A gain for heaven but a loss in the here and now for the Right to Life. Fr Irwin was great – we know people who were on the way to being aborted, living today because of his efforts. Below, from the Archdiocese Respect Life office. And below that, are the arrangements.
As a pastor, Fr. Irwin was a true shepherd, creating an atmosphere of welcome for any mother facing a crisis pregnancy and fostering love of neighbor among his parishioners. "Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me." Mt. 25:40. Over the years, many turned to Fr. Irwin for help. Out of love for mothers and their children, Fr. Irwin risked his own liberty participating in Operation Rescue, and also had a tender heart for women who suffered the effects of abortion, assisting in post-abortion healing.
He had served as administrator at Most Holy Trinity, Mamaroneck, since 2010, after having served there as pastor starting in 1989. He was pastor at St. Mary’s, Mount Vernon, 1977-1989, after being temporary administrator there in 1977, and parochial vicar, 1966-1977. He also served as parochial vicar at St. Peter’s, Rosendale, and St. John the Evangelist, Clove. He was ordained in 1962.
"This is one of the great glories, this is one of the wonderful mysteries: That our Lord has put into the hands of priests this literally monumental power that a piece of bread becomes the Body of Christ, a cup of wine becomes His Blood. The hands of a priest can wash away sins accrued over a lifetime." John Cardinal O' Connor
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