James (Jim) Gallagher was born in Maryhill, Glasgow on 20th June 1938 and baptised on 2nd July at the Church of the Immaculate Conception. He attended St Mary's Catholic Primary School where he was described as "a very likeable boy, of more than average intelligence, quiet, studious, and polite and popular with his school fellows. His attention to his spiritual duties has been a source of good example to the other boys in his class." From the age of twelve he was a student at the Salesian Missionary College, Shrigley.

In 1956, Jim travelled even further south to the Salesian Novitiate in Burwash, Sussex. He made his first profession there on 8th September 1957 and then went to Beckford where he completed a BA degree in Greek, Latin and French. He returned to Shrigley for three years as a teacher to complete his practical training. For his theological studies he was sent to the Crocetta International Salesian Institute, Turin, in the foothills of the Alps, and then to the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome. Here he developed his love for Italian food and culture. He also had the unique opportunity to be present at some of the sessions of the Second Vatican Council.

He wrote: "1965 was my first year in Rome as a young student of theology. It was an exciting year in which I heard some thought-provoking talks by some of the leading thinkers at the Council. I was privileged to be present in St Peter's at a number of the voting sessions and particularly at the final session which approved the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et Spes. On that occasion I managed to secure a seat close to the papal altar in the left transept with a clear view of the figure of Don Bosco surrounded by a group of young people, in the niche right above the famous statue of St Peter. Every time I return to Rome, I find that spot, my sacred spot, and rededicate myself to Vatican II and Don Bosco." (Celebration and Challenge, 2015)

Jim was indeed a product of the second Vatican Council and embraced the changes with an enthusiasm which never really left him. He was ordained in the National Shrine of Don Bosco at Shrigley on 21st December 1967, and always held that he was the first Salesian priest to be ordained in the English language.

On his return from Rome, Fr Jim spent a year in Battersea studying Catechetics at Corpus Christi College in London.

From 1969 to 1973, Fr Jim was head of RE at the recently opened Salesian College in Bootle (now the Salesian Academy of St John Bosco). He then began in earnest his work in Catechetics. His influence in that field was considerable and significant, nationally and internationally, within the Salesian world and far beyond.

For 13 years he was lecturer and senior lecturer in Christ's College, Liverpool (now Hope University). There he influenced and encouraged the student teachers, many of whom had long careers in teaching and school leadership, and in turn influenced generations of young people.

As co-ordinator of the National Project of Catechesis and Religious Education for the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, entitled Living and Sharing our Faith, Fr Jim worked closely with Fr Patrick Purnell and Br Damian Lundy: developing, designing, writing, implementing and providing training for the Project, which took him to every diocese in the country.

In the 1990s Fr Jim was based in the Battersea community, involved in the formation of Salesian students and in community and province leadership. As vice Provincial (1994 to 2000) he attended the 26th General Chapter where he enjoyed the 'politics of the Holy Spirit' when it came to voting for the Rector Major and General Council.

Then for 17 years, as Rector and member of the Bootle community, he was RE Adviser in the Shrewsbury Diocese, providing advice, support and encouragement to RE staff, school leaders and Governors.

Fr Jim was the author of several books, including Soil for the Seed (2001); Serving the Young: Our Catholic Schools Today (2002, 2nd edition 2016); Celebration and Challenge: Fifty years of church teaching on education and Pope Francis' impact on renewal (2015) and Evangelising with Gentleness and Respect (2020).

In August 2013 Fr Jim drove from Huyton and 'retired' to the Salesian community in Farnborough. In spite of the effects of a stroke some years earlier, he continued his writing of books and articles. He was a foundation governor of the Salesian College from 2013 to 2020 and took part in College Masses and other events. He supplied in various parishes. He gave a lecture on spirituality to post-graduate students on the Education Leadership and Management course at St Mary's College Roehampton and took part in a seminar on 'Faith in a Secular Age' at Heythrop College. In 2015 he went to London to take part in an international theological conference marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Vatican II document on Christian Education. He also managed to travel to Italy, France, Spain and Malta.

During his later years in Farnborough, Fr Jim made several visits to hospital, including for a major heart operation in 2019. After this, and after the COVID crisis, his energy was significantly curtailed and he suffered more frequent falls. In April 2023 he began to experience problems in swallowing his food and in spite of various procedures his health continued to decline. From the end of March 2024 he spent most of his time in various hospitals, apart from a few weeks during which we were able to celebrate his birthday back in St John Bosco House.

While in hospital, Fr Jim was visited daily by Br Joe Adams and various other members of the community and friends. He slipped into unconsciousness on 18th August. On the morning of 20th August, Br Joe spent several hours at his bedside. While he was driving back to the community, the phone call came that Fr Jim had died peacefully at about 9.30am.

The funeral took place on 12th September in the church of Our Lady Help of Christians with our Provincial, Fr Gerry Briody, presiding. Among the mourners were Salesians from various houses, colleagues and former students and many of the good friends he had made over the years.

Fr Martin Coyle ended his homily with the words: "As we give thanks to God for Jim's long and fruitful life, let's commit ourselves to learning from him and following his example, that the spirit of Vatican ll will be embodied in us; that the joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of people of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, especially among the young, might be the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of each one of us, as followers of Christ."

Fr Patrick Sherlock SDB

Daniel Michael Joseph was born on 8th May 1935, in Dunsany, County Meath, Ireland, to Rose and Daniel Donohoe, the fifth child in a family of three sons and three daughters. They moved to Knockmark, near Drumree and very close to the Warrenstown Agricultural College (now Colaiste na bhFiann), so it is not surprising that he found out about the Salesians from an early age. He attended the Culmullen National School until he was fourteen years old, and received a very positive reference from the Principal: "I can state with confidence that he is a boy of more than average intelligence. I can also recommend him as a diligent, trustworthy boy, anxious to assimilate knowledge. He seems to have a vocation, and his keenness will, I am sure, ensure his ultimate success."

He entered the Salesian school in Pallaskenry, Limerick, on 9th October 1949 and studied there as an aspirant until the age of nineteen.

In August 1954 Daniel went to England, to the Salesian Novitiate in Burwash, East Sussex, and made his first profession on 8th September 1955. He spent three years as a philosophy student, first at lngersley Hall, Cheshire and then in Beckford, Worcestershire. He then taught in Beckford for two years and for a further year in Blaisdon, Gloucestershire.
In 1961 he began his study of theology at Melchet Court near Romsey, Hampshire. Unfortunately, the building was seriously damaged by fire and in 1962 he was sent to Turin to continue his studies at the Crocetta Salesian International Institute. There he was ordained to the priesthood on 11th February 1965.

Fr Dan taught in Cowley and Pallaskenry, where he was also Catechist. He was then sent to the Salesian Missionary College in Shrigley, becoming headmaster in 1971. Fr Dan was an excellent teacher but was also prepared to take on the most menial of tasks. He spent many hours with his sleeves rolled up, working in the grounds. This also gave him an opportunity to involve some of the boys who responded well to his patient accompaniment. In 1974, he was transferred to Battersea where he attended St Mary's College, Strawberry Hill, and received a Bachelor of Education degree in 1976. This led to the major part of his teaching career at Salesian College Battersea. He became Head of Religious Education in 1982 and continued teaching there until his retirement in 1997. He was also Catechist in the community.

Fr Dan maintained his links with Ireland, serving as president of the Meath Association of London for a period. In 1984, while home on holiday, he celebrated a Mass commemorating the centenary of the GAA on the Gaelic Football pitch in Drumree (permission having been obtained from the bishop).

In 1998, after a year's sabbatical, Fr Dan embarked on a second career in Salesian parish ministry. He began at St Anne's in Chertsey and although he was there for only three years, he left a lasting impression as curate, chaplain to the local Catholic primary school, and vice Rector in the community.

In 20011 Fr Dan moved to Farnborough, as parish priest in the newly built church of Our Lady Help of Christians. Again, he was greatly loved for his well-prepared homilies, his readiness for hard work and his concern for the parishioners. He was a governor at St Patrick's primary school and celebrated Mass for them, both in the parish church and in the school.

In 2015, at the age of Bo, Fr Dan reluctantly retired from full time parish ministry and moved from the parish house to a room in St John Bosco House. Characteristically, he refused any 'fuss' but the pupils from St Patrick's presented him with a 'Leaver's Certificate' and led the singing of 'Danny Boy'. On 19th October 2015 there was a more formal farewell from the parish with a meal in the Salesian College Hall, attended by over 200 parishioners. He continued to serve the Farnborough community as vice Rector and sacristan, always ready to assist with funerals and the sacrament of reconciliation in the local parish, concelebrating at Masses in the College and helping with supplies in other parishes in the area. The community in Chertsey often invited him to their Evenings of Recollection so that he could hear confessions. He also found time to take part in pilgrimages to Medjugorje, Fatima and Rome.

