We announce the sad news of the death on Holy Thursday, 6th April, of Fr Peter James Maher. He died peacefully in Bedford Hospital having been admitted on 31st March.
Fr Peter was born in Blackburn, Lancashire on 4th November 1944 and ordained to the priesthood on 13th June 1970 as a priest of St Joseph’s Missionary Society of Mill Hill by Bishop Gerald Mahon MHM. He was incardinated into the Diocese of Westminster in July 1973. Condolences are extended to Fr Peter’s family, friends and colleagues and to all who knew him from his years in parish ministry in the Diocese and in the Diocese of Northampton where he lived in retirement.
Fr Peter’s mortal remains will be brought to St Joseph’s Church, Gardenia Avenue, Luton LU3 2NS on Tuesday 9th May at 7pm. Requiem Mass will be celebrated by Canon John McArdle and the homily will be given by Canon Tony Brennan.
Fr Peter’s Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday 10th May at 1pm at Our Lady and St Michael, Crown Rise, Garston WD25 0NE. The celebrant will be Mgr Kevin McGinnell and the homily will be given by Fr Simon Penhalagan, priests of the Diocese of Northampton, at Fr Peter’s request. Bishop Paul McAleenan will be present to represent the Cardinal.
We pray for the repose of Fr Peter’s soul:
Lord Jesus, our Redeemer,
you willingly gave yourself up to death so that all people might be saved and pass from death into a new life.
Listen to our prayers, look with love on your people who mourn and pray for Fr Peter.
Lord Jesus, holy and compassionate, forgive his sins.
By dying you opened the gates of life for those who believe in you.
Do not let our brother be parted from you, but by your glorious power give him light, joy and peace in heaven where you live for ever and ever.
Amen.
In Word and Sacrament, Fr Peter was a faithful minister of the Lord.
May he be granted a place at God’s heavenly table and may the soul of Fr Peter rest in peace and rise in glory.
