Hundreds of mourners packed in to St. Finian’s Church, Falcarragh today for Requiem Mass for the Late Fr. Paul Gallagher, 54.
The main Celebrant was Most Reverend, Bishop Philip Boyce O.C.D, who ordained Fr. Paul to the priesthood for the Raphoe Diocese twelve years ago 2004.
Bishop Boyce expressed his sorrow that he was celebrating Fr. Paul’s Funeral Mass. He added that this was the first time in his almost 21 years as Bishop that he had to bury a priest whom he also ordained.
He said that such deaths make one think about life and death. He expressed his sympathy to Fr. Paul’s mother, his brothers, his sisters, his brother priests and many friends.
He thanked Fr. Paul for his faithful service in bringing people closer to God with his prayer and service to the people of God.
Over sixty priests concelebrated.
Falcarragh Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Denis Quinn delivered a touching homily at the Requiem Mass. He spoke about Fr. Paul’s love of the Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, The Holy Rosary, the Divine Mercy and his many pilgrimages to Medjugorie over the years.
He said that it was no coincidence that his Funeral was on the feast of St. John Marie Vianney, patron and model of all priests.
Fr. Paul was very much at peace and reconciled for whatever God had willed for him whether that be to live or die during his illness.
Fr. Quinn said that he had helped so many people by his prayers and his humble example especially in the way in which he bore his suffering. He added that Fr. Paul said to him some weeks beforehand – Denis you will probably be doing my Funeral soon, speak to the people about the power of the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet.
Fr. Quinn said that Fr. Paul anchored his Priesthood on three firm foundations, these were the Eucharist, Devotion to Our Lady and finally his own family.
He loved to stop at the family home to have dinner with his mother from time to time before continuing on his work in the Lord’s vineyard.
Fr. Quinn stated that he himself had learned so much from Fr. Paul’s priesthood and that they both were considerably late vocations to the priesthood something that they used to laugh at.
As requested by Fr. Paul himself,the Divine Mercy Chaplet was recited at the end of Mass. Interment followed afterwards in the family plot in the adjoining Churchyard as Fr. Paul was layed to rest alongside his late father as the sun began to shine.
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