Things became more difficult for Fr Dan in 2019 when he began to suffer from various medical conditions, involving stays in hospital and operations. Most frustrating was a reduction of function in his wrists, making it difficult to hold and lift objects. The following year he was also treated for heart problems. Despite these, he continued with supplies and other ministry as far as he could.

In March 2022, Fr Dan, in common with the rest of the Farnborough community, contracted the COVID virus. At first he appeared to make a good recovery, but he began to experience increasing breathlessness. On 4th July he was taken to hospital and tests revealed further problems with his heart. He returned from hospital on 27th July but continued to feel tired and breathless. By 20th August, his condition warranted a return to hospital, where he died, sooner than expected, two days later, on the Feast of Our Lady, Mother and Queen.

Messages of condolence reflected Fr Dan's special qualities: 'a great worker for the kingdom', 'a wonderful confessor, and generous and devoted Salesian', 'exceptionally kind', 'a good friend', 'always a tremendous support ... a wonderful example to all of us', 'universally regarded as honourable and trustworthy', 'a role model as a Salesian priest', 'a lovely man'.

The funeral Mass was celebrated in the parish church of Our Lady Help of Christians, on 15th September, the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, with Fr Gerry Briody, our Provincial, presiding. Relatives from England and Ireland were present, with many parishioners from Farnborough and Chertsey, past pupils from Battersea and Salesians from other houses. He was laid to rest in Ship Lane cemetery with those Salesians who had gone to the Lord before him.

May he rest in peace!

Fr Patrick Sherlock SDB

The Gospel of John, chapter one verse 6 reads: "There was a man sent by God. His name was John."

Here lies a man, sent by God and his name is John! Our John was born to humble parents but there was nothing simple about John William Coleman. When he came into this world it was with no pomp and ceremony. He often spoke of the war years as utter misery, yet he came through those years rather triumphantly, setting the pattern of his future life.

When he reached the shores of Africa, he was sporting what became his signature look, the Sean Connery look, something that distinguished him all his life. A few months ago, when he was beginning to look like the cookie monster, all wild and overgrown, trying to persuade him through flattering manipulation, I asked him if Fr. Joseph could give him a trim so that we could see the handsome Sean Connery again. He retorted, why can't I just be the handsome John Coleman. That was enough answer to get him to trim his beard.

Like his Gospel namesake, John was a spirited man. All the messages of condolences that I received over these days, speak the same message: he was kind, of gentle nature, a great sense of humour, a boisterous laughter that will echo through the ages.

Yet John knew suffering too. Arriving in the Community in November last year, he promised me that he would never give me a hard time because as an ex-rector, he knows the pain of having to deal with troublesome confreres. So, when he called Eoin and I terrorist, torturing him, I knew that it was the suffering of the moment speaking and not the real man. When his medical condition altered his character, one could not and did not get upset with him. In a sense, John died twice. Firstly, when his mind left him and secondly when his soul departed from his body. How sad it was to have known the spirited man, now so weak and vulnerable.

Lamenting to a friend of the difficulty in seeing John descending into helplessness, he responded, "Let his life be a mirror to you." This, I think, is important to us. We look at Fr. John's life and mirror our own reflection therein.

• John demanded perfection in himself, his work, his person. Only excellence was good enough. He was worse than a terrorist when it came to liturgy – no compromise! The liturgy, he taught was the high point of our worship and nothing less than the best must be always offered to God. What about you and I? Do we settle for less, the mediocre, the watered down?
• John had a deep spirituality, a great love for Our Lord and His Holy Mother, Mary. The Eucharist was central to him and towards the end he was always concerned as to whether he had celebrated Mass or not. It was of utmost importance to him to have daily Communion with his Master. That dreaded night before he fell and landed in hospital, I found him out of bed trying to get into his comfy chair, all the time repeating the words: "Jesus help me." For the better part of an hour, I prayed with him. He prayed for his home country, England and for more vocations. What about you and I? What does our personal relationship with the Lord look like?
• John's life spoke of service to all people. How many times, in his confusion, was he not convinced of the fact that he had to fix something or other before the confreres arrive for a meeting or a retreat; or having to prepare the place before the bishops arrive for a conference. He would not accept that at almost 92 years of age he did not need to work. It was as if he had to give his all to everyone to the very end. What about you and I? Can we truly say that we stand, serving humanity or do we serve our own interest and desires?
• John was a protector. He vehemently defended those put in his charge. Those who passed through his hands of formation will remember that we often spoke of him as the overprotective mother hen. No one in his care were ever to be hurt. What about you and I? When we see our sister or brother suffering, do we remain silent or do we go to their aid, helping and protecting them?
• John was studious. All his life he studied, bettering himself from what he was yesterday. He was knowledgeable about his various fields of work. He took an interest in people, wanting to know them better. He believed that when he opened his mouth to speak to God's people, that he had to do so with knowledge on the subject and thus show respect to his listeners. What about you and I? We claim to be disciples of the Lord. Do we know Jesus, the subject, the object, the alpha, and omega of our existence?

John pleased God and was loved by God. Striving always for perfection, he was blessed with long years. God's grace was with him, and God watched over his holy one, His beloved son, John "Malahle" Coleman. May he rest from his labours, may his deeds live on in us.

Fr. John Coleman passed away on 27 July 2022.

Fr. Jonathan Daniels SDB

Daniel Joseph O'Riordan was born in Dublin on 4th October 1938 and baptised two days later at St Mary's Church, Haddington Road. His parents, Daniel and Margaret, farmed 50 acres of land in Woodtown, County Meath, but they had previously lived in Cork and Wicklow. Their son, usually known as Des, one of two brothers and two sisters, attended Culmullen National School between the ages of eleven and fourteen. He then applied to go to the Salesian aspirantate in Pallaskenry, county Limerick. The reference from his parish priest in Dunshaughlin describes him as 'a very good and intelligent boy' who would be 'a suitable candidate for the priesthood.'

In 1957, after five years of secondary education at Pallaskenry, Des went to England, to the Salesian Novitiate in Burwash, Sussex. He made his first profession there on 8th September 1958 and then went to Beckford for three years of philosophy. He spent two years teaching, one at Shrigley and one at Ballinakill in Ireland. For his theological studies he was sent to Bollengo, north of Turin in the foothills of the Alps. Here he developed his love for Italian culture. Now qualified with a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology, he returned to Ireland for his priestly ordination at Warrenstown on 29th June 1968.

Fr Des spent the next three years in Malta as Catechist. He then attended St Mary's College, Strawberry Hill, gaining a Certificate in Education, and returned to Malta for a further two years as a teacher. In later life he enjoyed visiting Malta when he was free to do so.

In 1974, Fr Des began his longest placement, on the staff at Salesian College Battersea, teaching English and then serving as Deputy Head, for a total of 25 years. During these years he also gained a Bachelor of Arts degree through part-time study with the Open University. He served as Rector from 2001 to 2007 and continued as Bursar for a further two years.

While Head of Lower School, Fr Des made a point of visiting the families of all the new intake of pupils, to form a better idea of their circumstances. This involved many miles of travel around London on his moped. He also organised a regular and very popular trip to Ireland.

Fr Des was an enthusiastic traveller. He regularly visited his family and friends in England and Ireland. He made 17 pilgrimages to Fatima. During the summer months he often went to the USA to visit one of his sisters and to supply in parishes there - he claimed to have crossed the Atlantic 96 times! He also had friends in Prague, in the Czech Republic, whom he visited from time to time.

Among his other interests, Fr Des was an active member of the Meath Association in London and served as President for several years. He was Chair of Trustees of the Little Way Association, funding Missionary projects around the world. He was also a keen supporter of the Battersea Salesian Old Boys Association.

In 2009, Fr Des moved to Farnborough as Rector, and was reappointed for two further three-year terms. During this time, he was a Foundation Governor of the College and Chair of the Ethos Committee. He was very active in priestly ministry, celebrating Masses in the College and other schools and supplying in various parishes. He kept up his work with the Little Way Association and in November 2013 he spent two weeks in Tamil Nadu, India, visiting projects funded by the charity, including several Salesian works.

On 6th October 2018, there was a Mass in the College Chapel and a splendid meal to celebrate his 80th birthday, his Diamond Jubilee of religious profession, his Golden Jubilee of Ordination, and his nine years as Rector in Farnborough. After so many years of responsibility and leadership, he liked to recall an Irish Salesian who had teased his former Rector with the words, "You're nothing now!"

Over the next few years Fr Des's health deteriorated, but he continued as far as possible with his usual activities. These included helping the Bursar by dealing with the community bank statements and keeping contact with his friends. The escalation of the COVID pandemic in 2020 brought extra frustrations, as each of his hospital appointments and operations entailed a period of isolation in his room. On 29th September 2021 he made the move from Valdocco House to St John Bosco House, where he would not have to negotiate stairs and where help was more readily available if needed.

