Obituary: The late Mons Patrick J. McManus - Diocese mourns gentle, kind priest

One of the oldest, most respected and well loved priests of the Diocese of Kilmore passed on to his eternal reward last month.
Monsignor Patrick J. McManus passed away on February 2, 2020, in the parochial house in Kilnaleck. He had served as a priest of the diocese for 73 years.
Patrick J. McManus was born on April 25, 1922, one of three sons and one daughter born to Andrew McManus and Marcella Scanlon in the townland of Greaghnagee in the parish of Lavey. He grew up there, went to St Patrick’s College in Cavan and then onto St Patrick’s College in Maynooth, where he was ordained on June 22, 1947.

School examiner

He worked in the Clifton Diocese in Wales before returning to Ireland in 1952 when he was appointed Diocesan Examiner, visiting all the primary schools in the Diocese of Kilmore.
Many people around the diocese have fond memories of this gentle, kind and good humoured man visiting their school, asking the Catechism questions and then handing out the Confirmation tickets.
In 1958, he was appointed curate in the Cathedral parish in Cavan and became administrator there in 1974. In all, he was 22 years ministering in Cavan parish and, while there, he endeared himself to all, treating everybody with equal dignity and respect.
Mons McManus had a special care for those who were poor, for travellers, and for those who were struggling. He listened to them, gave them time and advice and unselfishly shared whatever money he had with those who were in need. In 1976, Mons McManus was appointed Vicar General of the Diocese of Kilmore, helping Bishop Francis MacKiernan to administer the diocese and being there to advise and support him whenever needed. Bishop Leo O’Reilly also benefited from Mons P.J.’s wise counsel as he continued as Vicar General during the early years of Bishop Leo’s episcopacy.
A gifted preacher, Mons McManus had a great command of the English language, using words sparingly, preparing his homilies carefully, each one appropriate for the particular occasion. He helped establish CMAC, now known as ACCORD in the diocese, an organisation that gives pre-marriage courses for engaged couples and also post-marriage counselling services.

Pilgrimage to Lourdes

It was he who started the annual Kilmore Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes away back 50 years ago and he travelled on pilgrimage to Lourdes virtually every year since then.

Parish Priest Crosserlough

On July 12, 1980, Mons McManus was appointed parish priest of Crosserlough and he remained there until his death a few weeks ago. He officially retired as parish priest in 1997, though in truth he never retired. He continued to minister when he could and, even in the days before he died, he was imparting blessings on those who visited his bedside.
He was a wise man and a kind man and was much loved by everyone who knew him. Mons McManus was predeceased by his brothers Joe and Andy and will be missed greatly by his nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, brother priests and many friends.

Month’s mind
His month’s memory mass will take place in St Patrick’s Church in Kilnaleck this Saturday, March 7, at 12 noon. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.