Funeral Details Confirmed for Beloved Passionist Priest Fr Aidan O'Kane

Funeral arrangements have been announced for well-known Co Antrim priest Fr Aidan O’Kane CP, who tragically passed away following an injury sustained while on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje.

The Carnlough native, who was deeply involved in the North Belfast community through his work with the Passionists and the Houben Centre in Ardoyne, died on Monday, September 28. Fr Aidan had suffered a fall while visiting the Bosnian pilgrimage site and had been recovering in hospital following surgery.

Announcing the heartbreaking news, the Community of the Passion and St. Patrick's Province shared their profound sorrow: "It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death earlier this evening of Fr. Aidan O'Kane CP. May his good soul rest in peace and rise in Christ's resurrected glory. Thank you for all the prayers you offered up for Fr. Aidan."

A late vocation to the Passionists, Fr Aidan held several significant responsibilities across the order. He served as Vicar and Bursar at Tobar Mhuire, worked as Assistant Director of Formation for Passionist students, and played a central role in the management of the Houben Centre in Ardoyne. His most recent posting was as Parish Priest of Mount Argus in Dublin, home to the Shrine of St Charles.

Predeceased by his loving parents Patrick and Nuala, Fr Aidan was the dearly loved brother of Padraig (Mary) and Mark (Mary), and a treasured uncle to Martin, as well as a cherished cousin, Godfather, and brother in Christ to many.

Fellow Passionist priest Fr Gary Donegan, who had previously asked the community to keep Fr Aidan in their prayers, reflected on the deep sense of loss following a visit to the O'Kane family home in the Glens. "The last two days visiting with his family and friends has been a time of disbelief, tears, laughter and prayer," Fr Gary said, thanking everyone who took time to acknowledge Fr Aidan and offer their comforting prayers.

Fr Aidan’s body is being repatriated to Dublin on Tuesday, where he will rest with Fanagans Funeral Directors. He will be received into Mount Argus Church at 6.30pm on Wednesday evening, followed by a memorial Mass on Thursday morning.

He will then make his final journey home to North Belfast, arriving at Holy Cross Church in Ardoyne where he will be received at 6.30pm on Thursday evening. Requiem Mass will take place at 12 noon on Friday at Holy Cross, followed by interment in the adjacent Passionist Cemetery.