Overview for media of funeral liturgy for Archbishop Joseph Cassidy RIP
Requiem Mass for Archbishop Joseph Cassidy took place at 12.00 noon today in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam, Co Galway. Archbishop Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam, celebrated the funeral Mass which was concelebrated by bishops and priests. An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny TD was represented by his Aide-de-Camp Commandant Michael Treacy. An Tanáiste Mr Eamonn Gilmore TD and his wife Carol were in attendance.
The chief mourners were Archbishop Cassidy’s six sisters: Concie, Angela, Mary, Bernadette, Patricia, Imelda, as well as his nieces and nephews.
Master of Ceremonies: Father Francis Mitchell, Administrator Tuam Cathedral directed the liturgy throughout the Mass. Father Shane Sullivan, CC was chaplain to the Taoiseach's Aide-de-Camp.
Seminarians for the Archdiocese, Sean Flynn, Aidan Gallagher and Gerard Quirke, served as acolytes at the Mass.
The Tuam Cathedral Choir sang during the funeral Mass. Chairman of the choir was Mr Eamonn Kitt, who sang the psalm. Organist and director was Ms Emer Kelly.
Readers: during the funeral Mass the First Reading was proclaimed by Michael Kirrane (nephew). The Second Reading was proclaimed by Dr Niall Mahon (nephew).
The homily was preached by Archbishop Neary
Prayer of the Faithful: was read by Padraig Dillon (nephew), Imelda McDermot (sister), Paul Conway (nephew), Fiona McHugh (niece), Vera Colleran (Carer, Moore), Padraic Kilduf (Clonfad).
Offertory Procession: the gifts at the offertory were brought to the altar by Mary Phelan (secretary and carer) and Bernadette Mahon (sister and carer).
Burial: Archbishop Cassidy was buried in the grounds of Moore Church after Mass with a short liturgy at the graveside.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Brief biographical details of the life and ministry of Joseph Cassidy (born 29 October 1933, a native Charlestown, Co Mayo):
– Ordained Priest 21 June 1959 for Achonry Diocese
– On loan to Clonfert in 1959 and was later incardinated into Clonfert diocese in the early 1960s
– Teacher in Saint Joseph’s College, Garbally from 1959-1977
– President, Saint Joseph’s College, Garbally, 1977-1979
– Appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Clonfert on 24 August 1979
– Ordained Coadjutor Bishop of Clonfert on 23 September 1979
– Installed Bishop of Clonfert on 1 May 1982
– Translated to Tuam as Archbishop in September 1987
– Retired as Archbishop June 1995
– Parish Priest of Moore 1995
– Retired as Parish Priest of Moore 2009
– Died 31 January 201
For media contact : Catholic Communcations Office, Maynooth, Martin Long 00 353 861727678