In March 2022, in common with all members of the Farnborough community, Fr Des contracted COVID. After testing negative, he remained unwell. On 31st March he was taken to Frimley Park Hospital for tests and was admitted to a ward. On 3rd May he was transferred to a Nursing Home in Church Crookham. His condition did not improve and on 2nd June he was taken by ambulance to St Augustine's Home, Addlestone, run by the Sisters Hospitallers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Although this was further away from Farnborough, members of the community continued to visit him, and he also received visits from the Salesians in Chertsey.

On 19th June, the Feast of Corpus Christi, Fr Des was reported to be sinking fast. Members of the community visited him and administered the Sacrament of the Sick for the final time. He died later that evening, supported by the prayers of his niece and the Sisters. May he rest in peace!

Messages of condolence soon arrived: 'always very fond of Des', 'so many happy memories of his care and sense of fun', 'always very supportive, encouraging and kind'. 'After all the pain and discomfort, he has had to live with over so many weeks, it is good to know that he is now at peace with his Risen Lord.'

The funeral took place on 10th July in the church of Our Lady Help of Christians. Among the mourners were members of his family from Ireland and England, Salesians from various houses, Salesian Old Boys from Battersea and many of the good friends he had made over the years.

Fr Patrick Sherlock SDB

Brendan was born in Skibereen, County Cork, on Saturday 3rd December 1927 and baptised the following day in what is now St Patrick's Cathedral. He was the sixth child of Edward, an engineer, and Lucy McGuinness, with five brothers and three sisters. The family moved to Drimnagh in Dublin and from the age of eleven, Brendan attended the Christian Brothers' school in Westland Road. The Headmaster wrote that 'He belongs to a very respectable family and bears an excellent character.' When he completed his secondary education in the summer of 1946, Brendan went to County Wicklow to try his vocation with the Kiltegan Fathers. He had hoped to train as a missionary to work in Nigeria, but the superior considered that his temperament made him 'unsuitable for life in the tropics'.

From 1948 to 1950, Brendan attended Trinity College Dublin, but he held on to his dream of becoming a priest. He kept up contact with the Kiltegan Fathers and also worked at the Don Bosco Boys' Club in Drimnagh, developing a choir which reached a high standard. Brendan's first real contact with the Salesians came when he took his choir for a holiday to Ballinakill, the Salesian aspirantate in County Laois.

In August 1950, the Kiltegan superior, Fr Plunkett, wrote to Fr Molloy, Salesian Rector at Ballinakill. 'I would like to see him given another trial. His experiences of life in the world over the past few years, I'm sure, have helped to give him balance. He has a good job and wants for nothing, which would forward the view that his vocation may be really genuine. He has good average ability and I found him very sincere and frank in all his dealings with me. There could be no questioning of his good dispositions.' Fr Molloy asked for a reference from Fr Delaney, Parish Priest in Drimnagh. He replied, 'May I say that he is a very excellent young man and leads a most exemplary life - spending most of his spare time in 'Catholic Action' work. He gives a good deal of his time and earnest attention to his work in the Don Bosco club [ ... ] Personally, I believe that he would make a good religious and I think that he has a genuine vocation, but the human mind can be misled. He will be a loss to us here, if and when he goes away.'

Brendan entered the Salesian House in Ballinakill on 22nd September 1950, at the age of 22. The following year he went to the novitiate in Burwash, where he was given responsibility for the linen room, and he made his first profession on 8th September 1952. After two years of philosophy at lngersley Hall, Br Brendan went back to Ireland for his practical training: two years teaching in the Salesian School in Pallaskenry and one in Ballinakill. He returned to England for his theological studies at Melchet Court and was ordained to the priesthood there on Sunday 2nd July 1961. As was usual at the time, he spent a year in post-ordination studies at Shrigley, before returning to Dublin to further his professional qualifications.

There followed an extended period of teaching in Salesian Schools: three years in Cowley, where he also ran a scout group, and ten years in Farnborough. Fr Brendan was much appreciated as a teacher of mathematics and music. In Farnborough he was specially noted for his large­scale choral productions, including Handel's Messiah and Haydn's Creation. He contacted the Royal Academy of Music in London and invited talented students from there to sing the solo parts. Among these was Felicity Lott, now Dame Felicity Lott, who went on to become a world-renowned opera singer. Fr Brendan was also in demand as a music critic and wrote regular reviews of concerts in the area.

In 1979, now in his early fifties, Fr Brendan was asked to take on the role of Vocations Director, based successively in Glasgow, Shrigley, Cowley and Farnborough. These were years of much travelling, visiting individuals and families all over the country and working together with his counterparts in other religious orders. His friendliness, sense of humour and remarkable memory for faces, names and stories were exercised to the full. Although his efforts were not met with corresponding 'success' in the form of new Salesians, he was never worried by what he called 'the numbers game'.

In 1988, the centenary of the death of Don Bosco, Fr Brendan went to Berkeley, California, for a sabbatical focussed on Salesian Spirituality. In September of the following year, he took up a new post as Chaplain in Salesian College Farnborough. His natural qualities fitted him perfectly for this role. He built up lasting friendships with students and staff alike, always available, sharing their joys and sorrows. His first Chaplaincy room was in the old Essex House, which had French windows opening onto the playground, making it easy for students to call in. In 1998 he moved to what had been the Staff Room and is now the Don Bosco Centre. The Chapel was reconfigured and refurbished in 2008. The Chaplaincy was open for all who needed a quiet, informal setting, where they could relax with their friends and benefit from Fr Brendan's fatherly presence. He also welcomed groups from each form during class time to reinforce parts of the RE syllabus, or simply to discuss what was on their minds.

In November 2011, the Provincial at the time, Fr Martin Coyle, blessed the foundation stone of a splendid new Music building. It bears a quote from John Milton: 'Such sweet compulsion doth in music lie.' The Headmaster, Mr Patrick Wilson, dedicated the building to Fr Brendan, naming it the McGuinness Music School. It was officially opened in March 2013 by his old friend, Dame Felicity Lott.

In 2012, at the age of 85, Fr Brendan stepped down from Chaplain to Assistant Chaplain, continuing to spend time in the College each day and supporting his successor. He was especially glad to meet past pupils returning to the College. On his retirement in April 2014, the Chair of Governors highlighted the great compassion and support Fr Brendan had provided when staff or students had been going through difficult times. After receiving gifts, including a computer, Fr Brendan reflected on the way that he in turn had been evangelised by the students who came to the Chaplaincy during break times.

He remained active, attending College events, conducting funerals and other services, and visiting relatives in Ireland. He presided at the College celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in 2017, soon after celebrating his 90th birthday. The College laid on a reception in his honour in the McGuinness Music School.
Fr Brendan, who had a heart condition for much of his life, was fitted with a pacemaker early in 2018 and a more sophisticated version later in the year. He maintained an excellent relationship with his surgeon and was always full of praise for his treatment, which he needed more frequently as time drew on. He was reluctant to move from his upstairs room in Valdocco House, but at the end of November 2019 he agreed to take up residence in St John Bosco House, purpose-built for older Salesians, in a room next to the chapel and the lift. He was assisted in making this transfer by friends from the College, as well as the staff in St John Bosco House itself.

The years of COVID restricted Fr Brendan's movement and entailed periods of isolation after medical appointments. However, he was able to celebrate his 60th anniversary of Ordination on 2nd July 2021, and to lead 'Ad multos annos' as usual after the College Celebration of the Feast of St John Bosco in 2022. In common with other members of the community, Fr Brendan received all the available vaccinations, but in spite of strict precautions, everyone in the community contracted the virus early in March 2022. Fr Brendan began to have greater difficulty in walking and was taken to Frimley Park hospital, where he was allowed no visitors until 23rd March. A friend from the College spent about an hour with him on the evening of 24th March. He died the following morning, on the Feast of the Annunciation.

The funeral took place at on 12th April in the College Hall. Fr Gerry Briody, the current Provincial, was Principal Celebrant and Fr Hugh Preston preached the homily. The Mass was live-streamed and recorded by the College technical team. Salesians came from communities all over the Province. The congregation numbered about 300, including relatives who had flown from Dublin and many present and former students and staff, a fitting witness to the great esteem in which Fr Brendan was held. May he rest in peace!

