Fr Robert Stack RIP

Printer Friendly Page

Fr Robert Stack (1921-2008)

Fr Bob Stack was born 13 April 1921 in Killenard, Portarlington, Co. Laois. He was educated at Killenard NS and Knockbeg College, Carlow. He came to Dalgan Park, Shrule, Co. Galway in 1940 and was ordained in Dalgan Park, Navan, on 21 December 1946.

After ordination he was assigned to promotion work in Ireland during
1947-1948, and in 1948 he was assigned to the Philippines, where he would spend most of the next 54 years in the southern island of Mindanao. His early years there were spent in the parishes of Aloran and Iligan. He was appointed pro-Director of Mindanao in 1962 and served in that position until 1968. Later, he served in the parishes of Lugait, Oroquieta, Balabagan, Medina, Agusan and Bugo. Failing health led him to retire briefly to Patag, Cagayan de Oro, where he helped in neighbouring parishes. He returned to Ireland in 2002.

In the light of the various assignments which Bob accepted with good grace during his long years of service in Mindanao, the phrase "good and faithful servant" comes to mind. He served God, the Church and the Society with unfailing good-humour. Bob was a strong man, but quiet good-humour was the hallmark of his personality. While he treated all alike, his concern for poor people would remain with him to the end. He clearly enjoyed his ministry, and was always willing to offer encouragement and support to any colleague who was discouraged. He bore the burdens of his final illness with characteristic silence and patience. He died in Our Lady¹s Hospital, Navan on 10 October 2008.

May he rest in peace.