Paddy Ferry alerts us to the fact that the funeral Mass of Fr. Kevin Kelly, the English theologian, is taking place in Formby tomorrow, Oct. 9th, at noon. He died on Sept. 25th aged 81.
Paddy says ‘During the controversy leading up to the imposition of the then new liturgy, he wrote to the English bishops expressing his disquiet. I now share the piece once again below, “The Vatican’s Tahrir Square?”. I am now not quite sure where I first came across this –perhaps even on this site. But, when I did, I immediately shared it with Cardinal O’Brien whom I had been pestering about the awfulness of the new liturgy. He immediately sent it to all the Scottish bishops but all to no avail.’
I have early memories of Tom giving us retreats while in St. Flannan’s College, Ennis. I remember telling him this when years later I met him and he was taken aback but such was the communicator he was.
I have great memories from the early 1980s of Tom Stack visiting Dan Breen (RIP) (Senior Curate/ six of us stationed in the one house) at the Presbytery in Mourne Road, Drimnagh and being invited into their rapturous company where there was lots of in-depth discussion, sharing of insights and so much fun and laughter. I felt there was a great providence meeting men like them.
I have a further round/ wave of memories from the 1990s of Tom Stack visiting John Ryan PP. RIP, Knocklong, Co. Limerick. John kept an open kitchen where people gathered around the table and so Tom had a full audience and he always rose to the occasion. I particularly remembering him doing jigs and singing a few Limerick songs. Glad he got to see Limerick win another All Ireland. Tom loved to party and celebrate life. Both John & Tom had a great repertoire of stories. I feel blessed and uplifted to have known such broad minded free spirited priests. They are stars that burn brightly for me.