Fr Patrick Sherlock SDB

Fr Henry O'Brien, known familiarly and affectionately as Fr Harry, went to the Lord early in the morning of February 28th, 2022, at the age of 91. Harry was born in Glin, Co. Limerick, Ireland, on October 1st 1930. He had two brothers, Ken and Michael, and one sister, Elizabeth; his sister became a Sister of Mercy, and spent many years in Clacton on Sea; his younger brother is still alive and was present at the funeral. After working for a while in Cork, Harry decided to join the Salesians. He spent after some time in Pallaskenry, Limerick, as an aspirant, and entered the Salesian Novitiate in Burwash, Sussex, in the August of 1953, making his first profession on September 8th 1954. He then studied philosophy at lngersley, Bollington, for two years, and for a further year in Beckford, near Tewkesbury. For the next three years he was based in Aberdour, Scotland, as a teacher and assistant in our Children's Home. On August 15th 1960 he made his final vows as a Salesian of Don Bosco, and then commenced his theological studies. These took place for two years in Melchet Court, in the south of England; after its closure in 1962, Salesian students of theology went abroad, and Harry was based in Castellamare di Stabia, near Naples, Italy. There he was ordained to the priesthood on March 19th 1964. A further period of theological study followed, this time in Dublin.

For the next 15 years Harry was back in Aberdour, now an Approved School, for six as rector of the community. He studied social work in Edinburgh, which equipped him for his role in the school. He was very popular and well liked, noted for his great kindness, wisdom and gentle humour. For the next 3 years (1980-83) Harry worked at the newly founded Bosco House Children's Home in Glasgow. In 1983 Harry began his work as a missionary in West Africa. He was based in Monrovia, Liberia, for 12 years, and was rector of the community and parish priest of the Church of St Joseph. This was a difficult period in that country because of war. Along with the other Salesians, he sought to help the local people who were struggling to find food, drink and safety.

After a sabbatical year in Dublin Harry returned to Monrovia for a further 9 years, again as rector of the community, and as parish priest of the Cathedral. He became the Vicar General of the Archdiocese. In 2005 he moved to Lungi in neighbouring Sierra Leone, where he was rector again. In 2012 he returned to the UK and for a year lived in St Joseph's, Bolton. The following year he received a request to return to Africa, this time to the novitiate in Ghana, to act as confessor to the novices, and after 2 fruitful years he came back to Bolton St Joseph's until he had a stroke just before Christmas 2021 and was hospitalised. Finally, he was admitted to the local Strathmore Nursing Home, where he passed away peacefully.

Ten members of Harry's family came from Ireland for his funeral on March 12th, and several young African Salesians who had known him in Ghana were also present, along with Fr Kris Nizniak, the economer of the West African Salesian province. Harry was buried in the local cemetery, joining two other Salesians who had worked with him in Liberia.
Many tributes have reached the provincial house. He was a man 'of joy and goodness', treating others with great respect, concern and patience, a 'living saint'. The current Archdiocesan Administrator in Monrovia refers to the deep sense of loss amongst the people there. 'He was a quiet, gentle, kind, patient pastor, a loyal friend, confidant and confessor.' He was a great pastoral priest with huge empathy for his people, supporting them in moments of sorrow and joy. In his company one felt the warmth and compassion of God.

The Salesians from Monrovia wrote acknowledging their great debt of gratitude for Fr Harry's patient work as a pioneer of the Salesian work there, and his long stay in the country. He offered love, compassion and encouragement to everyone, regardless of status or background. He lived his priestly life with simplicity and commitment and was an inspiration to many. A smile was constantly on his face, with typical Don Bosco optimism, even in difficult and challenging situations. The people referred to him as the Liberian Don Bosco, a living saint. Nowhere was too far for him to go to help members of his parish. He was particularly kind and solicitous during the war period of 92-93.

We thank God for Fr Harry's life as a salesian priest and missionary, for his example of compassion and goodness, for his availability and generosity. His people in Liberia will continue to remember him with great affection; and many of his parishioners named their children after him!

May he rest in peace.

Fr Michael T Winstanley SDB

Fr Brian was born in Bolton Lancashire on 30th September 1929, into a family of modest means. His father had been a regular soldier and then worked in the textile industry. He had lost this job in the Great Depression but found another brewing beer. His mother also worked, running a small business to pay for the education of Brian, his brother Donald, and cousin Madeline, who lived with them as their little sister. Brian's mother was a staunch Catholic, his father was always supportive, and they enjoyed a happy family life.

Brian went to Thornleigh Salesian College and there took his Higher School Certificate. He developed his interest in religion and started thinking of becoming a priest. When he left Thornleigh as School Captain in 1947, both he and his good friend and deputy, Vincent Ford, went to the Salesian novitiate in Beckford. After First Profession, Brian was sent to Turin and gained a Licentiate in Philosophy. He then spent one year teaching in Thornleigh and two years teaching Philosophy in lngersley before returning to Turin for Theology, achieving a Licentiate in the subject. His studies also left him with a sound knowledge of the Italian language.

After priestly ordination in Turin on 1st July 1958, Fr Brian spent a year in Shrigley and then moved to Beckford where he taught Salesian students in formation until 1972. He then served as Rector in Blaisdon for three years, before going to Salesian College Farnborough as vice Rector and to teach science. Fr Brian was very practically minded, and he designed and built many pieces of equipment for the science laboratories, some of which are still in use today. His other interests included scouting - he was County Scout Chaplain - and Rugby football, which he introduced to the school. Among his students was Sean Devereux.

After fourteen years, and now aged 60, Fr Brian found himself in Africa. The Provincial at the time, Fr Michael Winstanley, was looking for a Salesian to go to the GBR mission in Liberia as headmaster of a secondary school in Monrovia. Fr Brian approached one of the younger Salesians who said he was willing, but that he had elderly parents to consider. Turning to Fr Brian he replied, 'Why don't you volunteer?' Fr Brian took up this unexpected challenge and wrote what he called a 'diffident' letter to the Provincial offering to go. The offer was accepted.

Fr Brian began work as Dean of the technical side of the school but had to leave three months later as civil war broke out. He returned to pick up the pieces as soon as things were a bit safer and apart from a year back in Battersea, he spent the years from 1989 until 1998 in a country torn by war. He witnessed atrocities of all kinds, including the use of child soldiers whom the Salesians later worked to rehabilitate. He also contracted malaria several times and was warned to leave 'the White Man's Grave'.

The next call was to East Africa, to Moshi in Tanzania, where Fr Brian taught philosophy to Salesian students from East and West Africa for about nine years. In 2007, now 78 years old, he was asked to go to the Junior Seminary in Mafinga. There he taught the students a variety of subjects, including English and French, and he taught himself Kiswahili, which among other things enabled him to celebrate Mass and the sacraments in the local vernacular.

Fr Brian joined the Farnborough Community on his return from Tanzania in August 2013. One of his first duties was to fly to Guernsey to celebrate the funeral of Fr Charles Chauvel. They had worked together on school trips to the island for many years. A few weeks later, he spoke to the junior boys in Salesian College, encouraging them in their 'Run for Sean' to raise money for the Sean Devereux Children's Fund.

In the following years, Fr Brian continued to play a very active part in the mission of the Community, presiding at Masses, helping with supply cover in parishes and religious communities, near and far, representing the Community at Salesian events around the country, and using his considerable practical talents to make useful items from cast off timber and prepare attractive displays on feast days. He was also a most welcoming host when we had overseas visitors, especially from Africa, often surprising them with his knowledge of Swahili. He was held in great esteem in the College and the headmaster put on a splendid celebration for his 90th birthday.

In his final years, he put a lot of his energy into setting up and maintaining a community library. In spite of increasing pain from arthritis and consequent reduction of mobility, he always played his part in cleaning and resetting the tables after meals. He had a deep sense of piety, faithful to the regular prayers of the community and to devotions such as the rosary and commemorations on the 24th and 31st of each month. When he was no longer able to stand, he continued to attend the community Mass.

A message which Fr Brian often repeated was that the Christian standard of love was not 'Love your neighbour as you love yourself' (Lev 19:18, cf Mt 19:19, 22:39), but 'Love one another as I (Jesus) have loved you.' (Jn 13:34, 15:12). This, he insisted, was a much higher standard, and it was one that he strove every day to achieve.

Fr Brian celebrated his 92nd birthday with the community, but by-then he was eating very little and starting to become confused. He was taken to hospital on 18th October, but his condition did not improve. Because of the COVID situation, visiting opportunities were very restricted, but he was brought Holy Communion on most days. On 19th November, he was transferred to a specialist Nursing Home in nearby Aldershot. He was allowed no visitors during a period of quarantine, but on 27th November there was a call from the Nursing Home saying that his condition had deteriorated further. Two members of the community visited him. to bring Viaticum. They found him very distressed and were not able to stay for very long. Later, he became more peaceful and in the evening the call came that he had died.

May he rest in peace!

