Fr. Patrick Wilson C.P. 1907-2002
Fr. Patrick Wilson C.P. of the Crossgar Community passed to his reward on 5th December 2002 in Nazareth House Belfast. He was 95 years of age
Born
Charles Wilson on 3rd June 1907 and baptised at St Mary's Church Belfast
where many members of his family still live. He joined the Merchant Navy
after his schooling and then at 20 years of age entered the Passionist
Novitiate at The Graan, Enniskillen. Having completed his religious studies
he was ordained in 1935. Three years later his younger brother Henry was
also to enter the Passionists and later be known as Fr. Damien.C.P.
Fr. Patrick had lived in the Passionist Communities in Ardoyne, Drum-mhor, Mount Argus, The Graan, Dankeith, Belvedere Hall, Coodham and Crossgar. He served as vicar in The Graan, 1944-46 and vicar in Mount Argus 1946-1947.
Fr. Patrick's life's work was preaching. As a Missioner he travelled the length and breath of Ireland and Scotland. Between 1946 and 1966 he was involved in nearly 200 preaching assignments. As a preacher he was noted for his careful preparation and well thought-out sermons and was a valued companion in a mission team.
During his time in Scotland he became a fervent Celtic supporter. Fr Aidan Troy, parish priest of Holy Cross, reminded the congregation that Fr. Patrick regularly got the supporters' bus to stop off near the monastery to get a lift to a Celtic game. His Merchant Navy days gave him a love of travel and even in the days when religious travelled little Fr. Patrick managed to visited many corners of the world.
The funeral Requiem Mass took place at Holy Cross Church on Saturday 7th December celebrated by Fr. Dermot Gallagher C.P., superior of Crossgar Community. Bishop Donal McKeown presided and said the prayers at the end of Mass. His remains were interred in the Community cemetery where Fr. Marin Coffey C.P. recited the graveside prayers.
Fr. Patrick is survived by his three sisters Terry, Kay and Joan, many relative and a wide circle of friends.
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