Fr Gerald Griffin RIP

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Fr Gerarld Christopher Griffin SSC
(1924 - 2010)

Gerarld (Gerry) Griffin was born on 1st December 1924, in Ennis, Co. Clare. He was educated at C.B.S Ennis and came to Dalgan in September 1943. Ordained priest on 21 December 1949, he was appointed to Japan in 1950. He studied Japanese initially in Tokyo and Yokohama but in fact over the next fifty years he never ceased to perfect his considerable skill at the language. He ministered in the parishes of Tateyama, Chibadera, Oiso, Toshima, Katase, and Fujisawa.

Gerry was also a serious academic and after studies in the East Asian Pastoral Institute in Manila, and St Paul’s University in Toronto, from the mid-1970s he devoted himself to developing a radically new approach to adult catechetics. The course that resulted was divided into three sections, entitled ‘Getting to Know Yourself’, ‘Getting to Know Jesus’ and ‘Getting to know the Christian Community’.  It involved a great deal of dialogue and sharing, it developed over a number of years, was widely acclaimed, and was eventually published in three volumes. His colleague Fr Noel Doyle last year published an adaptation of the course in English.

From 1982 to 1990 Gerry also served as Vice-Director and later Director of the Region of Japan. He stood tall and straight and walked with a purpose. This reflected his character. He was single-minded, conscientious, and persevering. These qualities were reflected in his habit of prayer, his never-ending language studies, and his pastoral ministry. His programme for leading adults to encounter Christ in the Christian community was radically different, very fruitful and widely used. Of all of Columban missionary work in Japan which will be remembered, Gerry’s contribution will rate very highly.

In failing health, Gerry returned to Ireland in 2007 and shortly after that he took up residence in the Dalgan Nursing Home. His final years were not easy, but he rarely complained. He died on 4 July 2010.

May he rest in Peace