AN INNOVATOR and a man of ideas was how the former Bishop of Killala, Dr Thomas Finnegan, was described Monday following the announcement of his death.
Bishop of Killala from 1987 to 2002, Thomas Anthony Finnegan died in Sligo General Hospital on Christmas morning. He was aged 86.
Paying tribute to his predecessor, Bishop John Fleming said that Dr Finnegan had guided the diocese of Killala in Co Mayo for 15 years with “exceptional care, genuine wisdom and great love”.
Dr Fleming added that Dr Finnegan would be remembered for the imaginative pastoral initiatives which he began as well as for the contribution to the development of the west of Ireland, the care of emigrants and the progress of Catholic education.
“An innovator and man of ideas, he encouraged consultation and participation in the life of the church in the diocese of Killala. He will be remembered too for his unfailing kindness to everyone he met, as well as for his great respect and love for the church,” Dr Fleming said.
During his career with the church, Dr Finnegan was a member of the Irish Episcopal Commissions for Education, Emigrants, and Catechetics.
He also served on the standing committee of the Irish Bishops Conference and the Liaison Committee of the Bishops Conferences of Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland.
His body was received at St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina, last evening at 4pm and he lay in repose in the cathedral until 8pm, when solemn vespers were said.
A requiem Mass will be held at noon today (Wednesday) at which Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, will preside.
Archbishop of Tuam Dr Michael Neary will perform the committal in the cathedral grounds.