Fr Paul Brassil SJ RIP: “Always sharing love”

Jesuit Father Paul Brassil SJ died peacefully surrounded by close friends and family at Cherryfield Lodge on 2 June 2025, aged 91 years.

Father Brassil was born on 18 April 1934 in Dublin. He received early education at Synge Street CBS and later attended Belvedere College SJ in Dublin. He entered the society at St Mary’s, Emo, County Laois on 6 September 1952 and took his first vows there two years later on 8 September 1954. He was ordained at Milltown Park Chapel in Dublin on 28 July 1966.

In 1968 Father Brassil moved to Zambia as parish priest at Fumbo parish. In 1971 he was transcribed to the Zambian Provence and took his final vows at Chikuni, Zambia On 15 August 1971. In 1981 he became Provincial of the Zambian Vice Province. He remained in Zambia until 1999. He then returned to Ireland and worked at Manresa Jesuit Centre as spiritual director for one year. He then moved to Gardiner Street as parish priest and director of apostolate from 1999 – 2003. He then spent 22 years at Coláiste Iognáid, Galway, assisting in the church; and directing the Spiritual Exercises until 2025.

Father Brassil’s funeral Mass took place in Gonzaga College Chapel on Friday 6 June at 11am followed by his burial at Glasnevin Cemetery. The principal celebrant was Richard O’Dwyer SJ.

In his homily Father Richard O’Dwyer said “Everyone who knew Paul, knew him as a wonderful disciple of Jesus because of the love, kindness and compassion that were the centre of his life, he lived the commandment of Jesus that we love one another, as Christ himself loved his first disciples.”

Referencing the various forms of services that Father Brassil engaged in throughout his life, Father O’Dwyer said “If you look at Paul’s life and see the extent and variety of the vital ministries he undertook as a Jesuit, you can see how he gave himself generously, selflessly and wholeheartedly. In the formation of Jesuits and diocesan priests, in the promotion of Ignatian Spirituality, in the governance of Zambian Province and in the pastoral care of the people. In Zambia, Dublin and Galway. He loved all of those entrusted to his care.”

He concluded the homily noting that “Paul Brassil dispensed the gift of love with great abundance to all who came his way”.

Father Brassil will be sadly missed by his sister Maureen and his brother Brendan, brother-in-law Gerry and sister-in-law Guadalupe, his nieces and nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, the Jesuit Community and staff at St Ignatius Church and Residence.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.