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