The death has occurred of Fr Joe Campion, a Laois-born priest who spent most of his life in Argentina, where he worked very closely with Pope Francis during his time as Archbishop in Buenos Aires.
Fr Joe Campion was originally from Errill and died in hospital in Kilkenny this week. He had been based in recent times in Castlecomer.
Fr Joe was born in 1937 and ordained in June 1965. A Pallotine priest, he was based in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires when five of his colleagues were murdered in a church in the city. It has become known as the San Patricio Massacre, the single greatest attrocity against the catholic church during Argentina’s ‘Dirty War’, one which raged for over 10 years.
Fr Joe was subsequently appointed as Spiritual Director for the remaining Pallotines, and he worked alongside Jorge Mario Bergoglio SJ, who was archbishop in Buenos Aires, and would later become Pope. Fr Joe was fondly known as ‘Fr Jose’ during his time in Argentina.
In recent times, the campaign has begun to have those five priests beatified.
Fr Joe was one a family of nine from Lisduff near Errill. His sister Frances Conroy in Portlaoise is the last remaining family member.
He is reposing at Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlecomer on Wednesday, October 25, from 6pm with Vigil Prayers and Rosary at 8pm. Reposing at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Castlecomer on Thursday from 4pm. Reception Prayers and Rosary at 7pm.
His Requiem Mass is on Friday at 12 noon followed by burial in the Old Cemetery in Rathdowney.
A number of tributes have been paid on the Pallotines website.
“I was small when Fr. Campion was here in Mercedes, Argentina,” Moira Kaplun. “He, as all the Pallotine Fathers, was a friend of our family. I remeber him always with a smile in his face and being very kind. May he rest in peace.”
“Saddened to hear of Fr Joe’s passing,” added Fr Eamon O’Brien. “He was a man of God and the people. A gentle soul and his life was about ministering God’s love. We are grateful to the time he gave in the diocese of Ossory and always spoke of his love for the people of Argentina.”
“Fr Joe was a very spiritual kind person who always led by example – a true role model. He was one of nature’s true gentlemen who was deeply loved and cherished by all his family. I know I speak for all my cousins when I say we had a very special Uncle in Joe and we are truly grateful for the great years we had with him.”
SEE ALSO – Deaths in Laois – Tuesday, October 24
