A plaque was unveiled at the family home in south Armagh of Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich, marking the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Cardinal Ó Fiaich, the All Ireland Primate from 1977 until his death in 1990, is remembered with "affection and admiration", the current leader of the church on the island, Archbishop Eamon Martin, said at the unveiling.
The admiration for the man born in 1923 and raised near Cullyhanna centred on his "scholarship, his remarkable leadership and pastoral care during very troubled times, but above all, for his humanity and kindness".
"Although I only met him a few times myself, as a seminarian and as a young priest in Derry, I had a sense that he was a man of great friendly presence," Archbishop Martin added.
Cardinal Ó'Fiaich was known for his academic prowess, as a linguist and a lecturer in modern history. He was passionate about the Irish language.
The Ulster History Circle organised the erection of the plaque, with the ceremony attended by members of the cardinal's family. The project was driven by the Creggan Local History Society.
"Tomás, Cardinal Ó Fiaich is renowned for his dedication to the church, to Celtic history and to Irish language and he is remembered as an inspiring leader and champion," said Ulster History Circle chairman Chris Spurr.
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Cardinal Ó Fiaich is remembered as a staunch critic of violence by all sides in the conflict, someone who worked across the divide but was also known for his condemnation of the UK Government's actions and policies, with his tenure largely coinciding with Margaret Thatcher's.
Archbishop Martin said the cardinal was misunderstood by some "who would have unfairly labelled him as a partisan".
"His outlook was of harmony, reconciliation and peace between all men and women on the island of Ireland, whatever their political aspirations. His episcopal motto was “Fratres in unum “ brothers and sisters together."
The Primate added: "People loved Cardinal Tomás, or Father Tom as he was more often and affectionately known. When he died they said “Ní fheicfidh muid a leithéid choíche.” And they were correct in that."
He was "as comfortable with children and young people as he was with professors, presidents and prime ministers", Archbishop Martin said.
"Above all, Cardinal Tomás was a good shepherd, a man of God who gave himself completely to his vocation and essentially wore himself out with a gruelling schedule of commitments and travels at home, around Ireland, Europe and the world. But his heart remained here."
Born on November 3 1923 at 'An Chrosbhóthar’ on the Kiltybane Road in Cullyhanna, Cardinal O'Fiach was an accomplished gaelgoir and scholar with a profound interest in folk lore and history.
Tomás Ó Fiaich was born as Thomas James Fee, the second son of schoolteacher parents, Patrick Fee and Annie Carragher. At various times both parents taught at Cregganduff public elementary school. His older brother Patrick became the doctor in nearby Crossmaglen.
He died in 1990, aged 66.
