Fr. Celestine Butterly C.P. 1916-2002
Fr. Celestine died peacefully but suddenly on 9th December in St. James' Hospital in his 85th year. At his bedside were Fr. Pat Fitzgerald and our nurse Teresa Byrne. Celestine was intensely proud of his Dublin roots and often returned to see his home and Synge St. Christian Brothers where he did his schooling. He entered the Passionists in The Graan in November 1937 for his postulancy and novitiate. From 1939 - 1944 he engaged in his scholastic studies. The following two years were spent between St. Mungo's Retreat, Glasgow, St. Mary's Drum Mhor and St. Michael's Dankeith in Scotland.
This
prepared him for ministry much further afield on the South American missions.
He spent the years from 1946 - 1962 at Holy Cross Monastery, Buenos Aires,
Argentina and was ordained there in 1948. His work consisted mainly of
chaplain to the English speaking peoples there. An invaluable friend of
Brothers and Sisters arriving from overseas, he acted as intermediary
with the authorities for their opening and extension of Catholic schools.
During these years he befriended Bishop Fulton Sheen and acted as his
guide during visits to the southern part of the American continent. Through
his work he became well known to many diplomats and formed friendships
that lasted till his death.
In
1962 he returned to Ireland and was vicar to Aidan O'Reilly in Mount Argus
from 1965 - 1968. For the next 3 years he was vicar to Damien Wilson in
The Graan. From there he returned to Mount Argus to take up a long stint
as missioner and was involved in over 200 mission and retreat assignments
to parishes, religious and schools. Celestine was one of the great characters
of the Province. In recent years he puzzled a lot over life on the other
side of the grave. He often wondered how nobody not even special friends
like Fr. Clarence, gave the slightest hint of what was in store for those
who remained. His eyes are now opened to that great reality and his response
must surely be 'Imagine that'. Noted for all the questions he asked everyone
he met, we pray he finds in God his Final Answer.
December 2002 - Index
Synod of Congregation in Korea
Meeting Lay Passionist Association
St. Paul of the Cross - Man of Prayer by Fr. Frank Keevins
First meeting of Former Passionists
Senior/Retired Religious Initiative
Obituary:
Bro. Malachy Daly C.P. 1916-2002
Fr. Patrick Wilson C.P. 1907-2002
Fr. Celestine Butterly C.P. 1916-2002