Fr Benny – a pastor with a zeal for missionary work

There was widespread regret and a great sense of loss when news filtered through of the death Fr Benny (Bernard) Fitzpatrick, St Mary’s, Swanlinbar, and Rathcorrick, Cavan and Missionary Priest to Lagos, Nigeria, for 23 years.

He was laid to rest in Killygarry Cemetery after his Requiem Funeral mass in St Mary’s Church in Swanlinbar on Monday, May 3.

Speaking during the funeral Mass, Fr Sean Mawn, PP, said that, while Fr Benny “might have been a man of few words, he did his talking through his deeds”.

“He was blessed with a deep faith and served his people with a great zeal, generosity and dedication,” said Fr Mawn.

Most of Fr Benny’s priestly ministry was served as a missionary with the Kilmore Mission in Nigeria. He worked alongside the Kilteegan Fathers who were represented at the funeral mass by Fr Joe Long, who resides in Belturbet.

Fr Benny also worked in many parishes in the Diocese of Kilmore where he is fondly remembered.

Before his ordination in 1983, Fr Benny drove a bus, worked at home on the farm and he also worked in a band.

“He was a fine singer and we have a CD player here as a symbol of that aspect of his life. He loved to sing a ballad or a good Country and Western number – he really loved that type of music,” said Fr Mawn during the eulogy.

He had a great devotion to Mary the Mother of God and also to Divine Mercy.

“Where ever Benny went, he brought good news, healed the sick, healed the broken hearted. He was a force of hope and encouragement,” said Fr Mawn.

After studying in St Patrick’s College in Cavan for three years, Benny left school to help at home on the farm.

“In 1962, his father Pat died suddenly and he had to take over the responsibility of the farm and, in order to supplement the farm income, he went to work with his brother Jim in London on the buildings. It was here he learned the skill of making blocks, which would stand him in good stead later in life,” said Fr John McMahon, PP.

“He would arrive in London every year in late Autumn, work until Christmas, then home for three weeks and back again to London until St Patrick’s Day, home for the cows calving and the planting of the spuds. It was a constant treadmill of hard work. Only for his sisters Maura and Madeline, helping their mother at home, this could not possibly happen. They were a huge support to one another,” he added.

“Benny was always involved in community life, be it on the committee of the local creamery, Poles Co-Op, the drama group or singing with bands in pubs and dance halls at the weekend,” said Fr McMahon.

Fr Benny was ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Francis J. MacKiernan in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Felim, Cavan, on June 19, 1983. He was subsequently appointed CC in Killasnett with residency in Newtownmanor, in 1983.

He moved as CC to Ballintemple in 1988 and remained there until he took up Ministry in Drumkilly, in 1991. Then, in 1992, he volunteered for the Kilmore Mission to Lagos, Nigeria.

During his 38 years as a priest, Fr Benny dedicated his life selflessly for others. He built a secondary school in Lagos and a health centre for those suffering the scourge of Maleria and also regularly visited prisoners.

“The poor and downtrodden were his chief concern. He was their champion and their friend,” said Fr McMahon.

When Fr Benny returned home in 1998, he was appointed CC in Clifferna. He was off on his travels again in 2001 when he returned to Lagos where he remained until 2014. He returned to the Diocese in 2014 to take up an appointment as CC in Kinawley-Killesher with residency in Swanlinbar.

At aged 75 years, after returning from the heat of Lagos, he would have been entitled to put up his feet and retire. Fr McMahon said that retirement was not part of his vocabulary. “He helped to establish a branch of the Apostolic Workers and they did wonderful work in sending out supplies to the missions. He visited the sick in hospital and nursing homes and they looked forward to his visits.”

Fr Benny is sadly missed and fondly remembered by his sister Madeleine (McCormack) Castletara; nephews and nieces far and wide; relatives; Bishop Martin Hayes; Bishop Emeritus Leo O’Reilly; all the priests and parishioners of the Diocese of Kilmore and many people who became friends during his Ministry.

He was pre-deceased by his parents Mary and Pat; his brother Jim; and sisters Betty, Maura and Anne.

May he rest in peace.