Father Edward Doherty, retired, died on 23rd August, 1991, aged 80 and in the 53rd year of his priesthood. At the Funeral Mass' in St.,Columbkille's, Rutherglen, on 2nd September, the following homily was given by Right Rev. Mgr. John Provost Gillen, V. G.
"Since you made us for yourself, our hearts' will find no rest until they rest in you." (St. Augustine's words.)
Edward Doherty was born in Glasgow on 23rd February, 1911, studied at Blairs and St. Peter's, Bearsden, and was ordained priest in 1938 for the Archdiocese of Glasgow. His first appointment was to St. Brigid's, Kilbirnie, and then to Our Lady of Good Aid, Motherwell, now the Diocesan Cathedral, afterwards to St. Mary's, Coatbridge, and St. Augustine's, Langloan. In 1949 he was transferred to Our Lady and St.Anne's, Cadzow. From there he took up his appointment as parish priest in St. Athanasius', Carluke, then at St. Clare's, Easterhouse. Later on he served in St. Ninian's and St. Peter's, Hamilton, and also St. Edward's, Airdrie, from where he retired and lived for a while in St.Columbkille's, Rutherglen, and in 1988. he went to Nazareth House, Glasgow which was to be his final residence. He died on 23rd August 1991 while on holiday in Blackpool with his brother and sister, John and Jean.
Those dates give us a brief outline of Father Ted's life as a priest. His death was sudden, unlike the two priests who died in Motherwell Diocese earlier this year,Canon McGurk and Father McGlinchey, both of whom had lingering illnesses.
The priest is one who is ordained for service to God on behalf of his fellow man. The calling is a high one, but today in society it is too often taken for granted, perhaps even downgraded. For a moment, let us think of the priest's standing, not in the eyes of man but in the eyes of God. It is the priest and the priest only who can say, "I absolve you from your sins"; it is the priest only who says, "This is My Body; this is My Blood." Realise the importance and the necessity of these two sacraments in our lives and think of the role of the priest in administering these all-important channels of grace for all of us. Prayer and the sacraments are the means; left to us to attain the eternal salvation for which we were created.
Prayer; all of us were astonished with the history-making events of the last few months: 'the August Revolution'; the change in state affairs in Russia and the neighbouring countries is surely an answer to the prayers of Christian Churches for 'the conversion of Russia', now our prayers are being answered. This is but an example of the strength of prayer and the power of the sacraments—an illustration of the role of the priest administering the sacraments, leading the people in prayer both for the living and the dead.
Relating all this to Father Ted—he was a man of prayer. In parish life he was always available as a good and popular confessor, ever ready to listen to, and help with, people's problems. How many thankful souls have come away from confession hearing Father Ted say "I absolve you from sins," and feeling that ease and contentment that only the grace of God can create?
Again, his devotion, and love for, Our Lady was an outstanding feature of his life. He always endeavoured to have a Novena going in his parish and thereby encourage his `flock' to be ever close to their Mother. In St. Columbkille's, his 'Stations' and `Rosary' finished with a visit to Our Lady's shrine.
All this gives us a brief outline of Father Doherty's 53 years in the priesthood, everything done to help ‘his people’ to know, love and serve and thereby gain eternal happiness. The rest that we pray for will now be Father Ted's.
To his brother John, his sister Jean, and his housekeeper, Mary Colgan, we offer our sincere sympathy.
‘May he rest in peace’. |
