26.01.2024
The Revd Conor Harper SJ – A Tribute from Archbishop Michael Jackson
The death of the Revd Conor Harper SJ took place yesterday (Thursday January 25). Conor was a keen advocate for the beatification of Fr John Sullivan SJ, who was born into the Church of Ireland and later became a Jesuit priest. Archbishop Michael Jackson has paid tribute to him.
“We have learned of the death of The Reverend Conor Harper SJ and wish to express our condolences to members of his family, to members of the Jesuit Order and to the community of Clongowes where Conor taught for many years.
“He was passionate about the Clongowes–Portora link between both schools and served the cause of reconciliation actively and tirelessly.
“Conor was a lifelong friend of the Church of Ireland and fearless in his expounding and living a gracious ecumenism. He died fittingly on the culminating day of the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity.
“In this spirit Conor is known throughout Ireland and worldwide for his advocacy of the cause of The Reverend John Sullivan SJ who in so many ways lived the best of both the Anglican and the Roman Catholic traditions. Conor rejoiced in working for this cause and in the family members of John Sullivan whom he met through this.
“We continue to pray with the rest of the Christian world for the unity for which Conor longed.”
Conor was son of the late Matthew and Josephine. He was redeceased by his sister Marian. He is much loved and deeply missed by his sisters Joan, Toni, Judy and Aine, brother Neil, sister–in–law Eleanor, brother–in–law Paul, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, his Jesuit confrères and a large circle of loyal friends.
Reposing at Cherryfield Lodge, Milltown Park from 3pm on Monday, 29th January, with prayers at 4pm. Funeral Mass in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook, on Tuesday, 30th January, at 11am.