Monsignor Robert Donnelly

Monsignor Robert Donnelly, the oldest priest in the Diocese of Antigonish, died in St. Martha’s Hospital Friday morning, May 13.

Monsignor Donnelly, aged 97, had only last year been recognized by Pope John Paul II for his long service to the Church by being made a Prelate of Honour.

Monsignor Donnelly was born in Cambuslang, Scotland, on November 22, 1907, one of eight children, the son of the late Robert and Mary Ann (McPartland) Donnelly. As a young child, he moved with his family to Canada, settling in the New Aberdeen area of Glace Bay. He received his early education at St. John’s School and his high school education at Glace Bay High School, after which he attended St. Mary’s University, graduating in 1929.

Monsignor Donnelly did his theological training at Holy Heart Seminary in Halifax where he was ordained to the priesthood on June 24, 1934, by Bishop Thomas J. O’Donnell. During the years of his priestly ministry, Monsignor Donnelly served at St. John the Baptist Parish, New Aberdeen; St. Anne, Thorburn; Holy Rosary, Westmount; and St. Peter, Tracadie. He retired from this last pastorate in 1977 but established his permanent residence in the village from which he continued to serve parishes when called upon to do so. He was Administrator of St. Augustine, Sydney; Holy Guardian Angels, L’Ardoise; and Star of the Sea, Canso. Monsignor Donnelly also worked for ten years in St. George’s Diocese, Newfoundland, relieving priests there for vacations, illnesses and other absences. He was a part-time Chaplain in the Naval Reserve of Canada from 1949 to 1967.

Monsignor Donnelly was greatly loved by the people in the parishes where he worked and was appreciated and respected by his fellow priests for his kindness and generosity to them over his years of service.

Rev. Daniel Alphonsus "Phonse "DOYLE,
The Diocese of Antigonish is mourning the death of a beloved priest, Rev, D.A. Doyle. Father Doyle was born February 14, 1916, in Margaree Forks, son of the late Michael and Bertha (McGarry) Doyle. He received his early education in Margaree and attended Mabou High School, St. Mary's College, Halifax, and St. F.X. University, Antigonish. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, he began his theological studies at Holy Heart Seminary, Halifax.
Father Doyle was ordained to the priesthood on June 7, 1941, by Archbishop John A. McNally, in Halifax. Father Doyle served as an Assistant at Sacred Heart Parish, Sydney (1941-49), was a founding parish priest of Our Lady Of Fatima Parish, Sydney River (1949-61), served as Rector of St. Ninian's Cathedral Parish, Antigonish (1961-70) and parish priest at St. Theresa, Sydney (1970-80).
In addition to these pastoral responsibilities, Father Doyle was Dean of the Sydney Deanery, was appointed Vicar General of the Diocese in 1977 and in 1980 he was assigned to the Chancery Office as Vicar General- Administration and Chancellor responsible for all Diocesan programs. Throughout his years of service in the Diocese, Father Doyle served on numerous committees. He was a member of the Diocesan Council of Priests, the College of Consultors, Diocesan and Provincial Chaplain and Director of the Catholic Women's League, a 4th Degree Member of Msgr H. Gillis Assembly, Council No. 1105, Knights of Columbus.
Father Doyle retired from his official parochial and diocesan administrative responsibilities in 1986, but continued in his retirement to remain active in providing pastoral whenever he was needed, especially to the senior residents at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home. Along with his brother priests at Mockler Hall, where he resided, he was revered as a priest who never refused a legitimate request from his Bishop or brother priests.
Surviving are nieces, Shirley (Peter) Davidson, Marilyn (Robert Price); nephews, Bertram (Helen) Doyle, Gerard (Lorraine) Doyle; grandniece, Melanie Price; grandnephews, Paul (Kelly), Michael, Matthew and Blair Doyle, John Price. He was predeceased by sisters, Mary Pope, Frances Morrison; brothers, Rev. Gerard Doyle, Bernard, Bertram and Augustine.
Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. today and 2-4 p.m. Monday in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish. Transfer to St. Ninian's Cathedral for Vigil at 7 p.m. Monday. Liturgy of Christian Burial was held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in St. Ninian's Cathedral with Bishop Raymond Lahey presiding. Burial at a later date in the parish cemetery. www.MacIsaacs.ca

Rev. Roderick Colonel MacLeod

The diocese of Antigonish is in mourning at the death of one of its most beloved priests, Rev. Roderick Colonel MacLeod. Fr. MacLeod died peacefully at the MacGillivary Guest Home, where he had been living for the past several years.

