Homily preached at Fr Jack Clancy C.Ss.R's funeral

Preacher Fr Michael Creech C.Ss.R

Like many people priests come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Fr Jack was no exception.  I was tempted to preach walking up and down the aisle as he did on the few occaisions he celebrated publicly.

Fr Jack had two goes at being a Redemptorist. He first entered the Perth novitiate in the mid-fifties, straight from military service. So, he did not need to endure the drastic haircut that was part of entering novitiate life. Unfortunately, family responsibility called him back to his home in Dundee, but after a year or two he returned and went through the twelve month novitiate again. Perhaps I should mention he came from a Franciscan parish In Dundee and his brother became a Franciscan dying a few years ago in Edinburgh. He then transferred to Hawkstone in Shropshire, our former house of studies before ordination in 1963.

His early priesthood days were spent in Erdington Abbey, Birmingham, in our junior seminary. When the idea of a junior seminary was abandoned he returned to Hawkstone to be part of the team in the newly formed pastoral centre for ongoing formation and spiritual renewal. His lecturing ministry did not last long and he then had a short spell in South Africa, that at that time was part of our Province.

On returning he soon made his home in Clapham. He grew to love Clapham and in a number of ways Clapham loved him. The condition of his heart was deteriorating, yet he developed his own ministry. I suppose Academic Hospitality just about sums it up. He had a passion for books, reading and writing, always aspiring to publish his work including the many poems he composed. His room at the top corner of the monastery resembled a library. He even visited London’s second-hand book stall mark every week. I should also mention the net of correspondence he engaged in, that led to his collecting stamps as many correspondents were abroad.

Linked with his academic life was his role as the house and Provincial archivist. If his passion for books was not always noted, his hospitality was. He spent many hours often at unsociable times in the office desk near the front door. This is where he shone, making people welcome and being ready to help. This side of his personality especially revealed itself in his daily walking, often a struggle, along the high street. Perhaps not quite a celebrity, but his warm personality emerged as he was ready to stop and chat with people, and this as very much appreciated. He was never lost for words.

I must conclude with a side of Fr Jack that was not public. His life of prayer. Rarely seen in church or chapel celebrating, he prayed and said Mass privately in his room. This was especially helpful to Fr Bev Ahearn. Bev’s sight was rapidly deteriorating as was Jack’s heart condition. The two would meet up about midday to celebrate, usually on Fr Bev’s desktop. The closing of the monastery for renovation and his declining health led him to St Peter’s home.

Others will have done it more formally, but I would like to add my own thanks, especially as the sisters and staff are represented here. Leaving his natural habitat and books led him at times to be difficult, though Fr George assures me in time he was most appreciative of the company and the necessary help he received. I must leave this synopsis of Fr Jack’ long life, and on your behalf address Jack’s earthly remains that lie before the altar.

Thank you Jack for being who you were your long rich life, your unobserved life of prayer and suffering. Not forgetting your unusual pastoral ministry of welcoming hospitality and words of comfort with a smiling face. We will miss you Jack, but feel blessed we are here today to speed you on the last stage of your earthly journey.

You can rest now in peace. Amen.