Fr Patrick Sherlock SDB

Michael J Cunningham was born on July 30. He had an older brother, Tony. For his secondary education, Michael first attended Thornleigh Salesian College for two years, and then moved on to the Salesian Missionary College, Shrigley. He entered the Novitiate at Burwash in 1963 and was professed the following year. After three years of study in Beckford, he obtained his BA as an external student at London University, and then he did a year's practical training in Chertsey and a second year in Shrigley. After a further year in Beckford, he went for his theological studies with Bemard Parkes to Upholland College, with Thornleigh as their Salesian base. This local choice rather than studies abroad was occasioned by the fragile health of his parents. After completing his theological studies, Michael was ordained to the priesthood at Thornleigh. Whereas most new priests had a scriptural quotation on their ordination cards, Michael had a quote from Dan Berrigan, the American civil rights activist priest. By then he had become very interested in justice issues and in politics, an interest which remained throughout his life. At this time, he became involved in the Movement for a Better World, an organisation dedicated to renewal after Vatican II. Michael then took up a post as teacher in Bootle for fourteen years, mainly of RE. During that time, he obtained a M.Ed. degree. He became Rector of that community in 1988, and for two years was Vice-provincial, before himself becoming Provincial in 1992, based in Stockport.

Of the many aspects of his provincial years, one significant venture was the beginning of the process to establish a better quality of care for the elderly members of the Province, and he established a team to discern the way forward, a discernment which later led to the communities at St Joseph's and in Fanborough. He also set up a planning office. After finishing as Provincial in 1998, Michael moved to Bolton as Rector for six years, before returning to Bootle as a member of the community. It was during this time that he developed his career as a writer, producing eight books on aspects of Christian spirituality. One significant theme was the transforming merey of God. He also became involved in a centre for asylum seekers in the city, Asylum Link, Merseyside. He is remembered there for his great kindness and patience. For many years Michael was engaged in the ministry of retreat preaching, which included visits to the Salesians in Ireland, the United States and Australia. He was also in demand for retreats to sisters at home and abroad. He was appointed Rector of the Bootle community in 2015, and continued in that role until his health started to fail and dementia began to set in. During these years he was particularly attentive to the spiritual needs of the FMA in Croxteth and Blundellsands. Eventually, he had to move to Bolton St Joseph's, and finally to Nazareth House, Prestwich, where he went to the Lord on October 16, 2021.

His Requiem Mass was celebrated on October 30, 2021, at Thornleigh College Chapel, after which Michael was buried in the Salesian graves at Astley Bridge Cemetery.

Throughout his long life he remained a staunch supporter of Bolton Wanderers Football Club, through many ups and downs, usually attending games with his brother. Michael had a great sense of humour and was a wonderful raconteur, with so many stories, often based on his experiences with the young people in Bootle. Yet he was quite shy by nature and had a serious and contemplative side. One of Michael's key qualities was his commitment to disadvantaged young people and people who were struggling for justice, those on the margins. Many people have commented on his kindness and approachability, a true son of Don Bosco. Throughout the twists and turns of his life, Michael's basic option was to follow the Lord in Don Bosco's way.

We can pray with the writer of the letter to the Ephesian community that now Michael may comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge and may be filled with the fullness of our God. It is with sadness mingled with gratitude for his life amongst us, then, that we commit him to Lordbhe served so generously and faithfully.

Michael T Winstanley SDB

James Francis Mageean, (known familiarly as Frank), was born in Farnworth, Bolton, on April 4^th 1945. He had two younger brothers, Bernard and Danny. For his secondary education he frequented Thornleigh Salesian College (1956-63), where he came under the spell of St John Bosco. Consequently, he asked to be admitted to the Salesian Novitiate in Burwash. The assessment supporting his application described him as trustworthy, industrious, loyal and exemplary in his duties. 'He is of a quiet disposition', it said, 'very dependable and hardworking'. He was professed as a Salesian on September 8^th 1964. His post novitiate report stated: "He is zealous, apostolic and tactful and is much esteemed by his companions. He has been an excellent novice and this gives good hopes for the future."

Frank then moved to Beckford for four years of further studies, obtaining a B.Sc. as an external student of London University. After this he went to Shrigley for three years of practical experience of active salesian life. In 1970 he travelled south to Battersea to obtain a teaching qualification, and then pursued a theological course at Heythrop College, part of London University, graduating with a B.D. One member of the Provincial Council at the time cautioned that he was so generous with his time, that he might be prone to take on too much and, as a result, to over work. He was ordained to the priesthood in the Thornleigh Chapel on May 10^th 1975.

For the next thirty years Frank was based in the Bootle community: for twenty years as a teacher, and for ten as Headteacher. Throughout these years he showed great compassion for disadvantaged youngsters, reaching out to all who needed support, going the extra mile and even further to offer support and encouragement. He also looked to protect the interests of many people employed in school, seeking to ensure they received what they were due. For many years he supported an elderly priest in the parish of Aughton. Fr. Frank also played a role in ensuring provision was made for the housekeeper when the parish priest passed away.

He nursed his elderly father over many months, travelling to Bolton to oversee his care overnight, whilst he was headteacher, and returning to school the next morning. Eventually all of this work took its toll, and Fr. Frank decided to retire from school to look after his father on a permanent basis. Sadly, his father passed away shortly afterwards, and he was denied that opportunity.

Fr. Frank was an eclectic and a cultured person who had many interests: He was a fine singer and a good pianist, gifts he often kept under wraps. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of classical music; he was a frequent attendee at concerts by the Liverpool Philharmonic and Hallé orchestras. He had a deep love for scripture and ancient languages such as Greek and Hebrew; he always kept a Greek lexicon with him and studied Hebrew in his spare time. He was fascinated by the written word and immersed himself in books and literature of all kinds.

After retiring from headship, he was able to spend a sabbatical year in Australia, where his brother Bernard now lived. On returning to the UK, Frank was appointed as Parish Priest in St Gregory's, Bollington, where he spent ten happy and fruitful years, deeply loved and appreciated by his parishioners. During this time he served for six years as a member of the Provincial Council. Towards the end of his time in Bollington he began to slow down, struggling with the onset of dementia. He was relieved of his parish responsibilities, and moved to reside in St Joseph's, Bolton. There his condition gradually worsened, until it became necessary for him to be transferred to Nazareth House, Prestwich. After some weeks, he was rushed into North Manchester Hospital. While he initially responded to treatment, the effects of his dementia worsened and he departed this life on September 9^th, the day after Our Lady's birthday. After the funeral Mass in the local parish church of the Holy Infant and St Anthony, Frank was laid to rest in the Salesian plot of Astley Bridge cemetery, the place where his parents were buried before him.

Frank will always be remembered for his commitment to those in need, his generosity, and his immense kindness, a true son of Don Bosco. May he now rest in peace.

Fr Michael T. Winstanley SDB

Michael came from Atherton, now in Greater Manchester; he was born on 31 May 1939. His parents were George and Clara Winstanley. His mother's maiden name was Sheard, which is the way in which for over 60 years he has been distinguished in our central archives in Rome from his namesake, née Dutton. Michael has an older brother, Fred, who lives in Canada, and a younger sister, Susan who lives in Bolton.

Michael came to Thornleigh Salesian College as a pupil in 1950, and entered the Novitiate in Burwash in 1958, making his first profession in the following September. He then spent four years in Beckford, completing his philosophical and educational studies, and obtaining a London University Batchelor of Science degree. For practical training he went to Shrigley, where he taught mathematics, and made his final vows on 15 August 1965. After two years he moved back to Thornleigh for his final year. Michael was well liked by the Shrigley boys, and a good teacher. His penchant for creativity was seen in his establishing a cycling club – a revolutionary idea and quite a challenge in that terrain!

Theology followed. At that time everyone had to study abroad, and Michael was sent to Messina in Sicily, but after two years he returned to the UK and back to Thornleigh because of ill health. In 1976 he decided to become a coadjutor brother. Michael taught Maths and RE at Thornleigh until 1987, a respected and popular teacher. During those years he obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Education qualification, and in 1981 a Diploma in Religious Education. He was appointed to the Savio House community in 1987, and his presence in the retreat centre community lasted for 32 years. For a while he worked on the retreat team, and then served as community bursar.

At Savio House he developed a great interest in the garden and the spacious grounds, in the local bird life and wild flowers. Savio House was an ideal setting for his interests. Michael involved some local folk, KRIV, in improving our fences and walls and outbuildings. He was well known in the local community. Throughout those Savio years, Michael was a great support and inspiration for the waves of Volunteers who year after year were part of the community and retreat team. He kept in touch with them for years after their time with us. Michael was ever present, a good listener, patient, gentle and kind, always helpful, for some another grandfather figure. He had a mischievous and playful side too. Two things we enjoyed thanks to Michael's creativity and initiative were BBQs on the lawn, and canal barges; he enjoyed the role of ship's captain.

