This evening I learned with sadness of the death of Reverned Doctor Oliver Treanor. A man of keen intellect, deep prayer, profound faith and humility who gave countless students a love for Christ in the Blessed Eucharist and His Church. He was a teacher par excellence who gave all of his talents in the service of the Lord. Our class of 2007 had the privilege of having him as our "class piece" because we saw all of the above qualities in him and admired his example of loyal and devoted Priesthood. He was also kind, funny and great company. To quote Fr. Oliver is perhaps the best epitaph to a brilliant mind and profound vocation. Speaking of the Blessed Mother he wrote, " At the Annunciation her [ Mary's] consent made possible the body of Christ, the historical Jesus. At Penticost she was present when the Spirit descended a second time, bringing forth the body of Christ, the Church. Between these two axes of God's activity, her life comprised several missionary journeys( to Elizabeth's House, to Bethlehem, into Egypt, back to Nazareth, to Jerusalem, to Cana and to Calvary) that were enriched by her prayer of contemplation, and of petition for others." ( Mother of the Redeemer, Mother of the Redeemed, P 15). Fr Oliver, like the Blessed Mother, went always with Christ and countless times, as a man of prayer, raised up His Sacred Body for others. May Mary take this great priest to her Divine Son and may he rest in eternal peace at Altar of God in heaven. Rev Tony Gonoude PP Ballynacargy Parish.

Rev Tony Gonoude