Br Patrick O’Reilly MAfr was laid to rest in Kensal Green Cemetery on 3rd July 2026 together with so many of his confreres from the British Province whom he had known and lived with during his long life.
Patrick was 94 years old when he died in Maryvale Nursing Home. He had been in the Nursing Home for several years after becoming very frail.
It was in the chapel of the nursing home that Patrick’s Requiem Mass was celebrated before going to the cemetery. The Mass was well attended by confreres from London and Liverpool as well as “old boys” who had known him from his days as cook in St Boswell’s and Danby Hall. Several “old boys” (both priests and laymen) spoke of their memories of Patrick, of his kindness and sympathetic ear, so much appreciated by youngsters, their first time away from home.
After years serving in the Province, Patrick was eventually sent to Africa, which he loved. He worked for several years in Koudougou and Yako in Burkina Faso. It was there that he developed his love for all things French.
When he eventually returned to Europe, for a while he worked in the White Fathers’ guest house (maison de passage) in Paris.
Again he returned to London and busied himself for a while with icon painting, but his real passion was Reflexology. After some time training he qualified as a reflexologist and was in great demand in Rome for several years at the different sessions that were held there for confreres, as well as African sisters and diocesan clergy.
For many years Patrick was the mainstay in London in different houses, Woodville Gardens, Corfton Road and Little Ealing Lane until eventually he became too frail and at his own request moved into Maryvale Nursing Home (The Butts) where he was well cared for until his death. Maryvale was quite close to The 2 London houses so that confreres could visit him on a regular basis. Patrick kept a clear mind right up to the end (the beginning?) and has now gone to meet his Lord. May he rest in peace.