Fr. McNamara's statement on his brother's passing, Rev. Fr. Leslie McNamara

Dear Friends,

Many have often told me I am good with words. Not today. Words seem inadequate to express my gratitude to you for all the Masses, all the kind words of sympathy in emails/messages plus those expressed personally or on the phone on the death of my brother Fr Leslie McNamara. Your tears and shared sorrow have meant the world to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

During my 12 years as your pastor, Fr. Leslie joined us for most summers, Christmases and Easters – and he loved every minute of his time here. He loved being your priest- and he often told me he learned so much by being allowed into your lives. Thank you for the love you showed my brother, you could not have been better.

With COVID, I was unable to attend his funeral in Ireland; in fact the funeral was limited to ten family members. It was live streamed and is recorded. If you would like to see it, go online to churchservices.tv/limerickcathedral and you will find it here. I had the honor of writing his homily/eulogy and my brother Dominic read it.

Many have asked if there is a place they could donate in his memory. So because he was an educator all his life, we are starting a fund in his memory at St. John Eudes School. Often there is a great need for tuition assistance so your donation would go towards families who really need it. I am pledging $1,000 to start the fund – guess I loved my brother – but that would have been about the price of my flight to his funeral. Please know that no donation is too small to be appreciated and your prayers are the best gift of all. If you wish, you can donate directly to the School. Again, thank you for all your kindnesses to Fr Leslie and myself over the years. I am forever grateful. God bless each one of you.

Father McNamara