Upper Glanmire Does Fr John Proud

Upwards of 300 people came to say farewell to Fr John O’Callaghan in the magnificent new sports hall in Upper Glanmire last Saturday evening. Mass was celebrated by Msgr Kevin O’Callaghan, Vicar General of Cork and Ross diocese, who had been in Peru with John. In fact, it was with Msgr Kevin that John went to Peru for the very first time and where he spent 15 years of his life.

In his homily, Msgr Kevin spoke of the priestly and social work done by Fr John in the parishes of the Cork and Ross Mission in Peru. He read from a letter he received from Sr Immaculata Murphy, recounting the reaction of the Peruvians to the news of Fr John’s death. On the day of the funeral in Drimoleague, the parishioners in La Esperanza parish in Peru had a Mass celebrated by two young Peruvian priests – signs that the Mission from our diocese was bearing fruit in priestly vocations among the people. A giant photo of Fr John was in place behind the altar and moving tributes were paid to the missionary from Ireland. When Msgr Kevin was reading this letter one could detect the attachment that he himself retained for his beloved Peru where he too had labored for many years. At the end of his homily he made an appeal that there would be priests to celebrate Mass in the future in our parishes. It was a poignant reminder that unless young men go forward for the priesthood we won’t have Mass in our churches in the years ahead. Priests come from ordinary families, encouraged by parents who appreciate the importance of the Mass and the Christian life. May Fr John’s life and death be an occasion for all to think about the importance of vocations to the priesthood. May families overcome their fear of the risks involved if their son goes for the priesthood; may young men find more support at home and in the parish when they are considering priesthood.

The young people’s choir sang the Mass and added greatly to the liturgy. The readings were read by Carmel O’Donoghue and Helen Harrington; an appropriate reflection was read after Communion by Noreen Kelleher. Ray O’Donoghue presented the inevitable Liverpool jersey and, after Mass, Liam Dinan led the singing of ‘We’ll never walk alone’ and ‘Yesterday’, John’s favourite song. During the Mass a photo of Fr John was beamed on the wall, in casual pose, so typical of the man. After Mass, Upper Glanmire Community Association Chairman, Donal Kelleher gave an impressive address, recalling that John was a member of the Association and played an active role in its activities, including the planning of the Sports Hall.

Special mention must be made of the ladies who served homemade refreshments to all. This homely and voluntary gesture rounded off the perfect evening. May Fr John look down from his new home and enrich us with his blessings.