Born in Dunvegan, Inverness Co., he was the son of the late Donald Joseph and Mary Belle (Collins) MacLeod, Fr. MacLeod received his early education in Dunvegan and completed his high school studies in Inverness. Later he graduated from St. FX. University.

Fr. MacLeod answered a call to the priesthood in 1944 and began his theological studies at Holy Heart Seminary. He was ordained in Halifax on June 12, 1949, by the Most Reverend Archbishop James T. McNally. Fr. MacLeod's first appointment was an assistant in the parish of St. Andrew's, Boisdale and the mission of Frenchvale. From then until his retirement as parish priest in Creignish, Fr. MacLeod served the church in various capacities as administrator, assistant and parish priest in St. Joseph, Bras d'Or,St. Augustine, Sydney, St. Charles, Port Felix, Stella Maris, Inverness, St. Margaret of Scotland, Arisag and St. Joseph, North Sydney.

He also served as Dean ( VIcar Forane) in Inverness and Antigonish deanery and administrator of Xavier Apartments for priests in Sydney. Fr. MacLeod is survived by his sister, Aurelia, Edmonton, Kay (late Jack) Grant, North Bay, Sr. Ann, Holy Angels Convent, Sydney, Margaret(late Rannie) MacLellan, New Waterford; three brothers, Alex (late Pearl), Vancouver, Rod (Chris) Dunvegan, Fr. Angus, Sydney. He was predeceased by brothers, John D., Donald, Collins and Finlay (in infancy).

Visitation for the late Fr.MacLeod, was held today (Monday) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in TW Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., Sydney. A vigil service was held Monday at 7:30 p.m. The late Fr. MacLeod was transferred to Stella Maris Church, Creignish, Tuesday with visitation being held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Bible vigil was held Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Stella Maris. Funeral mass was held Wednesday in Stella Maris Church at 2 p.m. with Bishop Raymond Lahey officiating.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at Fr. Colonel MacLeod's Family

Rev. Fr. Regis HALLORAN, February 7, 2005
HALLORAN, Rev. William Regis - 69, former parish priest of Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, New Glasgow, passed away Monday, February 7, 2005. Born in Guysborough, he was a son of the late William and Loretta (Flynn) Halloran. He was a graduate of Guysborough Academy, and received a BA from St. Francis Xavier University.
Following graduation from St. Francis Xavier University, he completed studies for the priesthood at St. Augustine's Seminary in Toronto. After ordination in 1960, he was an assistant at St. Ninian's Cathedral, Antigonish; St. Pius X Parish, Sydney Mines, and St. Theresa's, Sydney. He also directed the Gardiner Renewal Center in Gardiner Mines from 1970 to 1975. He chaired the Diocesan Liturgical Commission and the Atlantic Liturgical Conference. In 1975, Father Halloran chaired the Holy Year Committee. He earned a MA from Notre Dame University in Liturgical Studies in 1979. He was also a past member of the Senate of Priests and committees which included retreat, continuing education, general assembly of clergy, organizational development and Diocesan Priorities. Father Halloran also served as director of mass for shut-ins.
From 1980-1985, he was director of the National Litugical Office of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and was a member of the organizing committee for the 1984 Papal Visit to Canada. He was pastor at Saint Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Port Hawkesbury from 1985-1992. From 1992-1995, he was Chancellor at the Diocese of Antigonish. From 1995, until his retirement in September 2004, he was pastor at Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in New Glasgow. He was also on the board of directors of the Antigonish Casket.
He is survived by sister, Veronica Halloran, Inverness; brothers, Ronan (Ann), Montreal; Eldon (Sarah), Guysborough; nieces and nephews, Michael (Joanne) Halloran, Thomas (Catherine) Halloran, Mark Halloran, Catherin (Doug) Mitchell, Stephen (Karyn) Blackburn, David Blackburn, Karen (Robert) McDermid, Regis (Connie) Halloran, John (Verna) Halloran; 12 great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sister, Eileen Blackburn; grandniece, Alayna Dawn Halloran.
Visitation was held at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow. His remains were transferred to Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church for a vigil service at 7 p.m. Thursday with funeral mass at 2 p.m. on Friday. Burial was in Saint Ann's Cemetery, Guysborough at 11 a.m. Saturday. Family flowers only. Donations in his memory may be made to Saint Ann's Cemetery Fund, Guysborough, Saint Joseph's Society (Diocese of Antigonish Priest Pension Fund) or a charity of choice.

