Northern Ireland

Monsignor Ambrose Macaulay (85) 'made being a parish priest look easy'

Requiem Mass for Monsignor Ambrose Macaulay was celebrated at St Brigid's Church in south Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell
Requiem Mass for Monsignor Ambrose Macaulay was celebrated at St Brigid's Church in south Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell Requiem Mass for Monsignor Ambrose Macaulay was celebrated at St Brigid's Church in south Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell

MOURNERS at the funeral of Monsignor Ambrose Macaulay heard how he "managed to make being a parish priest look easy".

The former parish priest of St Brigid's in south Belfast died suddenly on Tuesday at the age of 85.

Born in Cushendall, Co Antrim, he was best known for the building of the new St Brigid's Church on Windsor Avenue in the mid-1990s.

He became its parish priest in 1989, remaining until his retirement in 2010, having previously served as chaplain to Queen's University and parish priest of St Anthony's in east Belfast.

Mgr Macaulay was also a renowned ecclesiastical historian and was president of the Queen's University Gaelic Football Club Past Members Union for more than 50 years.

Requiem Mass was celebrated yesterday by Bishop of Down and Connor Dr Noel Treanor at St Brigid's Church, with Cardinal Sean Brady also in attendance.

Fr Joseph Gunn told mourners that the popular priest was known for his discretion and gentleness.

"His guiding principle was never to divide people and he always tried to be merciful in his estimation of people," he said.

"An essentially shy man, he relished company and was a warm and generous host, a marvellous raconteur who loved fun.

"He welcomed and encouraged young priests such as myself when we were starting out. Priestly fraternity was in his bones."

Fr Gunn also spoke of his "legendary" love of sport which "blended easily into pastoral care when he was able to serve many of his sports friends as confidant and spiritual mentor".

Monsignor Macaulay was later laid to rest in the grounds of St Brigid's.