Every day, Fr Pat, a faithful disciple, would join Jesus his Lord and Master on the hill of the Beatitudes and following the gaze of the Lord, would look into the eyes of those in need. This man on a mission in his flat cap and black coat was on his way to seek out those who were hungry for encouragement, a kind word, a cheerful greeting. He found them in the school yard, in the staff room, on the street, in the care home, on the hospital ward. Each, in their own way, came to know the Lord's blessing through the presence of a kindly, gentle, son of Don Bosco.

Pat’s home was the family farm in Ballyskea, County Galway, as one of twelve children. His was a hard but very happy childhood. He became a Salesian novice in Beckford, near Gloucester at the age of 18, and was ordained in 1952.

Pat was a devoted teacher. He was keen to see his students do well, always encouraging the best, even out of the most underachieving of pupils. Pat had always been good at sport so he took teams for soccer and hockey. But many will simply remember him for his presence in the yard before school and at lunchtime: showing interest, giving an encouraging word, adopting an air of mock seriousness while telling a joke. In total, Pat was to teach at the Salesian College, Battersea, for 27 years. But in 1986 came his retirement from the classroom at the age of 65.

In September 1987 Pat joined the newly formed Parish Team, in Battersea, with Fr Dennis and myself and with it began one of the most pastorally fruitful periods of his priestly life. Pat was one of those members of the community who would toss in a few controversial words and then quietly withdraw leaving the rest fighting it out. He wasn't naturally a reflective person, but he was a deeply prayerful man. He was totally committed to his Salesian priesthood, on fire with a faith first formed on Celtic shores, and I am sure that over his 67 years of Salesian and priestly life, Pat’s unity with the Lord brought about a transformation in many hidden, inner ways we would find hard to imagine.

The fruit of Pat's service, in union with the Lord, is seen in the many, many, people who have been blessed by his ministry; helped to live life to the full. In recent years, at Salesian funerals, Pat and I would wander round the gravestones together and remember with affection all those who had gone before. He was always so grateful for his Salesian Vocation and from his hospital bed expressed his thanks for all he had received from his Salesian life.

My abiding memory is his smile and the kindly welcome at every meeting. We all loved him a lot. I think Fr Pat always saw himself as merely a small cog in a much bigger concern. Even now he is probably slightly embarrassed at being the centre of the Lord's attention. But the things once invisible are now visible. What was hidden is now revealed in glory. Patrick, enter into the joy of your Lord!

Fr Peter Brealy SDB

Don Bosco Today, Spring 2008

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal!.