I was comforted by a priest close to death

THIS is a brief account of my positive experience of a Kiltegan Father whom I met when I was a patient in Cappagh hospital in Dublin in 1999.

I had sustained a very serious injury and I was admitted to the hospital to undergo major surgery. As can be imagined, I was somewhat nervous about the whole thing, especially the pending operation.

In the bed alongside mine was a kind Kiltegan priest, Fr Seán MacSuibhne. We had a good long chat in Irish. I will not forget the palpable goodness that shone through that young priest. He told me about himself and his work; it was clear that he truly loved his vocation. He told me he was in charge of a group of seminarians attending the Pontifical University in Maynooth.

He had a very calming effect on me.

I did not know, or even guess, that he himself was gravely ill.

Shortly after my operation I was transferred to a nursing home.

Subsequently I learned that not very long afterwards, Fr MacSuibhne died from his illness.

I hope to continue my discourse as Gaeilge with that lovely young Kiltegan priest when it is my turn to pass on.

Micheál Ó Cathail,

Sandycove,

Co Dublin.