Eulogy for Seán given by Kathleen Carroll January 29th , 2025, Church of the Most Sacred Heart, Ruislip

I love the way, at the start of every sermon, Seán would go out there, almost exactly where he is right now, to welcome everyone, to include, to be part of his community, because that was what Seán treasured in his heart, his family of God. He didn’t need to say a single word after that. Seán’s actions always spoke his truth.
A closely guarded secret until now Seán was born on November 7 th , 1956, to his proud and adoring parents John Carroll and Christina Guidera. He was the 4 th child and 3 rd son of 6 children. Seán is predeceased by his younger brother Michael who died in infancy. Seán’s early years were spent in the rural village of Two Mile Borris and Thurles where he went to school and helped on the family farm. His last two years of secondary school were at the Mill Hill School in Freshford and after his leaving cert., he worked for the Royal Liver Assurance company in Thurles. He worked for a year as a lay missionary for the Legion of Mary in Iceland and later he worked as a missionary with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, an experience that had a profound impact on his life.
He entered the St Partrick’s College Seminary in Thurles, as a mature student, in 1982 and was ordained in 1988, for the diocese of Westminster, having been inspired to come here by the writings, work and the person of Cardinal George Basil Hume.
The following 36 years of Seán’s life were spent serving firstly, in the parish was New Southgate, then Willesden, Stonebridge, Edmonton, Stroud Green and finally, after completing his own personal pilgrimage of 500 miles along the Camino de Santiago way, he came here, to Ruislip where he was to complete his life’s pilgrimage.
We’ve all had a lot of time to think over the past few weeks and, notwithstanding the futility of words at this time, I set myself the task of coming up with one word that would capture the essence of our lovely brother. The word that sprang to mind almost instantly was passion, and in reading the beautiful messages of condolences that have been written about Seán over the past few weeks, it is a word that has been used in describing him over and over.
You may or may not know that Seán loved dancing, and he was a very good dancer. As a young man in his 20s Seán entered the set dancing scene with the same energy and enthusiasm with which he did everything. At that time, every year a concert was organised at the Seminary in Thurles, and first year students were given an opportunity to showcase their talents. Seán, knowing that singing and instrumental music were not his strong suit, without hesitation, got up on stage, poised himself as if dancing with a partner, and to the huge delight of his fellow seminarians danced the first part of the Cashel Set.
Fun was an important part of everything Seán did. Case in point, his favourite TV cartoon series, was Tom and Jerry. And I’m not talking about when he was a child, but right up to adulthood. Seán would chuckle at the mischievous antics of the little mouse Jerry as he endeavored to escape and outwit the big cat, Tom, which of course he succeeded in doing every time. As in real life, Seán was always on the side of the underdog.
Seán’s passion for soccer and his beloved Arsenal. I don’t need to tell a single person who knew Seán, about his love of football. I’m not much of a football fan myself but when I looked at the Arsenal motto ‘Victory through Harmony’ I understood how this aligned with Seán’s own vision. Yes, he was competitive and driven but always with the goal of achieving harmony, bringing people, actions, thoughts and words together, to create unity. And let’s not forget Seán’s passion for golf; when I thought about the phrase ‘golf links’ I could see how it connected him to his close friends who supported him and were there for each other. For that we are so grateful. But then I looked up the word links in the dictionary. I found that it comes from the Scottish language and refers to an area of open coastland or parkland that is allowed remain in its natural state. Seán had a deep affinity with nature and an appreciation of simplicity. It was where he found God.
Many of you will know that Seán was a man who liked to practice horizontal meditation – (he liked to go for a snooze in the afternoon). And so the word passion brings me to Seán’s deep faith and his rich spirituality. In fact, it was his experience of the unconditional love of God that was to become for him the lens through which he viewed the world and lived life.
Let me quote from his own words ‘Here at the Most Sacred Heart Church, Ruislip, we are family, brothers and sisters of Jesus, sons and daughters of our loving God, guided and directed by the Holy Spirit. We belong, no exceptions, no us and them, no excuses. We are all unshakably good, as Fr Greg Boyle would say’. It was this unwavering connection with the divine that enabled Seán to speak with warmth, to the point, and with authority, because he understood the importance of being a servant of God. Seán faithfully followed the advice we received from our mum growing up, and later Seán received again from Cardinal Hume on being ordained to the priesthood, and he was guided in all his decision making and his work, by prayer
Seán also had a deep understanding of his humanity. It was the reason he was able to relate and empathise so well with others. In his reflection on his time walking the way of the pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela, he wrote about how difficult and lonely it was for him to live in the present, and how tempting it was to rush to the destination rather than enjoy the journey. He rejoiced, though, in the deeply held belief that the celebration of the Eucharist is the greatest celebration of presence, the now. Just over two years ago he wrote in his journal, ‘to arrive at Santiago the Compostela and celebrate the pilgrim Mass gives me a foretaste of the banquet that has been prepared for us in Heaven.’
I know I speak on behalf of Seán’s original family, Paddy, William, Sarah and myself when I say, in the words of Ron Rolheiser, thank you, thank you, thank you; to his close friends, his colleagues, and to you his family here in Ruislip, and in Stroud Green, Edmonton, Stonebridge, Willesden and New Southgate. A family with whom Seán felt safe sharing his humanity and his spirituality, along with his jokes and wry wit; a family with whom he walked his pilgrim way for 36 years. He truly loved his life and work here, and he embraced it with passion; a passion that was infused with a belief in the Resurrection. Let that bring all of us great comfort and joy.
Thank you for being with us today, both here and at home, and thank you for praying this eulogy with me.

