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