The piece below, written by Jordan O’Brien OP of the Dominican community at the Calddagh in Galway, appears in this week’s Connacht Tribune/City Tribune - Galway City edition of the Connacht Tribune.
Holding a 64-page passport indicates a busy life, and it was his second. Father Damian Louis Byrne grew up in Beatystown in the Claddagh. The anniversary of his death, aged 67, occurs on February 18.
His travels were not for pleasure or business but to fulfil his calling to preach. In September 1983, Damian Byrne, his religious name, was elected Master of the Dominican Order and for nine years had the task of encouraging the Dominican Family to preach and witness to God’s love on the world stage.
In 1963 Damian was elected prior of St Mary’s, the Claddagh, and two years later was on his way to Argentina to open a new mission of the Irish Dominicans. From there he moved to Trinidad and Tobago, to Mexico, then back to Ireland and always in a leadership role, before his election as Master of the Order in September 1983.
Leaving Rome and returning to Ireland Damian brought his worldwide experience to the Irish Church, and particularly the burning issues of the day: clerical abuse of minors, vulnerable adults and women.
One can only raise a voice and Damian did just that. We thank him for his preaching – always pastoral and compassionate.
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