 

Obituary by VG Monsignor Martin Hayes

Fr Seán Carroll was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Westminster on 11 June 1988. His priestly formation was at St Patrick’s College, Thurles in Co. Tipperary. In his final report on Seán the seminary President wrote, ‘I will be deliberately brief. Seán has been an excellent student in every way. I have the highest regard for him and he should do great work for the Lord in the Archdiocese of Westminster.’ The President went on to become a Bishop, Seán went on to fulfill the words that were written about him. His unexpected death in the presbytery at Ruislip, at the age of 68 years, shocked and saddened all who know him – his family, friends and parishioners in Ruislip and elsewhere. His 36 years of priestly ministry in which he did great work for the Lord, generously serving his parishioners, leave a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten.

Born on 7 November 1956 to parents John and Christina (formerly Guidera) Carroll, in Co. Tipperary, Seán was baptised four days later in the local church of St James in Two-Mile-Borris with the name John Bosco, John after his father and Bosco chosen by his mother because of her devotion to St John Bosco. Seán is, of course, Irish for John. His primary education was at the local two-teacher National School. He then went to the Christian Bothers School in Thurles to study for Intermediate Certificate exams. Secondary level education was completed at the Mill Hill school in Freshford in Co. Kilkenny. Having completed his school education Seán took employment as a clerk with the Royal Liver Assurance Company in Thurles. During this time he was very active in the Legion of Mary. He spent a year working with missionaries in Iceland.

In 1982 Seán went to St Patrick’s College seminary in Thurles. Inspired by the writings of Cardinal George Basil Hume OSB, Archbishop of Westminster, Seán applied to the Diocese for acceptance with the hope of being ordained for service in Westminster. He was given encouragement to do so by priests of the Diocese who also had studied in Thurles. He was accepted. In the summer of 1987, during the holidays, he went to Calcutta to work as a missionary for two months with Saint Mother Teresa’s Sisters of Charity. Although he did not meet Mother Teresa, she was in Africa at the time, this experience left a deep and lasting impression on Seán.

In a letter of welcome to the Diocese following his ordination to the priesthood the Cardinal encouraged Fr Seán to remain steadfast to his prayer life, advice taken to heart by Fr Seán. Fr Seán’s first appointment was to New Southgate where he served as Assistant Priest from 1988-92. He was then appointed to Willesden where he remained until 1994. His first appointment as a Parish Priest was to Stonebridge where he served from 1994-2002. In February 2002 Fr Seán took up his appointment as full time diocesan delegate for child protection issues, having undertaken this work, part time, since 2000. It was to become part time again in the summer of 2002 when Fr Seán was appointed Parish Priest at Edmonton. He handed on the child protection work to his successor in 2003. Fr Seán remained in Edmonton for eight years until 2010. He was then appointed Parish Priest at Stroud Green until 2022. In 2016 he was appointed to serve as Dean of Haringey, an appointment he accepted with characteristic generosity. While at Stroud Green Fr Seán commissioned the window in the church porch that has the images of people whose lives had inspired him: St Peter, St Teresa of Calcutta, St Oscar Romero, Dorothy Day, St Maximillian Kolbe, St Josephine Bakhita. The Canadian priest and writer, Fr Ronald Rolheiser OMI, is another person who gave Fr Seán inspiration and who writings on theology and spirituality he would often quote. Fr Seán requested, and was given, sabbatical leave enabling him to fulfill his ambition to walk the pilgrim way of the Camino in northern Spain. He kept a journal during these seven weeks describing his deepening spiritual journey on the pilgrimage, ‘an awesome spiritual experience’, he wrote. In January 2023 Fr Seán took up his next, and final, appointment as Parish Priest at Ruislip. He died, at home in the presbytery, on 5 January – the day before the second anniversary of his arrival in the parish.

