Sadness as youngest Irish-born priest of the Diocese of Elphin, Fr. Donal Morris, passes away
The late Fr. Donal Morris. This picture was taken at the jubilee celebrations in Cloverhill Church, Oran in May 2000.
The death has occurred of Fr Donal Morris, parish priest of Kilbegnet and Glinsk.
Fr. Donal, who died this morning (January 16th), was the youngest Irish-born priest of the Diocese of Elphin.
Donal grew up in Ballinaheglish, in the parish of Oran, where his parents, Kathleen and Eamonn still live.
"We offer our condolences and prayers to them, as well as to Donal’s beloved sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews and his wider family," said Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran.
Donal studied at CBS Roscommon and, following his Leaving Certificate, began his journey to priesthood by undertaking the pre-seminary formation year at Donamon, in the same parish where he has served for the past five years.
He subsequently completed his formation for the priesthood at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth and was ordained on June 4th, 1995. His first assignment was as a curate in Kilmurry in the parish of Tulsk, after which he served as chaplain at Castlerea Prison for seven years.
On completing his service in the prison, he was assigned to the parish of Knockcroghery, and later to St. Joseph’s Parish, Boyle. In 2014 he went as administrator to the parish of Loughglynn. "His final assignment was to the parish of Kilbegnet and Glinsk where, in spite of his declining health, he gave himself very generously in the service of his parishioners up to the time of his death," said Bishop Doran.
"St. Paul tells us that there are many gifts, but all from the same Spirit. One of Donal’s gifts, which was already noticed during his years in seminary, was his preoccupation with doing things properly. This was probably one of the reasons for his decision to undertake studies in Canon Law, graduating with an MA from Milltown Institute and a JCL from the University of Leuven. He could be formal, and he could be challenging, but he also had a great sense of humour," remarked Bishop Doran.
"Donal carried his illness with great courage. As he commented recently, there was no point in speaking words of faith at the death-beds of others, if he didn’t reflect that faith in his own dying. He deeply appreciated the care that was given to him, especially in the Hawthorne Unit at St. Vincent’s Private Hospital, which he jokingly described as his “local”.
"The “diocesan identity” was important to Donal. He was instrumental in procuring vestments with the diocesan crest for all the priests, so that we would be well turned out for special occasions. He was always very concerned that those who had served as priests in the past would not be forgotten after they died. We will certainly not forget him anytime soon," added Bishop Doran.
"As I offer condolences on behalf of the Diocese to Donal’s family and to his fellow priests, I also want to mention his parishioners in Kilbegnet and Glinsk. I had the privilege of celebrating Mass with them last Sunday, which was offered for Fr. Donal, and I know that they will greatly miss him.
"May he Rest In Peace."
