Fr Brennan, who is 83, recently retired and is critically ill in hospital.
Unfortunately, Fr Brennan was not well enough to receive the 6th class Grand Cordon Order Award of the Rising Sun Silver and Gold Rays himself but was represented by his younger brother Andy Brennan who travelled from Bray in Wicklow for the ceremony at the Japanese Embassy.
Mr Brennan’s daughter – and Fr Brennan’s niece – Julie told TheJournal.ie that although her uncle wasn’t well enough to get the award, he knew what was happening and was delighted with the honour.
Her father was in South Africa this week to visit his ill brother and to discuss his life with a biographer who is currently writing Fr Brennan’s story.
The Brennan brothers are the last two siblings from a family of 10 from Roscommon. One of their sisters was also a nun.
Home in Boksburg
The award is for his role in the development of social welfare and preservation of the environment in Boksburg, LookLocal reports.
Manager of St Francis Care Centre in Boksburg, founded by Fr Brennan, Tilly Brouwer said that it appears only eight people in the world have previously received this prestigious award.
Recognising the need for people in the community to receive education and training, in 1966, Fr Brennan started his first community based project, an adult based education programme.
Since then the Irish priest has continuously contributed to the community with several other projects on education, drug and alcohol abuse, child care and domestic abuse.
In 1992, he set up the St Francis Care Centre as a hospice dedicated to people suffering with AIDS and related illnesses.
The priest received over 50 awards for his contribution and dedication to the Boksburg community.