Fr Seán rejoiced in being able to celebrate the Eucharist, bringing the real presence of the Lord to his parishioners and being personally and profoundly nourished and sustained in celebrating and receiving the Eucharist. He was a skilled communicator, using stories and humour to help children and adults to deepen their understanding of the scriptures and how the scriptures are applied to daily living. Throughout his life Fr Seán loved his family, friends and parishioners, and that love was requited. He also loved football, the ‘beautiful game’, and was an avid Arsenal supporter. Golf was another love of his life, disclosing that meeting friends regularly on Thursdays on the golf course helped him to remain sane! Playing golf, being with friends, making time for his family, were all important to Fr Seán. He won’t be joining his golfing friends for the trip to the Algarve on 7 February. They, and all who knew Fr Seán, will remain united in thanksgiving to God for the life and ministry of this faithful priest.

May the soul of Fr Seán, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Homily given by Fr Joe Ryan

The following was reported in the Independent Catholic News https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/51628

The Funeral Mass of Fr Sean Carroll took place yesterday, 30 January, at Most Sacred Heart Church, Ruislip. Cardinal Vincent Nichols presided and Fr Joe Ryan gave the following homily.

Dear Friends,

In June 1988, 36 years ago, Archbishop Thomas Morris ordained 14 young men to the priesthood in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles, Co Tipperary. James Walton, Celcus Tierney, Michael Ryan, Mgr Liam Slattery….

As Symbols were presented to the candidates, The Scriptures, a chalice-and a patten. The words accompanied the actions:

“Receive the oblation of that sacrifice of the holy people of God.

Understand what you do;

Imitate what you celebrate

Conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s cross”.

I can’t think of anyone who has carried out this command better than Fr. Sean Carroll whose funeral we celebrate today. Tere was total commitment and prodigal dedication on Sean’s part.

Sean, you are the embodiment of the scriptures heard today….

“Here is my servant whom I uphold; I have given him my Spirit so that he may bring true justice to the nations; he doesn’t break the crushed reed or quench the wavering flame….”

This was Sean’s style of ministry…

He lived the Beatitude’s… blessed are the poor in spirit, the peacemakers, those who hunger and thirst after what is right…”

Father Sean, a wonderful committed priest; served the people of this diocese well for 37 years; a true friend and an inspiration to so many people. You who are here today. Can testify to this as much as I can

Much of his zeal must have been founded in his apostolic work with the Legion of Mary, prior to his going to the seminary in Thurles. This time in Iceland with Fr Bobby Bradshaw in Reykjavík; his stint in Calcutta with the Mother Theresa Sisters looking after the poor… These experiences helped to shape his style of ministry when he was ordained.

He always blamed me and thanked me for a steering steering him towards the Archdiocese of Westminster. As a first year student back in 1982, he came to me at Somers Town, Euston, during the Christmas holidays. He visited the seminary and was accepted for the Westminster Diocese. The rest is history.

He was so happy at his first parish, New Southgate, With Fr Haughey, and Fr Paul McGinn. Your first appointment as a priest is always so important. It sets the scene for the rest of your ministry.

He enjoyed Willesden and Stonebridge Park and Edmonton and Stroud Green. There he was my neighbour for many years. He brought a lot to the Deanery of Haringey.

One of his projects at St Peter-in-Chains, Stroud Green, was the building of a large engraved window in the porch of the church… engraved there were the images of Saint Peter; St Mother Teresa; St Oscar Romero; Dorothy Day; St Maximilian Kolbe; Sr Josephine Bakhita. What does that say about the man? And all with total support of the parishioners.

