Fr. Thomas Devitt C.P., R.I.P.

The death took place on Saturday 3rd May, of Father Thomas Devitt,
C.P., a member of the Passionist Community, The Graan, Enniskillen.
Fr. Thomas was a native of Belfast and worked in Africa, America,
Scotland and Ireland, since his ordination in 1954. He had been ill for
some time and was cared for in The Graan Nursing Home for the last
four years of his life. His brother Father Leonard Devitt, who pre-
deceased him, was also a member of the Passionists.

Father Thomas was a widely experienced
priest in the almost fifty years of his ministry. He
was born in the shadow of Holy Cross, Ardoyne
and entered the Passionists when he was
eighteen. After his first profession, he studied in
Collooney and Mount Argus. When he was
ordained in 1954, he spent some time as a
young priest in The Graan before going to
Crossgar as assistant director of postulants. In
1957 he was appointed Vice-Master of Novices
in The Graan.

There was then a major change in his life when
he was asked to go to the newly founded
Mission in Bechuanaland, (now Botswana)
where he worked successfully with Bishop
Urban Murphy in the parishes in Gaborone. He
returned to work as a Hospital Chaplain in St.
Mungo's, Glasgow and then devoted six years to
parish work in the United States. On his return
he was a member of the apostolic communities
in Holy Cross Ardoyne, The Graan and
Collooney. Father Thomas was a dedicated
priest in all the many apostolates he was asked
to do. He was most successful in latter years as
a gifted confessor. His quiet understanding manner was greatly
appreciated by the many people who came to him.

He is survived by his sisters Greta and Marie, his brother Basil, nieces,
nephews and a wide circle of family and friends. He was buried beside
his brother, Fr. Leonard C.P., in Holy Cross Cemetery on Tuesday 6th
May after concelebrated Requiem Mass.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.