Archbishop Eamon Martin pays tribute to the late Father Alec Reid RIP

22 Nov 2013

Archbishop Eamon Martin pays tribute to the late Father Alec Reid RIP

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh, released the following statement in response to the sad news of the death today in Dublin of the late Father Alec Reid RIP.   Father Reid was a Redemptorist priest who ministered from the Clonard Monastery in Belfast.

“I was very saddened to hear the news that Father Alec Reid died today.  While I knew he was ill for some time, the passing of such a great priest has come as a shock to all of us.  The first thing that came to mind when I heard the news was the Gospel line: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God”.   Father Reid was a ‘model pastor’ although he, in his typical modesty, would probably be uncomfortable with such a title.   He was a deeply spiritual priest who had a profound effect on everyone whom he met.   His ministry was characterised by courage and he worked hard behind the scenes to build peace through patient and delicate negotiation.   Guided by the Holy Spirit, he encouraged others to move forward, inch by inch, problem by problem, thereby gradually overcoming any obstacles and setbacks.  He was a priest of great compassion who reached out to all those who were hurting and suffering.  Always out of the limelight, he continued his patient and delicate peace work without seeking any personal credit or reward.  The people of this island will forever owe Father Reid an immeasurable debt of gratitude for his tireless work towards building a civilisation of love and peace.  My sincere sympathy goes out to all who love Father Reid and especially to his Redemptorist Congregation, his relatives and close friends.

Ar dheis Dé  go raibh a anam dilis.

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