Dear Parishioners,
It is hard to believe that by the end of next month a year will have passed since the passing of Fr Tony Coote, who departed this life on August 28th 2019 after his courageous and inspiring journey through his illness. We commend his soul to the love and mercy of God, whom he loved so dearly and served selflessly.
As we approach his first anniversary, we remember especially Tony’s mother, family, and friends in our prayers.
We are mindful of Tony’s many and varied roles in life, especially his role for ten years as a dear and beloved Administrator/Parish Priest of Mount Merrion, Kilmacud and Clonskeagh. As is right and fitting, we will be offering a number of Masses in Fr Tony’s memory, commencing Friday 28th August and throughout the weekend, including Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August. Hopefully the entire parish community will have an opportunity to participate and remember Fr Tony at one of these anniversary Masses.
It is also appropriate at this time, to honour Fr Tony with a form of permanent memorial, commemorating; the three tenets of his faith – “inclusivity, compassion and love”; the inspiration he was to so many parishioners and friends; the love, respect, gratitude and appreciation that we have for him and his inspiring ministry in our parishes of Kilmacud, Mount Merrion and Clonskeagh.
In planning for such a memorial, we would like to invite you to send any ideas and suggestions you may have to frtonymemorial@gmail.com. Many thanks to those who have already provided some suggestions which include, in Mount Merrion, the planting a specimen tree and the refurbishment of the parish meeting room to be named in Fr Tony’s memory and, in Kilmacud, the placing of a memorial plaque and a bench in the grounds of St Laurence’s Church. We will work with a small memorial evaluation committee and liaise with Fr Tony’s family, in discerning a most fitting memorial.
There is an open subscription for everyone who would like to donate to assist with the permanent memorial, with any excess funds going to the charity supported by Fr Tony, the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), to support those currently suffering from the disease.
Thank you for all the many ways you supported and cared for Fr Tony in his happy and relaxed days and when he struggled with serious illness and at the close of his life. He received so much, from so many, and it meant everything to him. We welcome all your thoughts and look forward to hearing from you.
With joyful blessings this Summertime!
Fr Joe Mullan Adm. & Audrey O’Sullivan, Chairperson – Mount Merrion Parish Pastoral Council