Vale Rev Lou Breslan

The Diocese of Parramatta lost one of its most-loved priests with the death of Fr Lou Breslan, aged 92, on Saturday 17 October 2015.
Fr Lou Breslan

15 March 1923 – 17 October 2015

The Diocese of Parramatta lost one of its most-loved priests with the death of Fr Lou Breslan, aged 92, on Saturday 17 October 2015.

A priest for 67 years, Fr Lou celebrated his Diamond Jubilee of ordination when he was Parish Priest of St Patrick’s Parish, Guildford.

He retired from active ministry in 2009 and spent his remaining years in the quiet surrounds of Rosary Village at Yennora.

Fr Lou’s daily devotions included celebrating morning Mass with fellow priests, saying the Rosary and the Stations of the Cross, and readings from the Daily Office.

Born in Ireland in 1923, he was one of four brothers who all became priests. Ordained at age 25, he completed his priestly studies at St Patrick’s Seminary in Carlow with the intention of going on overseas mission.

A meeting with Cardinal Gilroy convinced him that his future ministry lay in Australia, and on arriving in Sydney in early 1949, he worked as a curate at St Mary’s Cathedral.

His later parish postings were to parishes at Thirroul, Lithgow and Manly before he enlisted as a chaplain in the Royal Australian Navy, a tenure that included active overseas service.

In 1975, he left the RAN and was appointed Parish Priest at Guildford. He also served as Chancellor in the Diocese of Parramatta.

In an interview with Catholic Outlook in November 2009, Fr Lou said his devotion to the daily Rosary came from his close-knit family.

“We were strong in the faith and always prayed together as a family. In the Rosary, there is the reflection of all the things that are God.”

Fr Lou said his ministry had been one of the most encouraging and satisfying lives any priest could hope for.

Vigil and Mass of Christian Burial

The Vigil and Rosary will take place on Thursday 22 October 2015 from 7.30pm-8.30pm in St Patrick’s Church, 32 Calliope St, Guildford.

The Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday 23 October 2015 at 11am in St Patrick’s Church at Guildford.

The Committal will follow at Rookwood Cemetery.

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