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Tributes have been paid to a popular and long-serving Deacon, who was a “champion of the poor”, after he passed away on Friday.
Jersey’s Catholic Church announced the passing of Iain MacFirbhisigh, a Deacon of nearly 30 years, in its newsletter to the church community.
“Our longest serving parish deacon, whose ministry has meant so much to so many of us, has died. Nourished by the Rites of the Church he went to meet the Lord on Friday 25th March – the feast of the Annunciation,” the Catholic Church said.
“Funeral details will follow but this Sunday let us pray for the happy repose of his soul and for the comfort of Cheryl his wife and their family.”
Jersey’s Irish Society said that it had lost a “very special Irish gentleman”, adding that Deacon Iain’s passing “leaves a huge space in the heart of the Irish community.”
The Jersey Irish Community lost a very special Irish gentleman today.Deacon Iain MacFirbhisigh died earlier today&leaves a huge space in the heart of the Irish community.
— The Jersey Irish Society AllThingsIrishinJersey (@JerseyIrishSoc) March 25, 2022
Rest in peace Iain.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h'anam dílis. ☘️ @MartinaWintour @EmbassyIreland pic.twitter.com/p9B6PcwR02
Senator Sam Mézec described Deacon Iain as “a real character, stalwart of the Catholic community here and champion for the poor.”
“He was particularly passionate about the Living Wage and engaging with Jersey’s immigrant communities. He will be sorely missed. RIP,” he added.
Several mourners described the Deacon as a “wonderful” on Facebook, while another described him as a “lovely gentleman who had love, kindness and compassion for all.”
Prayers will be offered at two masses next week in his memory – at Sacred Heart next Wednesday at 18:30, and at St. Thomas’s Church at 12:15 on Saturday 2 April.
This is such sad news. Iain was a real character, stalwart of the Catholic community here and champion for the poor. He was particularly passionate about the Living Wage and engaging with Jersey’s immigrant communities.
— Senator Sam Mézec (@SamMezecJsy) March 25, 2022
He will be sorely missed. RIP. https://t.co/k0XdOecf6K
Deacon Iain is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and family.
Express would like to extend its sincere condolences to Deacon Iain MacFirbisigh’s family.
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