Fr. Alex Ross dies suddenly

            Reverend Alexander A. Ross, long time pastor of St. Barra Parish, Christmas Island, and retired for the last several years, died suddenly in Dominion on Tuesday, April 6.

            At the time of his retirement, Fr. Ross had been one of the longest serving priests of the Diocese. Besides St. Barra Parish, he had served in the parishes of St. Alphonsus, Victoria Mines, St. Joseph, Bras d’Or, St Andrew, Boisdale, St. Michael, Margaree and Holy Family, Eskasoni. It was, however, the parish of St. Barra where he served the longest, having gone there in 1950 and staying until 1998. As a Gaelic speaker, he was well suited to a parish whose people were predominantly of Scottish origin. His service to his parishioners there was legendary, not only in relation to their spiritual welfare but also in other community affairs such as board of trade, new fire department and the establishment of the highway crossing at Grand Narrows.

            Fr. Ross was also known for his service to the residents of the Northside Community Guest Home, Alderwood Guest Home in Baddeck, and Harbourview Hospital in Sydney Mines.

            Upon retirement, Fr. Ross chose to remain living among the people he so loved in Christmas Island until, with failing health, he moved to Dominion to live there with relatives.

            Bishop Raymond Lahey, speaking on the occasion of the death of Fr. Ross, lamented that he had known him for only a short time, although he was very familiar with his reputation as a dedicated priest, loved not only by his parishioners but by the priests of the Diocese of Antigonish and beyond. His was a ministry that embraced every facet of the life of his people.

            Funeral and burial of Fr. Ross will take place Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in St. Barra Church, Christmas Island.

The Most Reverend William Edward Power

The Most Reverend William Edward Power, former bishop of Antigonish, passed peacefully away, November 29th 2003 at Bethany, Antigonish, where he was in residence, . He was 88, and had served as Bishop of Antigonish from 1960 until his resignation in 1986.

Bishop Power was born in Montreal on September 27, 1915, son of Nicholas Walter and Bridget Elizabeth (Callaghan) Power. After studies at le Grand Séminaire de Montréal, he was ordained a priest on June 7, 1941. In Montreal he was active as a chaplain to the Young Christian Workers Movement (YCW), a movement in which he maintained a lively interest all his life. He held several other pastoral appointments in Montreal, including the appointment as parish priest of St. Jean de Brébeuf Parish. At the time of his nomination as bishop he was Vice-Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Montreal.

Bishop Power was appointed Bishop of Antigonish on May 12, 1960, was ordained a bishop in Montreal on July 20 of the same year, and was formally installed in Antigonish on August 10. He was one of the last remaining bishops in Canada who took part as a bishop in all four sessions of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). In the years following the Council he was one of the leaders of the Church in Canada in implementing its reforms, serving as Vice-President of the Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops in 1969-1971, and as its President from 1971-1973. He was elected the first President of the Atlantic Episcopal Assembly in 1972, and a representative from Canada to the Synod of Bishops in Rome on evangelization in 1974. He also served as a member of several commissions of the C.C.C.B., including the Social Affairs Commission that produced the major document 'Ethical Reflections on the Economic Crisis' in 1982.

In his service to the Diocese of Antigonish, Bishop Power was active in promoting social justice, the involvement of the laity, pastoral renewal and the ongoing formation of the clergy. As bishop he served also as Chancellor of St. Francis Xavier University, which awarded him an honourary doctorate in 1989, and in 1999 named after him 'Power Hall,' one of its new residences. He resigned as Bishop of Antigonish on December 9, 1986, but continued to serve as diocesan administrator until the installation of his successor, Bishop Colin Campbell, on March 17, 1987. In his retirement he lived at St. Francis Xavier University, until very recently when he took up residence at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Martha at Bethany, Antigonish.

