Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Requiem Mass conducted at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary,

Girvan.
22nd July 2010

The Canon (or Father as he preferred), was the oldest serving priest in the Galloway diocese, having retired in 2006. He had always said he wanted to 'die in harness', but that was not to be. He freely admitted he required a new pair of legs!

He was brought up in Dumfries and educated at St Joseph's College, Dumfries, Blair's College, Aberdeen and The Scots College in Rome. After his ordination in 1946 he was sent back to Rome to study Canon Law.

On his return to Scotland he served as curate in St Mary's Saltcoats, and Parish Priest in Kirkconnel, Maybole, Kilbirnie, Kilmarnock and since 1982, Girvan.

In 1989 and 1990 his autobiography, in two volumes was published. These speak clearly of what happiness, joy and fulfilment he enjoyed in following his vocation. Though difficult to obtain now they are worth looking out for in libraries and second hand bookshops!

His holidays were spent visiting family members and friends in Ireland and America and each Monday he would take his day off to visit friends and relatives in the West of Scotland.

Father Mathews lived by the maxim, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (AMDG) - All for the greater glory of God. He is sorely missed.

On 1st July 2012, nearly two years after the death of Father Mathews, Thomas McHugh was ordained to the priesthood in St. Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh by Cardinal Seán Brady.

Father McHugh is from the same parish as the neice of Father Mathews. Eileen, as his closest living relative, was in possession of the Chalice and Paten (left) that belonged to her Uncle Eugene. She has now presented them to Father McHugh so that they may continue to be used.

Father McHugh is pictured (right) with Fr Joe McKeever, parish priest.

Father McHugh was ordained alongside Ryan McAleer for the Archdiocese of Amargh.

Parish Website - www.uppercreggan.co.uk

Archdiocese website - www.armagharchdiocese.org

Autobiography

Volume 1 + 2
Published 1989, 1990