Media Release

For Immediate Release

June 23, 2008

University community mourns loss of Rev. Joseph Gregory Heenan

Rev. Joseph Gregory Heenan

1928-2008

Members of the Saint Mary's University community are mourning the loss of Rev. Joseph Gregory Heenan, Priest of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Halifax and alumnus of Saint Mary’s University. Rev. Heenan died in Drummond Hall, Parkland Estates, Halifax, on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, after an extended illness.

Born in Halifax in 1928 to Joseph Gregory Heenan and Margaret Lillian (Cable) Heenan, he received his early education at St. Patrick's High School in Halifax, completed undergraduate studies at Saint Mary's University, studied theology at Holy Heart Seminary in Halifax, and followed a post-graduate course at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana.

Joseph Gregory Heenan was ordained to priesthood by Most Reverend A.B. Leverman on May 11, 1952, and served several parishes, coming to each community as priest and friend. He was particularly sensitive to the needs of youth and families and sought to provide material as well as spiritual support.

He began priestly ministry by serving at St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica as curate (1952) and Diocesan Master of Ceremonies, (1955) and then served as curate at St. Michaels in Spryfield (1960).

He became pastor at St. Joseph's Parish in Bridgewater (1963), then was appointed pastor in St. Catherine of Siena in Halifax (1970). He also served as pastor at St. Joseph's in Halifax (1978), St. Ignatius in Bedford (1982), St. John the Evangelist in Windsor (1990), and St. John the Baptist in Halifax (1992). He retired from active ministry in 1998, and resided for some time at St. Peter's Parish in Dartmouth, before moving to Parkland.

For several years, Father Heenan served as a Diocesan Consultor, and also worked with a number of diocesan commissions where his contributions were highly appreciated for their wisdom and practical results.

Father Greg is survived by his brothers, Terry (Bobbie), Vancouver, B.C.; David, Bowser, B.C.; Peter (Alice) and Joseph (Jean), both of Ottawa; his sister, Madeleine Kelly, Halifax; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, William, and sisters-in-law, Madeline and Catherine.

The funeral mass was celebrated in St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica today at 10 a.m., Archbishop Emeritus James M. Hayes presiding. Committal followed in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville.

Donations in memory of Father Gregory Heenan may be made to the Archdiocese of Halifax Fund for Infirm and Retired Priests.

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For more information:

Blake Patterson
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: blake.patterson@smu.ca
www.smu.ca