THE funeral is due to take place in Belfast today of a Redemptorist priest, who has been remembered as "a genuine and quiet peacemaker".
Fr Gerard (Gerry) Cassidy, who was a priest within the Redemptorist Order at Clonard Monastery, died on Wednesday.
Clonard Monastery said "it is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Fr Gerry Cassidy C.Ss.R, who died peacefully this afternoon in the Royal Victoria Hospital".
The 82-year-old, who had also spent more than 25 years serving at St Gerard's parish on the Antrim Road, was last night described as a "lovely man and great priest" and "beloved member of the Redemptorist community".
Former Presbyterian moderator Rev Ken Newell was among those to pay tribute to Fr Cassidy.
Writing on Facebook, he said he was "so sorry to hear of Fr Gerry's passing".
"He will be remember affectionately by many within the Catholic and Protestant traditions as a genuine and quiet peacemaker who built bridges of friendship in Christ across the prevailing emotional, political, and religious chasms of a deeply wounded community," he said.
"We thank God for the gift of his life and the witness of his ministry."
St Gerard's Parish said it was "with deep sadness" that they also announced his death to parishioners.
"The community and parish here at St Gerard's had the privilege of having Fr Gerry's spiritual guidance for more than 25 years and he will be greatly missed," the parish said.
Other tributes described him as "a very gentle priest" and "such a lovely priest who will be missed so much".
Requiem Mass is due to take place at Clonard Monastery at noon today followed by burial at Milltown Cemetery.