Fr Sean followed the Camino de Santiago for seven weeks; he sent some lovely reflections of that spiritual journey. The experience made a deep impression on him.

When he was appointed here, to the Most Sacred Heart parish, he was a little bit apprehensive. He had in mind a quiet little Parish somewhere, maybe in Hertfordshire. But Cardinal Vincent and Mgr Martin had other ideas!! Fr Sean was the man for Ruislip! And how right they were.

He could see the challenges and the potential of this fine Parish. With the Parish team, Fr Jos Ann, Daniela, Siobhan, Holly.He was so proud of you!!He really valued the presence of Fr Paul too. He set about continuing the work done by Fr Duncan, Fr Michael and committed parishioners. He wanted to build on their foundations.

What a shock to this Community, losing two priests in two years.

SPORT: he was an avid Arsenal supporter. How many of us did he win up; Young and old; family and friends, were reminded of the beautiful game of football. He was such a tease. But he was able to take a joke against himself too. As a Spurs supporter, I had a lot to put up with. A tribute will be paid to Fr Sean on the Programme in one of the forthcoming games at the Emirates Stadium.

He loved the golf; as he often said, it was what kept him sane. That weekly outing on a Thursday. He always looked forward to it. Sean was a terrier on golf, never knew when he was beaten… no let up… When we were out on the second or third hole, he would say, “Isn’t it wonderful to be out here in God’s fresh air and a beautiful countryside; whether that was Mill Hill, Brookmans Park; Chestfield Downs, High Post, Thurles, Nenagh, Alto or wherever. These were all magic places to Sean, where he could recharge his batteries and continue doing God’s work. We were due to go on our golfing holiday to the Algarve 7th February. Our group of eight considered cancelling the trip…but that’s not what Sean would want.

The children loved him and had their own analysis of liturgy and rubrics. When the teacher and Catechist were talking to the children about the parts of the Mass and were explaining about the introduction, sorry prayers, the Gloria, the readings, the Gospel AND “children, what follows after the gospel? One child piped up and said,”is that where Fr Sean would tell stories and makes people laugh?” Not sure what the Liturgist would have to say!

Fr Sean, your family loved you and you likewise. There was always the family gathering to celebrate Mass on your arrival on holiday in Two-Mile-Borris….. Getting all the family together was so important.

THANK YOU SEAN;

For being a friend to so many people; bringing comfort, wisdom and healing to their lives.
Thank you for using the media to bring the gospel message alive to so many on, YouTube, podcasts, newsletters etc.

Thank you for being a Good Shepherd, ‘smelling of the sheep’, as Pope Francis would put it. Yes, close to your people….

Thank you for the ability to engage people in the life of the parish and the church.

Thank you too Sean for the Scud missiles and curved balls you were able to send into Clergy gatherings and pose the necessary questions for clarification!

Thank you for your love of Fr Ron Rolheiser, the Oblate priest you admired and quoted so often for us. We all benefited from that.

Thank you Sean for sharing your parents’ wisdom. When I would be complaining about things going wrong, you would say; “As my mother often said, there will be days like that”. In other words, get on with it and stop moaning! This is what he did

IMAGE; I have the image of Sean leaving these earthly shores. As he left, a new seashore loomed up. On that shore, waiting for him and beckoning him to come, was Jesus, his parents, family members, priest friends, and all those whose funeral Masses he celebrated. All their friends too, were out there waiting for him on the shore to welcome him into the eternal kingdom……

YES, leaving us has been a sad event; but we must not be selfish.. we have to let Sean go to his eternal reward in thankfulness for the time he has been with us…. our grief must be turned into APPRECIATION; there is a precious gain that comes from loss; there is a tender sweetness that comes from grief, that is appreciation… we leave Sean in God’s safe keeping.

I imagine there are things I’ve not been able to cover. Treasure the memories you’ve got; they are special to you…..

Sean, we say together with you… May your soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen.

And finally, Sean, I’m going to embarrass you; you were never one for fuss or adulation. I’m going to ask that all of us here and those joining us on line, would says BIG THANK YOU for being a wonderful priest and friend, with a resounding round of applause……………

AMEN.

A Mass in celebration of Sean’s life will be held in the Church of St James, Two Mile Borris, Tipperary, Ireland, on Saturday, February 15 at 1.30pm, followed by Burial of Ashes in the adjoining cemetery.