye off the original purpose for which she was doing these tasks – to ensure that the Good News would reach the ends of the earth.

And above all, Sr. Mary Austin, Marie, loved you her family.  We felt we knew you long before we met you.  What love there must have been in that family home in Rosscarbury which Marie carried in her heart and which was nurtured through letters for those 19 years before she had a home visit.    And you as family how you took her to yourself, entering into her ministry, supporting her when she was at home to visit family and friends, getting gifts for her benefactors in the U.S., listening to her stories and visiting, when you could the U.S.  She was always so proud of you and so appreciated that the letter writing continued with the next generation in addition to phone calls – how she just loved to share in your lives.

Her wonderful trust in God and trust in Jesus – her motto Vive Jesus – Live Jesus – which had carried her the length and breadth of the United States was witnessed to in an even more profound way during these last years of her life as she was asked to come to Magheramore and was gradually called into immobility and silence.  What a challenge, what a sacred journey it must have been for her.  She who always loved to thank people for their kindness to her was unable to do so and yet I know that she will continue to intercede for you her family, her friends, our sisters who visited her and wrote to her and especially our wonderful staff who cared for her day after day.  

So can we now enter into that silence that was hers for a minute as we each give thanks to God for her life.