Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Cassidy, RIP
It is with great sadness that Archbishop Michael Neary announces the death of Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Cassidy, retired Archbishop of Tuam who died last night.
Joseph Cassidy (born 29 October 1933 a native Charlestown, Co. Mayo)
Ordained Priest June 21st, 1959 for Achonry Diocese.
On loan to Clonfert in 1959 and was later incardinated into Clonfert diocese in the early 1960s.
Teacher in St. Joseph’s College, Garbally from 1959-1977.
President, St. Joseph’s College, Garbally, 1977-1979.
Appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Clonfert on 24th of August 1979.
Ordained Coadjutor Bishop of Clonfert on 23rd of September 1979.
Installed Bishop of Clonfert on 1st of May 1982.
Translated to Tuam as Archbishop in September 1987.
Retired as Archbishop June 1995.
Parish Priest of Moore 1995.
Retired as Parish Priest of Moore 2009.
Died 31st of January 2013.
Archbishop Cassidy was an outstanding teacher of English, a great preacher and imparted a great love for drama and English literature in the many students he influenced. He was the author of a number of books on preaching and was spokesperson for the Irish Episcopal Conference for many year. He will be very sadly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.
Sincere condolences to Archbishop Neary, Archbishop Cassidy’s family, his sisters Concie, Angela, Mary, Bernadette, Patricia, Imelda, to the Priests of Tuam Archdiocese, Achonry, Clonfert, the Parishioners of Moore and his very wide circle of friends.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam!
Funeral Arrangements:
Remains arriving at the Cathedral of Assumption, Tuam on Friday, February 1st at 5.00 pm. Reposing in the Cathedral until 10.00 pm., excluding the duration of the First Friday Mass at 7.30 pm.
Funeral Mass on Saturday, February 2nd at 12.00 noon in the Cathedral followed by burial afterwards in the grounds of Moore Church.
Details of the Funeral Mass
The funeral Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Neary and concelebrated by a number of Bishops and priests. The President will be represented by his Aide de Camp Commandant Whelan. The Taoiseach will be represented by his Aide de Camp Commandant Treacy. Tanáiste, Mr. Eamonn Gilmore and his wife Carol will be in attendance.
Fr. Francis Mitchell, Adm., Tuam Cathedral will be MC. Fr. Fintan Monahan, diocesan secretary will be chaplain to the President’s Aide de Camp, Commdt Whelan. Fr. Shane Sullivan, CC will be chaplain to the Taoiseach’s Aide de Camp, Commdt Treacy.
During the funeral Mass the first reading will be proclaimed by Michael Kirrane (Nephew).
The 2nd reading will be proclaimed by Niall Mahon (Nephew).
The Homily will be preached by Archbishop Michael Neary.
The prayer of the faithful will be read by Padraig Dillon (nephew and carer), Imelda McDermot (sister), Paul Conway (nephew), Fiona McHugh (niece and carer), Vera Colleran (Carer, Moore), Padraic Kilduf (Clonfad), Michael McHugh (Nephew)
The gifts at the offertory will be brought to the altar by Mary Phelan (Long serving secretary and carer) and Bernadette Mahon (sister and carer).
The Tuam Cathedral Choir will sing during the funeral Mass. Chairman of the choir is Mr. Eamonn Kitt, who will sing the psalm. Organist and director is Ms. Emer Kelly.
Seminarians for the Archdiocese, Sean Flynn, Aidan Gallagher and Gerard Quirke will serve as acolytes at the Mass.
Parking on the Cathedral Terrace and St. Jarlath’s College and Mercy Convent grounds.
Vesting for clergy in St. Jarlath’s College.
Refreshments afterwards in St. Jarlath’s College, adjacent to the Cathedral.
