PRESS RELEASE
21 JUNE 2006
DEATH OF MONSIGNOR DENIS FAUL
PARISH PRIEST OF CARRICKMORE, CO TYRONE
The following statement has been issued by Archbishop Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh
and Primate of All Ireland:
I have learned with great sadness of the death today at the Bon Secours Hospital, Dublin,
of Monsignor Denis Faul, Parish Priest of Termonmaguirc (Carrickmore), Co. Tyrone, after
a long illness, patiently and valiantly borne.
I offer my earnest condolences to his sister, brothers, nephews and nieces and to the
people of Carrickmore. Today the laity, sisters, brothers, and clergy of the Archdiocese
deeply mourn the death of an outstanding pastor.
Denis Faul devoted his life to ministering to others, shielding them from threat or
danger, advocating for those in crisis, and promoting at all times what would advance
their spiritual or material wellbeing.
He was passionate about the potential of education to liberate. He believed intensely
in the right of parents to elect to have their children educated within the Catholic
ethos.
In his long school ministry, of forty years, Monsignor Faul took immense interest in
each student. A man of boundless energy, he often demanded of others the high standard
of excellence he set for himself, but was ever gentle and understanding in a crisis,
and spirited in his defence of the distressed. He respected the dignity and worth of
every human being at every stage of existence, and challenged his pupils to do likewise.
Denis Faul stood up for what he believed in, stood up for the distraught, no matter what
their class, religion or background. With valour and hope he unstintingly gave his
advice, assistance and support, never counting the cost or risk to himself.
He realised clearly that justice is not a casual by-product of peace, but something
anterior and fundamental to any lasting peace. His whole life was an eloquent testimony
that justice requires consistent courage, and that peace must be underpinned by morality
at all times.
This noble and honourable pastor of ceaseless activity and generous character has now
come to the end of his long and distinguished earthly journey. May he rejoice forever
in the Company of all the Saints.
ENDS
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Thursday 22 June: Removal of remains to Church of St Columcille, Carrickmore for
Mass, at 7.00 pm.
Friday 23 June: Funeral Mass, Church of St Columcille, Carrickmore, at 12.00 noon,
burial afterwards, in adjoining graveyard.
Monsignor Denis Faul – biographical details:
Monsignor Faul was born on 14 August 1931, and was one of seven children. His sisters
Mary Mast (Illinois) and Dr. Eleanor Faul (Dundalk) predeceased him. He is survived by
his bothers, Dr. Peter, Terence, and Stephen, and by his sister, Mrs Bridget McCartan.
Monsignor Faul was educated in St. Mary’s, Dundalk from 1943 – 45, and then transferred
to St. Patrick’s College, Armagh from 1945-49. A gifted student with a flair for the
classics, the humanities and languages, Denis Faul excelled academically at St. Patrick’s
College, Maynooth, which he attended from 1949-1956.
He completed his postgraduate studies at the Gregorian University in Rome, in 1958,
graduating with a Licentiate in Sacred Theology.
His first diocesan appointment was as a professor in St. Patrick’s Boys’ Academy,
Dungannon, on 1 January 1958, where he taught a range of subjects. In 1983, he became
President of the Academy, and oversaw the continued expansion of the school with the
introduction of new subjects in information technology, the sciences, languages, sport
and the arts.
The late Pope John Paul II created Father Faul a Prelate of Honour of His Holiness,
(with the title of Monsignor), on 21 April 1995. On his retirement as President of St
Patrick’s Academy, Monsignor Faul was appointed Parish Priest of the Parish of
Termonmaguirc (Carrickmore), Co. Tyrone, in September 1998, an appointment he held
until his death.
Further information:
Martin Long Director of Communications (086 172 7678)
Brenda Drumm Communications Officer (087 233 7797)