The present bishop of the Diocese of Antigonish, Bishop Raymond Lahey, today paid tribute to his predecessor. He said: 'Bishop Power was a remarkably talented person, both as an individual and a churchman, who put his considerable abilities at the service of the Church and the world at every level: diocesan, national, and universal. His promotion of the role and mission of the laity in bringing the message of Christ into the environment in which they lived was for him a life-long calling to which he never ceased to be devoted. His real enthusiasm for the renewal of the Church advocated by Vatican II and his broad understanding of the work and documents of the Council will never be forgotten by anyone who encountered him. His personal qualities of a deep spirituality, constant good humor, and an enduring hope in God enabled him to leave to us all a rich and lasting legacy.'

Bishop Power was survived by one brother, Kevin (Madelaine), of Halifax, three Sisters who are religious of the Sacred Heart, Sisters Elizabeth and Margaret of Halifax, and Sister Mary of Montreal, as well as a number of nephews and nieces.

Bishop Power’s remains were received at St. Ninian’s Cathedral, Antigonish, on Monday evening, December 1, at 7:00 p.m., when Evening Prayer for the Dead was celebrated. The remains laid in wake in the Cathedral until the funeral liturgy, which took place on Wednesday morning, the feast of St. Francis Xavier, at 11:00 a.m., with burial in St. Ninian’s Cemetery. On Tuesday evening, December 2, at 7:00 p.m. the vigil service was celebrated.

JEWELL, Rev. John Robert

JEWELL, Rev. John Robert - 77, Guysborough Intervale, died Thursday, February 3, 2005, in Guysborough Memorial Hospital. Born in Louisbourg, he was a son of the late Donald R. and Alice Mae (Cordeau) Jewell. He received his early education in Louisbourg, graduated from Teacher's College, Truro, taught in Louisbourg and graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts from St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish. He entered Holy Cross Seminary, Halifax and was ordained on April 13, 1958, in St. Mary's Basilica, Halifax. In 1958, he was appointed assistant in Star of the Sea Parish, Canso; in 1961 he was appointed assistant of Sacred Heart Parish, Sydney; in 1963, he joined the staff of St. Pius X Seminary; 1964 saw him appointed assistant of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Stellarton and he was later appointed assistant at Immaculate Conception Parish, Bridgeport; in 1965, he became assistant and administrator of St. Joseph's Parish, Port Hawkesbury; he was appointed Pastor of Holy Family Parish, Eskasoni, in 1966 and Pastor of St. Anthony's Parish, Glace Bay, in 1971; in 1977, he became Pastor of St. Ann's Parish, Guysborough and attached missions in Guysborough Intervale and Salmon River; in 1978, he was appointed to the Senate of Priests for a two year term and started a three year term with the personnel board in 1980; in 1989, he was placed as Pastor in St. Peter's Parish, Port Hood, retiring in 1994 and residing in Guysborough Intervale. Surviving are sisters, Mabel Fleet, Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Sydney; Rose (Len) Calver, London, England; Olive Harte, Glace Bay; Marie Dilney, Sydney; brother, Alphonse, Boucherville, Que.; numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by sisters, Margaret (George) Maxner, Viola (Les) Ball, Cecelia (Bill) LeVatte; brothers-in-law, Michael Dilney and Alan Harte. Visitation was 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. today and 2-4 p.m. Sunday in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Guysborough, then transferred to St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Guysborough Intervale, for a vigil service at 7 p.m. and the funeral mass at 2:30 p.m. Monday, with Vicar General Father Angus MacDougall officiating. Concelebrating was other priests of the diocese. Burial was in the parish cemetery. Donations in memory of Father John may be made to St. Patrick's Cemetery Fund, Guysborough Memorial Hospital Foundation, Ladies Auxiliary of the Guysborough Memorial Hospital, or a charity of choice. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com

