Fr John O’Doherty RIP

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Fr John O’Doherty RIP (1916 - 2008)

John O’Doherty was born 14 May 1916 in Clonleigh, Co. Derry. He was educated at Barrack St School, Strabane, CBS, Derry and St Columb’s College, Derry. He came to Dalgan Park, Shrule, Co. Galway in 1933 and was ordained priest there on 21 December 1939. He was appointed initially to Korea in 1940 but could not travel due to the World War II. He did temporary parish work in Derry Diocese and in the Diocese of Menevia in Wales over the following five years. In 1946 he was appointed to China where he served briefly in Nancheng and Hanyang until 1948 when, due to the advance of the Communist troops, he was appointed to the USA.

He spent the next fifty years promoting Columban mission in the USA, serving in Milton MA, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Bristol RI.

John was always a gentleman, willing to do whatever he was asked for the missions. In his many varied assignments in Wales, China and the USA he served the Society and the missions generously and faithfully.

As his health deteriorated he returned to Dalgan Nursing Home in April 2007 and died peacefully on 14 November 2008.

May he rest in peace.