The Parish of Stranorlar prays for the happy repose of the Soul of Fr. James Byrne, Pastor Emeritus of Sacred Heart Parish in Wilsonton in the Diocese of Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia who died suddenly today in Stranorlar shortly after having only con-celebrated the
10 a.m. Mass with Fr. Kieran.

Fr. James’s ancestors came from Enniskillen in Co. Fermanagh and after his retirement in Australia, he set up home in Donegal residing in our Parish for the past 6 – 7 years, living in Curraghamone, Ballybofey.

During his time in our Parish, he was a great help to us, offering Masses and Sacraments in the Church as well as serving St. Joseph’s Community Hospital and a very loyal Chaplain to the local Legion of Mary. He also offered assistance to his good friend Fr. Lorcan Sharkey in the neighbouring Parish of Kilteevogue, Glenfin Parish. He will be fondly remembered for his great singing and jolly mood.

We offer our prayerful sympathies to his brothers in Australia, his entire family circle, his devoted housekeeper, his brother priests, former parishioners and his many friends here in Ireland.

Eternal Rest, Grant to him Oh Lord and let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him, May his Soul and the Souls of all the faithful departed through the Mercy of God Rest in Peace.

Funeral Arrangements

Fr. James’s remains will be reposing in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Stranorlar on Monday (December 14th) from 6 p.m. with Rosary at 9 p.m.

Requiem Mass on Tuesday (December 15th) at 11 a.m. Interment afterwards in Drumboe Cemetery.

The Rosary and Requiem Mass will be streamed live via the Parish Webcam at https://www.churchservices.tv/stranorlar

The Interment will be streamed live via the Parish Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/ChurchofMaryImmaculateStranorlar/

Sacred Heart of Jesus Have Mercy on his Soul