Fr John Doohan RIP

Printer Friendly Page

Fr. John Doohan SSC 1923 - 2009

Fr. John Doohan died at St Columban’s, Singalong, Manila, Philippines, on 24th January 2009. Born in the parish of Kilmurray-Ibickane (Mullagh), Co Clare, on 12th June 1923, John was educated in Doolough NS, Ennistymon CBS and St Flannan’s College, Ennis. He came to St Columban’s in 1941 and was ordained priest on 21 December 1947. Father John came from a small farming family in County Clare, Ireland.  There were nine in the family. Two were Columban priests (John and Michael), Philomena was a Columban Sister, two married and three sisters remained unmarried. One brother was killed in an accident in England in the early ‘40s.

John was assigned to the Philippines in 1948 and ministered initially in Mindanao. In 1950 he was in the first group of Columbans who went to Negros.

He spent the greater part of the next fifty years ministering in Negros, in the parishes of Himamaylan, Cauayan, Binalbagan, Ilog and Dancalan. John was a dedicated missionary and did much to revitalize the faith communities of the parishes. He was tireless in his visiting the scattered mountain villages on foot or horseback and in later years in his jeep ministering to the needs of the people. During his ministry in the parishes he was able to have a number of churches constructed.  Sr Mary Doohan, John’s sister and founder of the Little Way Association, helped very much the construction of the churches.

Ten years ago, failing health forced him to retire to Manila where he was lovingly cared for by a team of Filipina nurses.

The large crowds who attended the vigils and the funeral services were a wonderful testimony to the deep affection the people had for their pastor.

Fr John was laid to rest on the 29th January, 2009, in the Parish of Dancalan, his last pastoral ministry. The Bishop of Kabankalan, Monsignor Patricio Buzon, was the Main Celebrant.

May he rest in peace.