Br. Nicholas Healy C.Ss.R.
Brother Nicholas was born in Conaghy, Co. Kilkenny on 6th April 1931. He was professed a Redemptorist on February 11th, 1950, over 75 years ago. He devoted all his years to the service of God in various ministries – as cook, bursar, minister of hospitality, in Redemptorist Communications, organizer for the foreign missions, wise companion and friend. He cooked for large communities, cooked the Christmas dinner for years. After coming to Limerick, he loved to slip into the kitchen when it was quiet and bake.
His work for the foreign missions was legendary. For years he organised the annual sale of work for Brazil. He spent months collecting items, organising the stalls, ensuring the money reached its destination safely. He visited Brazil in 1986 to see the many projects his work supported. He had an extraordinary commitment to young people. He trained successful soccer teams in Limerick, took them to Europe, gave them experiences, opportunities, and memories. Br Nicholas loved to talk about his family farming at home in Kilkenny and the progress being made. He enjoyed visiting home and loved when family visited.
Br. Nicholas lived a long life blessed with a sound mind, his faculties intact apart from deafness. He had a fantastic memory and a keen interest in life. He made it a point to welcome and look after young Redemptorists visiting from overseas and young men joining the Redemptorists. His day revolved around the Mass, the liturgy of the hours, the rosary, his routine of prayer. He lived his vows through a life of humble service. Last week he told Fr Brian Nolan that he was ready to meet the Lord. His deep faith nurtured his vocation, inspired his missionary activity, carried him to the very end.
May our dear confrere rest in peace,
