Henry Peel RIP

Fr Henry Peel, a Dominican in his early 80s, died this morning.

Henry was a kind and good man, who had a great sense of the value of people. He was always willing to engage with those who were less fortunate than he.

I lived with Henry in St Mary's in Cork between 1976 and 1979. He was a measured man whose advice was always valuable.

I later lived with him in the Dominican Priory in central Dublin where again he was most supportive. He was vexed with the unjust way in which I was treated in recent years and was brave enough to express his opinion.

He had the intelligence and faith to see through so much of the nonsense that is being peddled as 'religious observance'. Alas it caused him pain but he was a bigger person than that and with a gentle nod of his head he gave that famous smile of his, which clearly let you know what exactly he thought. His eyes told the story in a most emphatic manner.

Henry was a clever man, history being his speciality.

He contributed a column to St Martin's magazine. His column, which was always about some historical person or event, was the jewel in the magazine.

In dark days in St Saviour's, Henry Peel was a shining beacon - his room was a place to go to, to explain and try to be understood. He was gentle and kind, and never patronised.

We may not always have seen reality in similar ways, but there was nothing aloof or arrogant about Henry.

Henry, thank you for your support and the occasional glass of whiskey that you offered me in dark days.

May the angels bring you to the company of God.