MOMBOURQUETTE, Rev. James A.
MOMBOURQUETTE, Rev. James A. - Rev. James Mombourquette, a priest of the Diocese of Antigonish, died on May 5, 2005, in King City, Ont. Father Mombourquette was born in Rockdale, Richmond Co., on July 26, 1932, a son of Charles and Veronique Mombourquette. After high school graduation he went to St. Anne's College, Church Point, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1955. Subsequently he studied for the priesthood at Holy Heart Seminary, Halifax, and was ordained on June 16, 1962, by Bishop William Power. During his priesthood Father Mombourquette served as Associate in St. Hyacinth Parish, D'Escousse, St. Joseph's, Petit de Grat, and Our Lady of Lourdes, Stellarton.
He served as Pastor in D'Escousse, St. Louis Parish, Louisdale, St. Peter's, Larry's River, St. Joseph's, Petit de Grat, St. Mary's, Big Pond, and St. Michael's, Margaree. He also spent a year on faculty of St. F.X. University. Meanwhile, he had served two terms on the Senate of Priests of the diocese, as well as having assisted on the Marriage Tribunal. Father Mombourquette spent his later years in retirement, first in Monastery, and then in Marylake, Ont. Father Mombourquette is survived by one sister, Anne Marie, St. Isidore, N.B. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Douglas. Father Mombourquette was buried in King City, Ont., on May 10, following a funeral mass concelebrated by a number of priests from Antigonish Diocese.

Helen (MacLean) TAYLOR

TAYLOR (MacLean), Helen Madonna - It is with much sadness that we announce the death of Helen Taylor, of Brown Street, Sydney Mines, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Sydney Mines, she was the daughter of the late John Benedict and Annie Catherine (MacKenzie) MacLean. She attended Acadia University as a student of Recreation and Physical Education and subsequently worked as recreation coordinator in Canning and Sydney Mines.
Later, after years spent at home raising her three children, she became a member of IATSE local 849. This allowed her to work in the film industry with her husband, Emmanuel, on numerous projects throughout Nova Scotia.
Helen was most recently employed by the Diocese of Antigonish at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, Sydney, and was instrumental in organizing World Youth Day pilgrimages to Toronto, Germany and most recently Australia. She was in the process of completing her Certificate in Youth Ministry through St. Francis Xavier University. Helen was a member of St. Pius X parish, and a very active volunteer in her community. She gave freely of her time and talents as director of the adult and funeral choir up until her illness. She was an associate member of the Sisters of St. Martha, past member of the Catholic Women's League, and served as a Scouts Canada Leader with the 6th St. Pius X Beacer Colony and Cub Pack for many years. She was also involved as past member and president of the St. Joseph Elementary School Parent Support Group.
Music was a lifelong passion for Helen. She began to sing as a child and joyfully shared this talent with all those who were fortunate to know her, singing for many weddings, local concerts and family gatherings. Music filled her room as she prepared for the end of life's journey. She was a talented instrumentalist who was able to turn her hand to a variety of instruments, especially the guitar. She composed songs with thoughtful lyrics and musical arrangements full of beautiful harmonies. Helen was a past member of the Pipes and Drums of the Gaelic Society of Cape Breton as a piper and played tuba in the Memorial High School Band. Helen's friendship was a gift treasured by many. She had a special connection to children and showered them with unconditional love. She eagerly anticipated the birth of her first grandchild at the end of the month. Our loss is truly great.
She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Emmanuel, and children, Kate, Sydney Mines; Nicholas Aaron and Margaret Jesse, both at home. She is also survived by brothers and sisters, Ben (Carmie), Washabuck; Neil (Gale), Burlington, Ont.; Lauchie (Sharon), Millville; Sheila (Earl) McInnis, Bras d'Or; Peter (Marlene), Stellarton; Betty (Greg) Young, Sharon MacLean, Shane (Barbara), Debbie (Allan) MacDougall, Sydney Mines; Pius (Caroline), Wetaskiwin, Alta.; Terry, Halifax; Paul (Caroline), Lower Sackville; Adele (Seamus) Britton, Don Mills, Ont. She is also survived by brother-in-law, Craig Reid, Truro, and numerous aunts and uncles. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by children, Emmanuel Osmond Jr. and Emma Adele, as well as four siblings in infancy and in recent years, Mary Jacqueline (Jackie), Mrs. Craig Reid and Francis Alexander.
Visitation will be held today 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in St. Pius X Parish, Main Street, Sydney Mines. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Wednesday at 11 a.m. with Father Conrad Edwards officiating. Burial to take place in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Washabuck. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of choice. On-line condolences may be sent to: mannyunit@gmail.com

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