For many years Michael would travel on Saturdays by bus and train to a juvenile prison in Wigan, to spend time supporting the young people there. A good Salesian indeed. Michael was a deeply prayerful man; Jesus was the centre of his life and all his endeavours. In his later years his energy levels waned, and he began to get forgetful, and just after his 80^th birthday he came back to Bolton and took up residence in St Joseph's. He settled well, always welcoming us with a smile. It became apparent early this year that he needed more nursing care than we could provide, and he moved to Nazareth House in Prestwich, where he left us for Heaven on 24 February 2021. The Good Shepherd had accompanied him not only in green pastures and beside still waters, but also as he walked through the dark valley of dementia, and now he will be dwelling forever in the Lord's house, his cup overflowing. For as Jesus said at the Last Supper: "In my Father's house there are many dwelling-places; I go and prepare a place for you; and I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am, you may be also." It is with this conviction that we thank God for Michael's presence in our lives and we say a fond farewell.

Fr Michael T Winstanley SDB

On February 5th at 7.50 am in Royal Bolton Infirmary, Br Donald went to the Lord. He had just turned 90. Born in Spean Bridge, Inverness, Scotland, on February 1st, 1930, he had an older brother, Jake, and younger sister, Frances, both already deceased. As a boy Donald used to help the SND sisters in Fort William, doing the shopping (the 'messages') and odd jobs. It was there that he met Fr Hall SDB and decided to try his vocation with the Salesians in Pott Shrigley, Cheshire. He went to the Novitiate in 1950 (Beckford and Burwash) and made his first profession on Sept 8th, 1951. After a further two years in Burwash, he returned to Scotland and was a member of the Aberdour community until 1967. A year at Shrigley followed, a year at Blaisdon and five more at Aberdour. After seven more years at Shrigley he was able to fulfil his dream from boyhood to be a missionary, going to Monrovia in Liberia, West Africa. He spent five years in Monrovia helping to establish the college and community, five years in Tappita in the interior of the country, and a further five in Monrovia, before returning to the UK. For the next twenty-one years he was a member of the Provincial House community, ten in Stockport, eleven in Thornleigh, Bolton, before finally retiring to St Joseph's in 2018.

Tributes have come in from Liberia, where he was a pioneer and where he worked for fifteen years, from Ghana, where he spent a year and set up the carpentry workshop, from Australia, Germany, Kenya, Canada, as well as from many parts of this country, north and south of the border.

A word we associate with Donald is 'friendship'. So many of us and so many others have known the joy of his friendship; he was one of those people whose life has touched ours and made such a difference. Donald had a gift for making friends; he had friends everywhere. He would talk to anyone he met, always ready to engage with warmth and a smile. And he succeeded in maintaining his friendships with phone calls, letters, cards, Skype and emails with interesting, amusing and creative attachments. Quite remarkable! There were occasional computer glitches, and at times he threatened to use his hammer to solve them!

In 2007 I authored a book on the symbols in John's Gospel. In my reflections on the episode in which Jesus washes the feet of his disciples, I wrote: 'In my community we have a brother called Donald, Donald MacDonald. Some of you will know him. He is from the Highlands of Scotland and has no connections with the famous and ubiquitous fast-food chain. He too is one of those people who incarnates the meaning of Christian servanthood. A carpenter by trade, he can turn his hand to anything-electricity, plumbing, cooking, car maintenance, gardening (especially sunflowers) ... He was a missionary in Liberia, West Africa, for twenty years. He is now 77 years old. Donald lives at the service of others, always seeking to foster the good and well-being of others. He is so aware, so sensitive to detail, so attentive to the least need, so obliging, so incredibly thoughtful. Nothing is too much trouble. And everyone gets the same treatment; it isn't reserved for the Provincial or visitors from Rome! Whatever he has, whatever he can do, his time, his energy, everything is for others. Servanthood has become his way of being, his way of living. A man really and truly for others. It is such a privilege to live with such a disciple of Jesus.'

And he didn't change during the remaining thirteen years of his presence among us. And his service was always joyful, encouraging, enthusiastic.

One of the emails we received came from the village of Tappita in Liberia; Donald worked there for a while. Fr Riccardo wrote: "We are very grateful for the years he spent in Liberia and especially here in Tappita, where people still have a vivid memory of this saintly and hardworking brother." The word 'saintly' isn't one we use easily these days. But it does highlight another aspect of Donald's life. He was a man of prayer and a genuinely holy man. God, the God of love and mercy, was central to his life. Donald was also devoted to Our Lady, and an expert in creating little shrines for the chapel for feast days.

Donald was a very practical man, able to solve most problems which occurred in the House: electrical, plumbing, woodwork. A tribute came from Fr Krzystof, the Provincial economer in Ghana, who was sent there as a missionary with little experience and was having difficulty in establishing the workshops. Donald was asked to come and help. "I remember the day I met you. You approached me with a smile and open arms as if you were waiting for me." Together they solved the problems and set up the workshops. Donald was also a keen gardener, often seen tidying up, mowing the lawn, planting bulbs. Sunflowers were his speciality; a large wall-hanging of a sunflower, made for his 90th birthday, was hanging on his coffin in chapel during the funeral Mass.

Life's end came peacefully after a month in the Royal Bolton Hospital, and was very painful for Donald, and for us. His wonderful life as an exemplary Salesian brother had reached its fulfilment, as Jesus came to take him home to the place prepared for him (John 14:1-3). And we must let him go, with both thanksgiving and sadness in our hearts.

May he rest in peace.

Fr Michael T Winstanley SDB

Piety, obedience and gratitude: these are the virtues that come to mind when I think of our dear Fr Peter.

Peter was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1928. His father, who worked as a sign writer, died when Peter was just five years old. As the Depression was causing great hardship, his mother decided to return with Peter and his nine-year-old sister to her family in Glasgow. She opened a shop in the Cowcaddens, a working-class area near the centre of the city. Peter was always proud of his American citizenship and retained his US passport, though not the corresponding accent, throughout his life.

Peter started primary school at St Joseph's, just across the road from the parish church. In a short memoir composed while he was in Battersea, he writes: "slipping in for a short visit was so very natural". He became an altar server and a member of the parish Scout troop. These· gave him the opportunity to learn some Latin, develop his punctuality and neatness, and earn proficiency badges, but most of all to make good friends.

From St Joseph's, Peter graduated to St Mungo's Academy in Townhead. He writes: "The Marist Brothers were very good teachers and spread a wonderful devotion to Our Lady. Each corridor had its May Altar and we would begin each day with a prayer at the shrine. This you could say was the Catholic climate I grew up in." He was able to share that he hoped one day to become a priest.

Around this time, Fr Herbert Bamber SDB, the first Salesian Peter had met, came from Shrigley to give a talk in the parish. Fr Bamber would have accepted Peter for the Missionary College, but advised him to wait a bit longer as his mother was a widow.

As was usual in those days, Peter left St Mungo's at the age of fourteen and spent the next 18 months working in an engineering factory. Then at last, he was able to continue his studies in Shrigley.

At the age of nineteen, Peter began his Novitiate in Beckford. Fr Brian Jerstice, a fellow novice ( along with Peter Boyle, Rudolf Perla and Sean O'Loughlin), writes: "Peter was a rather quiet but ever pleasant companion with an ever-ready gentle smile. His work experience probably contributed to his influence in creating the steady and maturing atmosphere of our group. He kept his novitiate conference notes all his life. He was a constant visitor to Christ in the tabernacle, as also here in Farnborough. His evident absorption was balanced at times by his familiar gentle smile."

After First Profession in 1948 he was sent to Shrigley for two years as a Philosophy student and spent three years on the teaching staff at Salesian College Farnborough, from 1950 to 1953. Theological studies followed in Beckford and at the International Salesian College of Theology at Melchet Court, where he was ordained to the priesthood on 7th July 1957. How would he begin his priestly ministry? Still under thirty, with little experience of teaching and no knowledge of Spanish, Fr Peter was sent to Quito in Ecuador to be headmaster and catechist at the Cardinal Spellman Salesian School. This was a defining period in his Salesian life. In his memoir, he refers to it very briefly: "I was there for five years. It was a very interesting experience, getting to know the pupils and their parents and living in a country rich in history with very strong family values."
"Interesting" goes only a short way towards describing the challenges he must have had to face in adapting to a very different culture, climate, language, and role. Today our Salesian missionaries are given several months of preparation before being sent overseas, but Peter simply obeyed the command of his superiors. An unexpected pleasure was that during the longer holidays, he was able to go to North America making Mission appeals and he delighted in the opportunity to travel on the Greyhound buses, taking in the scenery.

On his return, in 1962, Fr Peter spent seven years teaching the younger boys at Salesian College Farnborough. He also spent three years based in Aberdour as Vocations Director, but he remembers most warmly the twelve years he then spent teaching in Bootle. "Once you got their wavelength you could talk with them at any time. If a boy of sixteen wanted to see me about something, he would offer to clean the blackboard. This gave him a reason for staying behind and no one else was the wiser. 'Say a prayer for my Gran, Father, she's not well.' Then we would have a quiet prayer together."

