Michael Whelan was a man who gave unstintingly to the Church, particularly in serving the Christians of the Holy Land through his work with the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and then, more recently, with the creation of the ecumenical Friends of the Holy Land association. All those who worked with Michael will cherish the memory of his faith, good humour and immense kindness. I, along with many other members of our Bishops’ Conference, saw at first-hand the fruits of Michael’s energy and dedication in helping Christians to remain in the land of their birth. It was a blessing to know Michael and the work that he dedicated himself to will endure as a living memorial.
Michael bore his illness with great courage and his loss will be felt by many people but none more keenly than Norah, Tricia, Michael, Rachel and the rest of the family to whom I extend my condolences.
+Declan
Chairman, CBCEW Department for International Affairs
A Memorial Mass is being celebrated by the Most Rev. Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster at 5.30pm on Thursday 12 September at Westminster Cathedral for “Michael and the Friends of the Holy Land”.
