Alan McGuckian SJ, the newly appointed Bishop of Down and Conor was the main celebrant at the annual Mass in honour of Blessed John Sullivan SJ, in St Francis Xavier Church, Gardiner St, Dublin 1, on Saturday 17 February 2024. He was joined by the Chruch of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin Dr Michael Jackson, Niall Leahy SJ PP of Gardiner St, and fellow Jesuits. It was a truly ‘special occasion’ for the large numbers who attended, according to Iva Beranek, the Parish Manager at the church. Read her full report of the day below.

On Saturday, 17th February 2024 we had a beautiful Annual Mass in honour of Blessed John Sullivan SJ. The church was full with people who came from various parts of Ireland. Someone who hasn’t been in our church for years told me, “I have never seen the gate towards the tomb open, so I went in”. There was a real sense of a special occasion taking place.

Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ was the celebrant. In his homily, he said he had something in common with Blessed John because they both spent some time serving in Clongowes Wood College. Speaking about his own experience at the school the bishop explained that, “The best way to serve the pupils would be to get to know them, to enter into their culture and earn their trust, in order to share the Gospel worldview with them. You would take an interest in their games, go to their plays, listen to their concerts”. However, the bishop continued, “John Sullivan it seems never did any of that.” And yet, “they flocked to him when they were in trouble; emotionally or spiritually”.

Bishop Alan recalled that “Everybody he ever met seemed to know that this shabbily dressed, rather odd, extremely pious priest was full of compassion for them; certainly anybody who was weak, sad, lonely, sick or a sinner, knew that John Sullivan loved them.”

A new painting of Blessed John Sullivan outside the Mater Hospital was presented for the first time and was blessed at Mass. This stunning work of art by painter Will Nathans shows Blessed John with his bicycle and rosary beads and it highlights his dedication to serving those who were sick. It will be hung in the newly refurbished John Sullivan room in the parish.

We are also grateful that the Lloyd family, Blessed John’s closest living relatives, came from London to share in this special occasion with us.