Provost Patrick Lynch of the Clifton Diocese died on Sunday 4 March in
Limerick, Ireland. Provost Lynch was born on 13 September 1923 in
Limerick. He studied for the Priesthood at St John’s Seminary,
Waterford, Ireland and in England at St Mary’s College, Oscott.
His ordination took place at the Pro Cathedral, Clifton, Bristol on 11
July 1948. His first priestly appointment took him to Gloucester in
August of 1948 as Curate. He also served as Curate in St Teresa’s,
Filton; St Peter, Cirencester and St Gerard Majella, Knowle, Bristol.
In October 1964 Father Lynch was appointed Priest in Charge of the new
parish of St Teresa’s, Taunton and in April 1967 moved to the larger St
George’s Parish in the town. In 1976 he was elected Dean in the newly
constituted Taunton Deanery a role he fulfilled until his retirement as
Parish Priest in 2000.
As Parish Priest of St George’s he oversaw the pastoral and spiritual
growth of the Catholic community in the expanding town. The Parish of
St Teresa’s was later left without a resident priest and though served
by religious sisters the pastoral and sacramental oversight has been
continued from St George’s Parish and Father Lynch.
He was very active in the field of religious education and served as a
member of the Diocesan Schools Commission for many years. In Taunton he
collaborated in the establishment of a voluntary aided comprehensive
school.
In October 1983 Father Lynch was appointed to the Cathedral Chapter and
become Canon Lynch. He was elected Provost of the Cathedral Chapter in
1995.
Canon Lynch became Monsignor Lynch when he was appointed Prelate of Honour on 13 January 1997 by Pope John II.
He continued to live in Taunton following his retirement as Parish
Priest of St George’s, returning in 2000 to live at St Teresa’s whilst
spending some of his time in Ireland.
Bishop Declan Lang, paid tribute to Provost Lynch saying, “Monsignor
Lynch was one of the great pastoral priests of our diocese combining
wisdom, humour and firm but gentle guidance. Many people, including
myself are indebted to Monsignor Lynch’s example of priestly ministry.
He was much loved both by clergy and laity. I am sure he will be
remembered in prayer by all. May he now come into the fullness of life
with God who called him to serve the Church through ministerial
priesthood.”
Monsignor Lynch's Requiem Mass will be celebrated in the Church of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, Patrickswell, Limerick, Ireland on Tuesday 6 March
at 2.00 pm.