Fr Peter certainly got on their wavelength. I remember seeing him walking with a group of boys in the corridors of the Salesian School. Every so often, they stopped and took up positions in a tableau. A further boy stood in front, looking through an imaginary film camera. He explained: "This is my RE class and we are filming the Stations of the Cross."
After retiring from teaching, Fr Peter moved further north for the next seven years. He was firstly assistant priest in Edinburgh, then based in Ushaw as chaplain to the John of God Brothers and finally assistant priest in Easterhouse, Glasgow. He writes: "This gave me the chance to look up many of my pals and laugh over the escapades we had over the years."

Now 63, Fr Peter joined the Battersea community. His focus for the first eight years was making occasional appeals for the Salesian Missions around the UK. Experiences in Ecuador provided ample material for his homilies. In his remaining years in Orbel Street, Fr Peter enjoyed welcoming the many visitors from around the Salesian world who came to London as tourists or students.

In 2008, Fr Peter moved to St John Bosco House, Farnborough. He was now in a situation more suited to the needs of elderly confreres, with easier access to the dining room and chapel, the presence of many old friends and the opportunity of picnics and other outings. A word he frequently used was 'relaxing'. Fr Peter's journeys to and from his room passed the open door of the chapel and he would always pause for a moment to greet the Lord. As in his childhood, "slipping in for a short visit was so very natural". He was always willing to preside at the Community Mass and even further afield.

During his final years in Farnborough, Fr Peter became frailer and more prone to falls, but he retained his healthy appetite and was able to celebrate his ninetieth birthday and the seventieth anniversary of his first profession. Such occasions were often marked by the presence of some of his Scottish and Irish relatives.

In April 2019, not long after his ninety-first birthday, Fr Peter suffered a fall, which resulted in a fracture to his femur. In spite of an operation and a period of convalescence in hospital, he was not able to regain sufficient mobility to return to St John Bosco House. Br Joe Adams, the House Manager, was fortunately able to find him a room at the Maryfield Convent Care Home in Hook, where he took up residence on 5th June. Tended by the Maltese Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Sienna, and in the company of several retired diocesan priests, Fr Peter was able to attend daily Mass and other devotions. He used to say that the spiritual style of the Sisters was very different from his Salesian experience, but he always expressed his gratitude for the religious atmosphere, which he had missed during his weeks in hospital. He remained cheerful, relaxed and serene.

During the following months, Fr Peter received frequent visits from Br Joe and other members of the community and staff at St John Bosco House and from his relatives. On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, he suffered a marked deterioration and was given the Sacrament of the Sick. Bishop Philip Egan, who was visiting his retired priests, also gave his blessing. A few days later, with several of the Sisters praying at his bedside, Fr Peter passed away peacefully to his heavenly home.

As he wrote at the end of his short memoir:

"I don't know why you chose me, Lord, but I'm awfully glad you did".

May he rest in peace!

Fr Patrick Sherlock SDB

On the morning of May 22nd, 2019 in Nazareth House, Prestwich, Manchester, Fr Tony Bailey breathed his last, and went home to the Father. Born in East Battersea on September 12th, 1937 of Kathleen and Henry Bailey, he had a brother, Chris, and a sister, Kathleen. He was deeply devoted to his family members to the end, and enjoyed spending time with them on holiday, and was proud of their achievements. He was baptised in the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (for which we have recently become responsible). After attending the local catholic primary school, he went to the Salesian College, Battersea. After three years he felt called to become a Salesian, and so he transferred to the Salesian Missionary College, Shrigley Park. Four years later, after successfully completing his A' levels, he entered the Novitiate at Burwash in 1955, making his first vows in 1956. He then went to Beckford to study philosophy and education, and also for an external science degree. From 1959-62 he was a member of staff at our school in Chertsey, where he taught maths and looked after the boarders. In 1962 he made his final vows as a Salesian and moved on to Turin to study theology at the Crocetta. His fourth year of theological studies was spent in Rome, where the newly built Pontifical Salesian Ateneo had just opened. He was ordained a Salesian priest on March 5, 1966 and celebrated his first Mass at the Basilica of St Mary Major. Two months later he graduated with an STL degree and returned to the UK.

For the next twelve years he was a member of the Community in Thornleigh, Bolton, teaching mathematics, and leading many extra-curricular activities. In 1978 he was transferred to the Salesian College in Bootle, where he was headteacher for seventeen years. There he oversaw the amalgamation of the boys' high school with St Augustine's school for girls, not an easy task. As headteacher he could be demanding, but was compassionate towards those in need, committed to his staff and pupils, leading from the front, encouraging high aspirations. After thirty-three years of generous service of young people in secondary education, his life took a new direction. He took a sabbatical in journalism at Goldsmith's College in London, where he received an MA. Returning north, this time to the Provincial House in Stockport, he became provincial secretary, and also embarked on a different career, assuming responsibility for the Salesian Bulletin, which he renamed as Don Bosco Today, and pioneering Salesian Publications. Like Don Bosco before him, he firmly believed that much good could be done through books and literature to spread the Gospel and Salesian spirituality. He was indeed a man of creativity and vision. While still headteacher at Bootle he had become an expert in information technology, introducing computers to the school and leading training programmes for the Local Authority. This expertise he now used in his new venture.

He moved from Stockport back to Bolton in 1999, where he served as Rector of the Community from 2004 for six years, and Bolton became the base of his Publication activities. In 2015 he suffered a stroke and spent two months in hospital. Due to his determination and the expert care he received, he made a good recovery, but chose to move from Thornleigh to neighbouring St Joseph's, where better care was available. He settled there, and was very happy, but sickness returned, and, after a short period in hospital, he was transferred to Nazareth House, Prestwich. After a few weeks, he gently passed away. He always showed great appreciation for the care he received when ill.

Basically, Tony was a shy and private man, occasionally a little off-hand in his comments, but fundamentally very generous and caring, and extremely hardworking. For many years he suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, bearing his pain with great fortitude. He was a man of many talents and interests. A lifelong fan of Chelsea, he kept an eye on lesser clubs like Bolton and Wigan. In his younger days he was a keen cyclist and took the pupils on many a ride. He was a good swimmer and even went scuba-diving, influenced, no doubt, by Fr Chauvel. Later, he became interested in flowers and trees, and was a frequent visitor of garden centres. Photography was another hobby, which was also very useful in his Publications ministry. He loved art. His favourite pictures included Salvador Dai i's 'Crucifixion', Rembrandt's 'Return of the Prodigal', and the works of the modern German painter Sieger Koder. In his later years Tony took to writing poetry, and he published some of his poems in a book with the title 'Don't Organise my Tears'. One of Tony's poems from that book is quoted below.

We thank God for his life of faithful service as Salesian, priest and friend, and commend him to the Lord's loving mercy.

At my funeral please smile
Think of the stories we would tell.
Please celebrate my life for me
I may be dead but I am well.

Remember how you laughed with me
Enjoying other days.
Hearing my poems read by me.
Read one now in your own way!

Please play some tunes you know I liked,
No mournful melodies all grim.
Jazz band indeed would be ideal,
Please sing for me some cheerful hymn!

And afterwards please reminisce.
Talk of the good times that we had.
Make sure you find some time to laugh.
Don't Jet my going make you sad.

May Tony rest in peace.

Fr Michael T Winstanley SDB

1935–2019

John Michael Ashton was born in Hindley, near Wigan, on April 16, 1935. He was the only boy of the family; the elder brother to his four sisters. Whenever John spoke about his parents and sisters he always did so with great warmth and love. He was especially grateful to his family for the sacrifices they made in order to support him in his journey to becoming a Salesian priest. His family was always very precious to him.

In 1946, aged 11, John had high hopes of beginning his secondary school education at Thornleigh Salesian College, Bolton. He sat for the scholarship examination and failed it. Instead, he went to St Benedict's School in Hindley. However, in the 18 months which followed, John's piety and diligence impressed both the parish priest and the headmaster and they both wrote warm letters of recommendation on his behalf to the Rector of the Salesian House at Shrigley, near Macclesfield. In September 1948 John became a boarder and pupil at Shrigley. John would reminisce on how much he loved those years at Shrigley, especially the opportunities for playing football, for walking, for music and drama, for the celebration of feast days. All of these activities were a real part of his preparation for life ahead as a Salesian of Don Bosco.

After leaving Shrigley and completing his novitiate in Burwash, John became a Salesian of Don Bosco on September 8, 1955. The reports from those in charge of his training show that he applied himself to his philosophical studies with hard work. John was the first to admit that he was not a natural student. Studies were often difficult for him. At times his health was not good and whilst teaching at the Salesian school in Cowley, Oxford he was diagnosed with Tuberculosis. This meant that he had to be away from the Salesian community for many months at a sanatorium. It was something he found very difficult as he enjoyed community life very much. It was during those many months, with very little to do, that John learned how to weave baskets. Gradually his health improved, allowing him to make his Final Vows in 1961. Further studies in theology followed at Messina in Sicily and there John was ordained as a Salesian priest on March 19, 1965.

