Prot. N.: 1300 241/2024
Rome, 4th December 2024
While writing to Fr. BRENDAN O’ROURKE, C.Ss.R, Provincial Superior of the Dublin Province, Fr. Rogerio says“Together with the Dublin Province and the General Government of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, we thank God for Fr Raphael Gallagher’s life. His work benefitted not only the Redemptorist mission but also the Church as a whole. Fr. Gallagher, through his life and work, touched the hearts of many and will always be remembered as an example of dedication, faith, and love for Christ and the mission of the Congregation”
KIndly find below Funeral details and the comple letter by Fr. General.
Funeral Mass on Saturday 7th of Dec. at 11am, followed by burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery Dundalk (A91F598)
Live Streaming of Requiem Mass: Fr Raphael Gallagher C.Ss.R RIP
Dear Fr. Brendan and Confreres,
- With great sadness and regret, we received the news of Fr Raphael Gallagher’s death. He was an example of dedication, faith, and generosity. Throughout his life, Fr. Raphael was a tireless Redemptorist missionary, and his contribution to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, to the Church, and to all those who had the privilege of knowing him will always be remembered with gratitude and reverence.
- For many years, Fr. Raphael dedicated himself to the formation of future Redemptorist missionaries, sharing his vast theological knowledge and his spirit of faith and service. He exercised important leadership roles in the Congregation, always with an attitude of profound humility and pastoral zeal. He was also a professor at the Pontificia Accademia Alfonsiana, where he made an immense contribution, not only as an educator but also as a thinker. Fr. Gallagher reflected with depth and sensitivity on an inclusive and liberating Moral Theology, which he translated into his daily life practice. His theological vision sought to bring faith and life closer together, leading many to see the Redemptorist mission in a more humanising and welcoming light.
- At the same time, Fr. Raphael was known for his great kindness towards students, being not only a professor, but someone who walked with his students on their academic journey and encouraged them to be seekers of moral truth. His ability to listen, welcome and inspire those around him was remarkable. For him, each student was a unique being with their own journey, and he worked tirelessly to help form not just competent missionaries, but people with a heart for their neighbour, a deep faith experience and a real commitment to the Redeemer’s mission.
- In recent times, Fr Raphael has lived his own via crucis, facing the suffering caused by his illness with courage and faith. His journey of pain was, in a way, an experience of Christ’s redemptive suffering. He went to the hospital countless times, facing daily challenges, but without ever losing his serenity or his commitment to the mission that God had entrusted to him. Living this suffering with courage and faith was an expression of his total surrender to God’s will, reflecting the love of Christ who offers himself for all of us.
- Now Fr. Raphael leaves us. We will miss him, but at the same time, we know that God gave him to us as a gift, and for that, we have a heart full of gratitude. He was a real blessing for all of us. Now, with a grateful heart, we entrust his whole being to God, trusting in Jesus’ promise: “I am the Resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” John 11:25-26). Fr Raphael’s life was not in vain. As a Redemptorist missionary, a consecrated man, he fulfilled the mission entrusted to him faithfully, and now he rests in the arms of the Lord.
- Together with the Dublin Province and the General Government of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, we thank God for Fr Raphael Gallagher’s life. His work benefitted not only the Redemptorist mission but also the Church as a whole. Fr. Gallagher, through his life and work, touched the hearts of many and will always be remembered as an example of dedication, faith, and love for Christ and the mission of the Congregation.
- May Fr. Raphael Rest in Peace in the Lord, enveloped in His eternal light, and may his example continue to inspire us to follow the path of the Redeemer with faith and courage. May Our Mother of Perpetual Help welcome him into her arms in eternity. To all of us confreres who continue the Redemptorist mission on this earth and believers in the Resurrection, we renew our hope in the Resurrection, and with joy and gratitude in our hearts, we trust that our beloved confrere now lives entirely in the presence of God.
Fraternally,
Fr. Rogério Gomes, C.Ss.R.
Superior General
Original: English
