Brother Neil McElwee SDB died yesterday 07 October 2008

A wonderful Funeral Service was celebrated by Father Michael Winstanley SDB, GB Provincial, which was concelebrated by fifteen other Salesians, at the Salesian Parish Church of Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Farnborough. Father Aidan Murray SDB gave a moving homily, as he tied in the Mass readings to the man that was Brother Neil McElwee SDB. It was expertly and very sympathetically constructed and with real feeling.

There was quite a good representation of Brother Neil's family and it was great that his Sister, a Nun, was was part of the family group. Father Sean Murray SDB, a long time friend of Brother Neil's, read the final commendation before the coffin was carried from the church, where it had lain overnight after the Vigil.

Some Old Boys from Blaisdon were there, as were some very young people, whom Brother Neil had befriended on their many visits from Gloucester to Blaisdon Hall, for camps, etc. Farther Sean was delighted to see that they had driven all the way from Gloucester to join in the celebrations and to wish Brother Neil goodbye.

Father Brian McGraw SDB, The Farnborough Rector, read the readings for the final committal at the Salesian graves in Ship Lake cemetery.

"MAY HE REST IN PEACE"

"MAY ST JOHN BOSCO WELCOME HIM HOME"

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Dear Friends. Funeral Arrangements

Br Joe Adams has sent the following from Farnborough:

Here are the arrangements for Bro Neil's funeral at the Church of Our
Lady Help of Christians, Queen's Road, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6JS.

Monday, October 13th at 5.30 pm:
Bro Neil's body will be received into the Church
Tuesday, October 14th at 11.30 am:
Mass - followed by burial at Ship Lane (12.30 pm)

Could visiting Priests please bring a white stole.

Depending on numbers, the buffet afterwards will either be in the Church
Hall or in St John Bosco House. To help us make a decision on this
could Communities and individuals please let Br Joe know who will be
coming as soon as possible.

Please contact Br Joe on joeadamssdb@hotmail.com

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Dear Friends

We have just heard from Farnborough that Br Neil McElwee passed away
yesterday evening 07 October 2008. He was 89 years old, and in the 69th year of his
religious profession.

Among his other placements, Br Neil spent 20 years in Shrigley and 26
years in Blaisdon. He has been living in retirement in Farnborough
since 1998.

As yet there are no funeral arrangements but I will circulate them when
available.

As soon as I hear of the funeral arrangements I will add them to thus page.

"May He Rest in Peace"

John

Brother Neill on the right, relaxing in the lounge at Farnborough