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It is with sad news we announce the death of Fr John Patrick Buckley, peacefully yesterday 25 January 2025 soon after the Rosary with prayed with him by friends in their home.

Fr John was born in Co. Cork, Ireland on 14 January 1950 and ordained on 11 June 1977.

Condolences are extended to Fr John’s family and friends and to the parishioners of Cricklewood and other parishes where he ministered.

Fr John’s mortal remains will be received at St Agnes, Cricklewood at 7pm by Fr Pat Madden of the Diocese of Portsmouth on Wednesday 19 February. There will be a Requiem Mass, with Bishop John Sherrington presiding, at 7.30pm.

Fr John’s Funeral Mass will be in the same church at 12noon on Thursday 20 February with the Cardinal presiding and the homily given by Fr Pat Madden. The principal concelebrants, in the sanctuary, will be Fr Alexander Master, Fr Pat Madden and Fr Marcel Mititelu. Burial will follow at Hendon Cemetery. 

Yesterday’s Communion Antiphon for the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul the Apostle has words Fr John could have written:

‘I live by faith in the Son of God, 

who has loved me

and given himself up for me.’

We pray for the repose of Fr John’s soul:

Almighty and eternal God,

hear our prayers for your son, Fr John

whom you have called from this world to yourself.

Grant him light, happiness and peace.

Let him pass in safety through the gates of death, and live for ever with all your saints in the light you promised to Abraham and to all his descendants in faith.

Guard him from all harm

and on that great day of resurrection and reward raise him up with all your saints.

Pardon his sins and give him eternal life in your kingdom.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Obituary

‘Being a priest is about being available and of service to people in times of need and in times of celebration’, said Fr John Buckley in an interview with Irish Country Music Radio eighteen months ago. He was a priest who cared deeply for people, especially those who faced difficulties in their lives and those who were on the margins of the Church and wider society. Essentially a shy and modest man and priest, Fr John endeared himself to people with his firm but gentle approach and his dry and self-effacing humour. He was a kind pastor and a gentleman.

John Patrick Buckley came from Clondrohid, just north of Macroom in Co. Cork, Ireland – ‘the hub of mid-Cork’ as he described it. Born on 14 January 1950 he was the eldest of four children born to Daniel and Mary (formerly Kelleher) Buckley. They had a small farm. John was educated locally until he went to University College, Cork where he studied Dairy Science from 1968-71 after which he took employment at a creamery, working as assistant manager. He described himself as being at a crossroads in his life and wanting to do something purposeful. He heard and responded to God’s call to priesthood and applied for acceptance at the seminary to train for what he described as 'a commendable way of spending his life'.

As a seminarian at St Patrick’s College in Carlow, John was described in the Rector’s report at the conclusion of his first year as 'A quiet student who has not yet revealed himself fully. Pleasant and cheerful'. Many priests of the Diocese and parishioners who knew Fr John from the parishes where he served would agree that he was indeed pleasant and also a private person with always more to be known about him. In the radio interview in July 2023, he revealed his love for traditional Irish music, Country and Western music and also wider musical interests including folk, pop and rock. He also mentioned his love of Gaelic football, played as a boy growing up but his playing was thwarted by an injury sustained to his right knee when he was fourteen years of age.

In April 1972 the President of the seminary in Carlow wrote to the Westminster vocations director, 'I am glad that John Buckley has applied for adoption by the Diocese of Westminster. He impresses me as a solid young man with considerable potential…a quiet disposition, a pleasant manner and mixes easily with his companions”' Fr John Buckley’s potential was realized as he served the parishioners entrusted to his care. As a deacon, the year before being ordained to the priesthood, John spent time in Lincoln’s Inn Fields. He also spent some time-based at Allen Hall, the Westminster seminary, while attending courses at Heythrop College to supplement studies completed in Carlow. Following his ordination to the priesthood by Bishop John Ahern in Ballinagree, Co. Cork on 11 June 1977 he was appointed for service as Assistant Priest at Hanwell where he remained until 1979. He then went to West Green, serving as Assistant Priest until 1981. His next appointment was to Enfield, Assistant Priest until 1985 when he was appointed to Bayswater to assist Fr Michael Hollings. He was then appointed Parish Priest at Harrow Road, serving from 1988-98. He then went to Tottenham where he remained until 2016 when he took up his next, and final, appointment as Parish Priest at St Agnes, Cricklewood. In many of the parishes where he served, he was an effective part-time hospital chaplain, giving priority to patients in their need and the needs of their families. He was also very involved with the Travelling Community with whom he had a special ministry of outreach and inclusion, especially during the eighteen years when he was in Tottenham and since coming to Cricklewood.

Fr John retained his interest in various types of music while acknowledging a lack of ability in singing and dancing. His interest in sport in general and Gaelic football in particular endured. In a letter to his parishioners soon after Christmas 2016 Fr John wrote, '…There is always a certain amount of political and economic uncertainty about. Sport remains a useful form of escapism, filling our emptiness and absorbing our attention. Remember there was never a golden age and life now is much better. Our homes are warmer, cleaner. Our clothing is better with more in our pockets. Our communication is instant. There are better opportunities, better choices in everything. Let’s continue to embrace modern life and endeavour to make it better through our love, care, concern, patience, willingness to help. We may feel that as individuals we cannot do very much but pooling all our efforts collectively can represent a mighty force to move things forward.' Fr John’s words reveal a person of hope. He welcomed the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, declared by Pope Francis.

In addition to music and sport Fr John loved to read books, periodicals and newspapers. He accumulated a large collection of books covering a broad range of subjects including religion, history, politics, science and current affairs. 

A few months ago Fr John had become unwell. When he received his diagnosis, and the prognosis, he made known to a close circle of people that, in his words, his longevity was compromised. He knew the care needed and he reluctantly stood down as Parish Priest at Cricklewood in a letter of resignation to Cardinal Vincent dated 11 November 2024. He was then able to spend time reading, listening to music and watching television, especially football and, of course, praying as he prepared to meet face to face the God whom he knew, loved and served. He wrote a final message for his parishioners at Cricklewood, included in the parish newsletter on 19 January. He wrote, '…I’m so grateful for all your prayers and messages of support expressed in so many ways. Rest assured, you remain in my thoughts and that I’m carrying you and your sentiments with me as I proceed along my journey…The Cardinal has been so good to me and we have spoken on a number of occasions. He was very keen to know if I was happy with the package of care that I’m presently receiving. I assured him of that. He was also keen to express his thanks to those exercising a ministry of care to me…Despite advanced weakness I remain fortified in faith, prayer and love. I thank you once again for your same support.'

Fr John died peacefully on 25 January just after the rosary had been prayed at his bedside.

May the soul of Fr John, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.