In September 1965 John was appointed to be a member of staff at Thornleigh Salesian College; an appointment that lasted for 25 years until he felt that he could not continue in the classroom as he was having serious problems with his eyesight. However, he remained in school, spending a further 17 years working in the Thornleigh Chaplaincy. The final 5 years of John's life were lived in the community at St Joseph's, Bolton. From there he became a much loved presence at Holy Infant's school and parish, continuing to make friends with young people, teachers, people of all ages. Of the 54 years of his life a Salesian priest, 45 years were spent in ministry as a Salesian priest in Bolton.

In August 1975 I came with my mother from where we lived to find out where exactly Thornleigh was. Fr Ashton was the very first Salesian of Don Bosco I met. He was cleaning out the fishpond near the playground. Dressed in a shirt, shorts and wellies, I thought he was a workman and I remember being really surprised when he told us that he was a priest! I remember his warm smile and the very kind and gracious way he spoke to my mother. He assured me that I would very much enjoy coming to school at Thornleigh. He was right! The next time I saw him was on the opening day of term. This time he wasn't dressed so casually, nor was he at the pond. He was playing football in the playground in his cassock and collar. I had never seen a priest play football before. I had never seen a priest in the midst of so many young people. The happy atmosphere of the Salesian playground was both an audible and tangible experience.

John thrived as a Salesian of Don Bosco throughout his ministry in Bolton. He taught Geography and RE. His classes were always very well prepared and usually involved copious notes, all of which had to be copied down from the blackboard. He was always in the playground at breaktimes; sometimes playing football, often walking up and down the playground with groups of students talking and joking. He ran an arts and crafts club. He organised hikes and walks all over the local moors and valleys. He led cycling trips to Southport. He could yodel and was able to do fabulous impressions of bird song. He had a very good voice and enjoyed singing.

When Thornleigh became a Comprehensive School in 1979, he began a fantastic youth club, every Friday evening, encouraging a great team of helpers to join in. These were made up of his confrères, parents, staff and Salesian cooperators. Although a somewhat shy and private man he made many firm and lasting friendships with people from this particular time of his Salesian ministry.

Legendary among former students of the school are the regular discos that were organised as part of the youth club. John was an excellent DJ and had all the latest releases of the times. Having taught in the classroom all week he would organise trips at the weekends, which usually involved a swimming pool at some point. Bigger outings included trips to the Alton Towers theme park, or a week's summer camp based in the Cottage at Savio House, Bollington. He initiated the 'Youth Week', which was directed at the new intake of pupils and their families at the end of the summer holidays before the new term began. As well as his teaching commitments, John also had responsibility as Head of Pastoral Care in Year 7. John was a very calm, reassuring and cheerful presence for young people coming to Thornleigh from primary school. In the classroom and in the chaplaincy, his gentle and kindly presence was a real blessing for his colleagues and the pupils entrusted to his care. Everyone who met John sensed how deeply he loved his Salesian vocation. John loved being with young people and he dedicated his whole life to their wellbeing and service. He was always at his happiest when he was with young people.

John was untiring in generously spending his time and talents in the service of young people. He did all of this because it was his way of being like Don Bosco. Like Don Bosco, he saw the face of Jesus in young people. Like Don Bosco, he loved young people so much that he wanted them to become friends with Jesus; a friendship that would deepen with love and meaning throughout life.

From 2008 to 2014 John had a completely different experience of Salesian ministry by spending 6 years working as an assistant priest in the Salesian parishes of Oxford and Chertsey. John found a whole new ministry by visiting the elderly, the sick and the housebound. His kindness, compassion and good humour were deeply appreciated and he was very much loved by a whole new group of people. He would also visit the local Catholic primary school, happily spending time with the children and whoever needed his friendship or support.

In all of this activity and zealous apostolic work it is essential to remember that John was a man of deep, personal prayer. John was a true priest. The centre of his day was the celebration of the Mass: the opportunity to hear the Word of God and to reflect upon it and the grace to receive Jesus in Holy Communion. Every day he would pray the Rosary many times. It was in these moments of prayer and communion with Jesus and Mary that he found the strength to do all that he did each day as a Salesian priest. Indeed, John was a holy man of God.

'Blessed are those who die in the Lord. Let them rest from their labours for their good deeds go before them.' In the last year of his life John knew that his illness was terminal. He faced death with great serenity and courage. In those final days when he had great difficulty in finding the words to speak, he would say the Our Father and the Hail Mary without hesitation or difficulty. Prayer was deep within him, at the centre of his being. John died very peacefully on May 4, 2019, strengthened by the Sacraments and in the company of one of his Salesian confreres. His Requiem Mass was celebrated at Thornleigh Salesian College and he was laid to rest in the Salesian graves in Astley Bridge, Bolton just a short walk from the Salesian House.

John's numerous good deeds in this life have certainly gone before him and we thank God for the life and death of Fr John Ashton which has had so much influence for good among so many people. We commend his soul to the loving kindness and mercy of God in whom John fervently believed and trusted.

Fr Kieran Anderson SDB

• "The day is done, its hours have run, and thou hast taken count of all" were the words sung at the funeral of Fr Peter Dooley, who died on April 13th 2018. Indeed, Peter's days and hours lasted for 87 years, but now he has passed over in peace to his Lord. Peter was born June 27th 1931, in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, to Brian and Ellen Dooley. He was the eldest of six children. Two of his sisters became religious; one of whom, Bernadette, was present at the funeral with his two brothers, Hugh and Bernie; Ellie, his other sister is based in Australia. His married sister, Maureen, died in 2013, and on his way back from the funeral Peter suffered an almost fatal heart attack in Dublin Airport. Maureen's children Anne, Mhaire, Helen and Pat, along with their cousins, Mary Ellen, and Mary and John Summers, also attended the funeral.

• Peter's secondary education took place in the Salesian College, Pallaskenry, from where in August 1951 he went to the Novitiate in Burwash, England, where he made his profession on September 8th 1952. He then pursued his philosophical studies for two years in the recently opened Savio House.

• I first met Peter in 1954. I'd left Thornleigh for Shrigley, and Peter had begun his 3 years of practical training in Bolton. I came back for some event, prize night I think, and he welcomed me with a smile. I was struck even then by his kindness and gentleness, qualities which we have all come to know well.

• After this Peter went to Melchet Court for his theological studies and was ordained a priest on July 2nd 1961. One comment of his rector at the time states: "A good student, cheerful, obliging, sociable and enterprising." He then did a further year of theology in Rome, obtaining an STL degree, after which he was assigned to the Novitiate in Burwash as assistant to the novices for a year, before returning to Bolton to teach.

• He returned to Ireland to study for a BA degree {1966-69), before spending seven years as a teacher in Bootle, where he was also vice-rector. In 1976 he was asked to be rector of the Salesian Missionary College, Shrigley. When I was rector in Ushaw, our community used to come to Shrigley for our Christmas holidays, and Peter, who was rector there at the time, always welcomed us warmly and was anxious to make sure that we had what we needed and more besides. I don't think his task was easy in Shrigley in those days, as the College was moving towards closure, and he didn't enjoy the best of health.

• Peter then moved to Cowley, Oxford, as Parish Priest and Rector. During my first stint as provincial I visited Cowley quite frequently. A new facet which I then became aware of was his deep spirituality. By then he was involved in the charismatic movement, and there was an active prayer group in the parish, and Peter was known for his prayerfulness and healing ministry. It is clear that he was deeply appreciated and loved by the people of the parish, some of whom made the journey to Bolton to attend his funeral; he was their friend, their guide and support, and the same was true for the Salesian Co-operators.

• After 13 years Peter moved to our parish in Edinburgh as assistant priest, and then, five years later, to St Dominic's, Huyton, where he fulfilled a similar role for another 13 years. Again the people loved him; he was so kind and available and friendly and helpful to anyone in need. It was in Huyton that he and Fr George were ushered into the cupboard under the stairs by burglars, quite an adventure!

• Finally, in 2013, as his health deteriorated, Peter came back to Bolton St Joseph's, where, as rector of the community, I met him frequently. He had become deaf, and had trouble with asthma, and gradually found it difficult to walk without a stick. I was struck by his patience, gentle humour, and acceptance of the difficulties which accompany the ageing process. Eventually, it became necessary for Peter to go to the nursing home of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Manchester, who offered him a newly refurbished room. After only two and a half weeks, however, in the early morning of April 13th, Jesus came to take him home to the Father's house.

• We thank God for Peter's life among us and his Salesian ministry, an excellent teacher, a wonderful deeply spiritual pastor, a guide and inspiration for many. May he rest in peace.

Fr Michael T Winstanley SDB