I learned at Mass this morning that Fr. John Fitzgerald died last week. This was really sad news and quite unexpected, even if he was 80. Fr. John was a wonderful man and one of the finest priests I have met. He was very generous and always remembered people. His sermons were always thought-provoking and full of wit. He is also the only priest I know to have sworn during a sermon*. Which is another thing I liked about him.
I first met Fr. John when I came to Aberystwyth as a student, and as University Chaplain he was very kind and helpful. Interestingly (well to me it is), his brother Fr. Gregory Fitzgerald officiated at my parents' wedding in Lampeter in the 1950s.
It was very sad to see him go a few years ago when the Carmelites left Abersywtyth. I saw him a couple of times after this and he was always on form. He will be sadly missed by many people.
There is an obituary of him on the Carmelites Website: British Province of Carmelites - John FitzGerald, O.Carm. - R.I.P.
* It was the Sunday after 9/11 and in the context of forgiveness he remarked "It's bloody difficult, and I mean BLOODY DIFFICULT!"
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1 comment:
The Lord lead me to your Blog, as i knew Fr. John when he was in Aber while in the Theological college. He was a modern-day saint who will be missed.
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