Death of Very Rev Mark O'Hagan, PP

It was with great sadness that we learned on Friday morning the news of the sudden death of Fr mark O’Hagan a native son and Parish Priest of Ardee.  Since his ordination on 3^rd June 2004 in the Church of the Holy Family, Fr Mark has served with great care and much zeal in the Parishes and town of Dundalk, and had only recently moved to Ardee as Parish Priest.  Throughout his years he was a devoted pastor to so many in so many ways that might never be known to us, but were the simple hands and face of God that Fr Mark was sent to represent in his part of the world.  His kindness was known to many, his laughter was heard by many more and we pray God welcomes him home with those words we all pray to hear – well done good and faithful servant.  We keep in our prayers all those touched by his loss, especially his mother Irene, sister Sinead and brothers Dwyer and John along with his nieces and nephews.  We pray for his many priest friends and those friends gathered through his years and his ministry.  On Tuesday we celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, remembering the troubles our Blessed Mother carried through life to the foot of the cross, but in His final words to His Mother Christ said “this is your son” and to the Beloved Disciple John He said “this is your mother”.  May those words give to us all the courage and inspiration to be as family and friend to each other in these difficult days, to carry on the love of Fr Mark’s life, the love of God to each other who now need it most.  Let us weep not in grief that he is no more, let us live in thanks that he ever was.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis