Pioneering priest Fr Neal Carlin “laid stepping stones” along the way of truth to lead people to God, mourners at his funeral have been told.
From Fahan in Co Donegal, Fr Carlin (81), who died on Friday, established several institutions in the north west, including the Columba Community and the White Oaks addiction treatment centre on the Derry/Donegal border.
He also established the St Anthony’s Retreat Centre, IOSAS Centre organic gardens and the Celtic Prayer Garden near Muff.
In a long priestly vocation, Fr Carlin served in various parishes in Scotland before returning to his native diocese of Derry where his work with victims of addiction has helped thousands of people.
Requiem Mass for Fr Carlin was led by bishop of Derry Donal McKeown at St Eugene's Cathedral yesterday, attended by his family and friends and priests from around Ireland.
Inishowen priest and friend, Fr Francis Bradley told mourners Fr Carlin's first major project in Derry was the opening of the Columba Community and oratory at a house at Queen's Street near the city centre. The building had been previously owned by the RUC and had been bombed by the IRA before Fr Carlin opened it in 1981.
From there he went on to establish St Anthony's Retreat Centre and White Oaks addiction treatment centre at a farm.
Fr Carlin had a love for his native Donegal but his service was never about place but about people.
"Fr Neal laid stepping stones for others which would bring them along the road ways of life, a shlí na fírinne – on the way of truth - which takes us to heaven," Fr Bradley said.
He added that the late priest had a dedication to justice and believed the social gospel should be preached and lived. While he had a “sharp tongue”, he was usually the first to apologise. He also recalled Fr Carlin’s love of golf and the company of his “brother priests” while his great passion in life was fishing.
Following Requiem Mass, Fr Carlin was buried at St Mary’s cemetery, Ardmore.
