Dear Fathers, Deacons and Colleagues,
I write with the sad news of the death yesterday evening, 6 April – Holy Thursday – of Fr Peter James Maher. He died peacefully in Bedford Hospital having been admitted on 31 March.
Fr Peter was born in Blackburn, Lancashire on 4 November 1944 and ordained to the priesthood on 13 June 1970 as a priest of St Joseph’s Missionary Society of Mill Hill by Bishop Gerald Mahon MHM. He was incardinated into the Diocese of Westminster in July 1973.
Condolences are extended to Fr Peter’s family, friends and colleagues and to all who knew him from his years in parish ministry in the Diocese and in the Diocese of Northampton where he lived in retirement. Information about funeral arrangements, and an obituary, will be circulated in due course.
We pray for the repose of Fr Peter’s soul:
Lord Jesus, our Redeemer,you willingly gave yourself up to death so that all people might be saved and pass from death into a new life. Listen to our prayers, look with love on your people who mourn and pray for Fr Peter.Lord Jesus, holy and compassionate, forgive his sins. By dying you opened the gates of life for those who believe in you. Do not let our brother be parted from you, but by your glorious power give him light, joy and peace in heaven where you live for ever and ever. Amen.
In Word and Sacrament, Fr Peter was a faithful minister of the Lord. May he be granted a place at God’s heavenly table and may the soul of
Fr Peter rest in peace and rise in glory.
With kind regards on this Good Friday,
Mgr Martin Hayes | Vicar General | Diocese of Westminster