I was very saddened to hear of the death last Sunday of Father Michael Ross, the much loved Salesian priest and spiritual director of Radio Maria Ireland. Today I offer my prayerful support to Father Michael’s family, his brothers Denis, Liam and Noel; sisters-in-law Joan, Maridle and Maria; brother-in-law Austin, to his Salesian Brothers in Christ, as well as to the World Family of Radio Maria community and to his wider circle of friends.
Father Michael was a communicator par excellence and this, along with his Cork charm, warmth and infectious enthusiasm, characterised his priestly vocation which he served faithfully for thirty-eight years. This pioneering ministry was exemplified by the opening of Radio Maria Ireland – Ireland’s only Catholic radio station – which was officially launched in Dublin on 11 February this year, the Feast of our Lady of Lourdes. Father Michael’s evangelical zeal was a true gift from God which enabled the many people, young and old, whom he encountered to fruitfully live the mission of the Gospel.
I also wish to pay tribute to Father Michael’s commitment to the faith, and in particular his veneration of Saint Faustina. His important ministry in this regard played a large part in the success of the annual Divine Mercy Conference.
Speaking to Father Michael’s Radio Maria colleagues last month at the launch of the preparations for the World Meeting of Families which will take place in Dublin in 2018, it was clear that Father Michael would have dearly loved to have been in attendance but his illness prevented this. As with everything Father Michael undertook during his life, he gave great witness to his faith in the way in which he bore his illness with courage and dignity, and in the way he accepted his final diagnosis.
May he rest now forever in the peace of Christ and may God comfort and console his family and loved ones.
ENDS
- Archbishop Eamon Martin is Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland and chair of the Council for Communications of the Irish Episcopal Conference
- The funeral Mass for Father Michael Ross RIP was celebrated today at 11.30am in Saint Agnes’ Church, Crumlin village in Dublin. The Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Father Michael Casey SDB, was Chief Celebrant at this Requiem Mass.
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