With sadness we announce the news of the death earlier today, 7th April, of Fr John O’Halloran. Fr John died peacefully at home, in Nazareth House, Finchley.
Fr John was born in London on 11th September 1924 and ordained to the Priesthood for the Diocese of Westminster at St Joseph’s, Wealdstone by Bishop George Craven on 29th June 1957.
Sympathy is extended to Fr John’s family and friends, and to the clergy and parishioners of his former parishes in the diocese, to those who remember him from his years on the staff at Finchley High School, and to the sisters and residents at Nazareth House.
Fr John was a member of the Deceased Clergy Association.
We pray for the repose of Fr John’s soul:
Lord Jesus, our Redeemer,
you willingly gave yourself up to death so that all people might be saved and pass from death into a new life.
Listen to our prayers, look with love on your people who mourn and pray for Fr John.
Lord Jesus, holy and compassionate, forgive his sins.
By dying you opened the gates of life for those who believe in you.
Do not let our brother be parted from you, but by your glorious power give him light, joy and peace in heaven where you live for ever and ever.
Obituary
Born in London on 11th September 1924 John O’Halloran was the second of five children born to John and Bridget O’Halloran. His devout father took the young John and his elder brother Denis on the annual Tyburn Walk, commemorating the martyrs who gave their lives for the Faith. This gave John a sense of history and the price paid for commitment to the Church and the Faith. He was an altar server at daily Mass in Spanish Place from the age of 10 until he left school. He attended the primary school in his parish of St James, Spanish Place and then the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School in Kensington from 1935 to 1943. He then spent four years in the Army, with postings to Italy, Egypt and Palestine. Sergeant O’Halloran went with other soldiers on a pilgrimage to Rome and had an audience with Pope Pius XII. On completion of military service he went to St Edmund’s Hall, Oxford to study history from 1948 to 1951. He never ceased to practice his faith. After a period of discernment, including thoughts that he might be called to the contemplative life, he was accepted as a student for the priesthood and went to the seminary St Sulpice in Paris, from 1952 to 1957. This was where Bishop George Craven, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and resident at the presbytery at Spanish Place, was trained for the priesthood. John’s place at St Sulpice was secured by Bishop Craven.
John was ordained to the priesthood at St Joseph’s, Wealdstone on 29th June 1957 by Bishop Craven. Fr John was hoping that he could continue studying after his ordination, and requested permission for this, but the needs of the Diocese prevailed. His first appointment was to Enfield where he served as Assistant Priest until 1962 when he was appointed Vice Rector at Westminster Cathedral Choir School. In 1963 he took up an appointment at Finchley Catholic High School where he taught Religious Education and Maths. He remained at the school until his retirement from teaching in 1982 at the age of 58. He then responded to a request for priestly ministry from the Diocese of Williamsburg, Virginia in the United States. He returned for ministry in the holiday season for several consecutive years until into his 80s. He looked forward to these annual visits, spending a few months experiencing American ways of life and the life and work of the Church there. His home was on Ballards Lane in Finchley where he lived independently and ministered as a supply priest assisting at St Alban’s in North Finchley and elsewhere when needed, and regularly at Westminster Cathedral at weekends when he would stay with his sister who lived close by. In 2017 his increased need for care, by now in his early 90s, necessitated moving to Nazareth House in Finchley.
Overseas postings in the Army and his time in the seminary in Paris gave Fr John a liking for travel and the experience of different cultures and cuisines. He initiated members of his family in the enjoyment of food and drink from various countries. His three sisters, Patricia, Rita and Mary, knew how to cook and serve a good meal, and their brother, known to his family as Jack, was always a welcome guest in their homes. Fr John, Jack, was very much the family Chaplain, celebrating significant stages in the life and development of members of his family. As the family expanded Fr John took an interest in the lives of everyone, listening to them and valuing them and having an easy rapport. As well as the enjoyment of the company of his relatives, Fr John’s relaxation centered on reading novels, watching films and going to the theatre. He was both spiritual and practical. He is fondly remembered by family and friends and by students he taught in Finchley.
Fr John died peacefully at home in Nazareth House, Finchley on 7th April. Fr John’s funeral took place on 21 April at Marylebone Crematorium with Bishop Paul McAleenan presiding.
May this faithful priest rest in peace and rise in glory.
