The Funeral Mass of the Very Rev. James Byrne will take place in Stranorlar this Tuesday morning.
Fr Byrne aged 81, passed away on Friday, shortly after con-celebrating 10am Mass at St Mary’s Church.
His death has sparked widespread sadness in the Stranorlar and Glenfin parishes, and in Australia, where Fr Byrne was born and first followed his vocation.
Funeral Mass for Fr Byrne will be held at the Church of Mary Immaculate, Stranorlar at 11am, with interment afterwards in Drumboe Cemetery.
The Funeral and burial will be private to close friends, in accordance with HSE and Government guidelines.
The Rosary and requiem Mass will be streamed live via the Parish Webcam at https://www.churchservices.tv/stranorlar
The Interment will be streamed live via the Parish Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/Churchof Mary Immaculate Stranorlar/
Fr Bryne has been remembered as a joyful man of faith, a gifted singer and a friend to all.
St Mary’s Church in Stranorlar led the tributes to Fr Byrne last week and wrote: “Fr. James’s ancestors came from Enniskillen in Co. Fermanagh and after his retirement in Australia, he set up home in Donegal residing in our Parish for the past 7 years, living in Curraghamone, Ballybofey.
“During his time in our Parish, he was a great help to us, offering Masses and Sacraments in the Church as well as serving St. Joseph’s Community Hospital and a very loyal Chaplain to the local Legion of Mary. He also offered assistance to his good friend Fr. Lorcan Sharkey in the neighbouring Parish of Kilteevogue, Glenfin Parish.
“He will be fondly remembered for his great singing and jolly mood. We are very thankful for his Ministry.
“We offer our prayerful sympathies to his brothers and sisters in Australia, his entire family circle, his devoted housekeeper, his brother priests, former parishioners and his many friends here in Ireland.
“Eternal Rest, Grant to him Oh Lord and let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him, May his Soul and the Souls of all the faithful departed through the Mercy of God Rest in Peace.”