Father Patrick Bradley sscc has died

Father Patrick J Bradley, sscc

Father Patrick J Bradley, sscc, a former Head of the Sacred Heart Fathers, died on Friday, 21st January 2011, at his residence in Ranelagh, Dublin.

Fr Patrick was born on 25 May 1934 to Patrick Bradley and Catherine Waters of Douglas Road, Cork. He was educated by the Christian Brothers in Cork City. He entered the Novitiate of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in Cootehill, Co Cavan and made his first Profession on 2 September 1953.

Following his ordination on 29 June 1959, he was assigned to teach Theology at Sacred Hearts Seminary, Jaffrey, New Hampshire, USA. He returned to work in Ireland in 1964 serving as Director of Fr Damien Juniorate, Clones, Co Monaghan, before moving on to teach Philosophy at St Patrick's College, Maynooth in 1969. During the 1960's and '70s Father Pat was very active in leading retreats throughout Ireland, especially to Religious Sisters.

In 1977 he was elected Provincial of the Ireland-England Province of the Congregation before moving to Rome in 1982, following his election as Superior General. Having served twelve years with distinction in this office, in 1995 he became Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes, Acton, West London. His final appointment in 2001 was as Parish Priest to the Sacred Heart Parish, Sruleen, Clondalkin where he worked up until his retirement to Ranelagh in 2009.

Fr Pat throughout the course of his life dedicated his many gifts to the service of the Church and his Religious Congregation. He was insightful, inspirational and, above all, imbued with a profound sense of his life being guided by Divine Providence.

He will be deeply missed by his own family, his religious family and his many friends.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis"

Funeral arrangements:

Tuesday 25 January 2011. Remains arriving at Sacred Heart Church, Sruleen, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 at 7pm following reception prayers reposing in the Church until 10pm.

Wednesday 26 January 2011. Funeral Mass at 11.30am in Sacred Heart Church, Sruleen, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, followed by burial afterwards at Palmerstown Cemetery, Dublin.