Remembering Fr. Raymond Liddane ( 1932- 2025)

There was a palpable sense of loss and mourning in the parish of St. Joseph, St. Benildus, and St. Mary’s when the death of our beloved pastor emeritus, Fr. Raymond Liddane, was announced on January 19. Parishioners, gathering in small groups or meeting at Sunday Mass, openly wept as they shared the story of their grief and sadness at the death of one who had served the parish so faithfully.

His gracious, noble, dignified, and authoritative presence as a spiritual leader for generations of parishioners over 46 years had come to an end; a presence that exemplified the very essence of priesthood, ministering in the name of the God of Jesus in such a dedicated, committed and wholehearted way. 

Even though frail and in his 93rd year, Fr Liddane persisted in his ministry, celebrating Mass, hearing confessions and meeting people right up until the end. He celebrated the 10am Mass on Christmas morning, reminding the congregation that we are called to live out the message of Christmas by being Christlike to others.

So many will miss the dignified walk every morning as Fr Ray made his way down Newtown Road to celebrate the 10.30am Mass, carrying himself with the posture of a 30-year-old. The posture said so much about his personality and inner spirit.

My physio watched him on many occasions and quipped if everyone maintained such a correct posture, he would be out of business.

The very identity of the priest is under scrutiny today and his role and function are being questioned and dismissed in the secular media. 

I found it very uplifting to experience how much he was loved by parishioners and the difference he had made in their lives.

As leader, the priest is called to build up the faith community, fostering fellowship and love. Fr Ray devoted his life to the pastoral care of parishioners, enabling them to live the Christian life to the fullest. 

Through his compassionate care and healing ministry, parishioners experienced the depth of God’s loving presence and that they belonged in the family of God.

Parishioners recall with such gratitude his thoughtful, caring presence in their lives in times of grief, sorrow and distress. 

To quote one parishioner: “He was a great support to me particularly after I was bereaved. He was always there when I needed him and I thoroughly enjoyed our chats.” 

Another told me: “I will never forget his great kindness to my late daughter.” 

“He visited my mum every first Friday and continued to visit after she was admitted to a nursing home.

“His friendship and guidance over many years will always be remembered” - so many tributes expressed gratitude for his pastoral sensitivity to those in need."

He had a great ability to relate with people and to engage with them in a meaningful way on what was happening in their lives. Even though in his 93rd year, he enjoyed meeting parishioners after Mass in the morning. 

He was always interested in what was happening in the parish and I benefitted on many occasions from his depth of wisdom and advice, that enabled me to navigate a way through difficult challenges in parish life.

I greatly appreciated his support and friendship.

If that wasn’t challenging enough, the second Vatican Council defined the priest not just as the leader of the community but primarily as a Minister of the Word, a proclaimer of the Gospel. 

Fr Ray was a gifted preacher. His homilies were well prepared and well received. 

People really appreciated the gems of wisdom that he would share. It was truly remarkable that he had such clarity of thought and sharpness of intellect right up until the end.

Fr Ray also proclaimed the word through his involvement in Catholic schools in our parish. 

The Principal of St John of God School, Ms. Brid Golden, paid him a wonderful tribute: “Fr. Liddane was a much-loved figure within our school community, deeply admired for his unwavering kindness, compassion, and exceptional wisdom. 

For over four decades he touched the lives of our students, staff, and parents, leaving an indelible mark on our school's history. 

Fr. Liddane was a true friend to all of us, always offering a listening ear, a guiding hand, and words of encouragement.

His dedication to our school was unwavering, and his daily example of living our values inspired us all.

"Our religious ceremonies in school over the years such as Christmas events, St John of God Day, First Communion Day and Confirmation Day were all so special when celebrated by Fr Liddane. He had a great ability to relate to the young pupils. I met mothers who have such fond memories of Fr Ray’s visits to the school."

Speaking on behalf of many former pupils, one mother remembered him, "playing such a big part in my life; involved as he was in my First Holy Communion, my Confirmation and then later officiating and my wedding and the baptism of my child.” 

While mourning his death, parishioners are also expressing gratitude for the pastoral service he rendered. As a man of faith and prayer, he brought hope and comfort to so many, enabling people to make sense of pain and suffering in their lives.

Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas síoraí dá anam dílís. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.