Tributes have been paid to an Irish priest who after he passed away this week after a long illness and was one of only eight people in the world to receive a prestigious honour from the Emperor of Japan.Just last month Roscommon born Fr Stan Brennan (pictured) received the 6th class Grand Order Award of the Rising Sun Silver and Gold rays for his work in the South African City of Boksburg where he was dedicated to the development of social welfare and the preservation of the environment.
The accolade is awarded by the Japanese Monarch for exceptional service internationally.
The Franciscan priest had been working in Boksburg since 1965 where he had established projects on education, drug and alcohol abuse, AIDS, childcare and domestic abuse.
Born Seamus Brennan, Fr Stan was born in the village of Fuerty in County Roscommon in 1929. At an early age, Fr Stan dedicated his life to work on the missions in South Africa and arrived in Boksburg in South Africa in 1957 after studying in Rome.
His first post was as spiritual Director of the Diocesan Seminary in Boksburg and he was later to work in Rieger Park as parish priest of Saint Francis Church. His greatest work will always be synonymous with helping AIDS victims.
As a Franciscan, he personally took up the challenge and drew symbolism with the story of St Francis of Assisi who dismounted his donkey to assist a leper and confront the general fear people have towards the disease with human kindness. In 1992 with Fr Stan's help Sr Francis Care Centre in Boksburg opened its doors after a lengthily legal battle.
The clinic prospered and is now funded by George Bush's PEPFAR programme. St Francis Care Centre administers essential daily ARV treatment to 4,000 people.
As well as his work for AIDS victims, Fr Stan was also involved in education and helped fundraise to build Africa's largest second-level education college and technical skills centre.
Saint Anthony's College has 5,000 enrolled in its classes every day and its technical skills training college a further 600 who are obtaining a 45-day crash course in the fundamental skills required in sectors like welding, plumbing, car mechanics, dress making as well as a host of other practical courses.
In 2004, he started Mercy Haven, a multi-racial drug and alcohol rehabilitation in Boksburg.
During his time in the city, he received more than 50 awards and in 2009, he received the Michael Memorial Award for dedicating his life to the uplifting of the poor.
On June 19, last Fr Brennan was too ill to receive his Grand Order award. His brother Andy travelled from County Wicklow to receive the accolade at the Japanese embassy.
His funeral will take place in Boksburg on July 12 and afterwards his remains will be cremated.
His ashes are to be spread both at St Francis Care Centre and in County Roscommon.
The South African ANC party will perform a full guard of honour at the funeral ceremony.