Prayers Requested for Fr Aidan O'Kane Following Serious Injury in Medjugorje

The North Belfast community has been asked to keep Passionist priest Fr Aidan O'Kane in their thoughts and prayers after he suffered a serious spinal injury during a pilgrimage to Medjugorje.

Fr O'Kane, who is originally from the Glens of Antrim, underwent surgery following a fall at the Bosnian pilgrimage site and is currently in recovery. Fellow Passionist priest Fr Gary Donegan shared the news and requested prayers for his recovery, noting that it remains to be seen how successful the surgical procedure has been.

Fr O'Kane had already been convalescing from a previous surgery related to a separate illness when the unfortunate accident occurred. Fr Donegan explained that he had spoken with Fr O'Kane just a day before the fall, noting that he had been in good spirits and eagerly looking forward to returning to active ministry.

A late vocation to the Passionist congregation, Fr O'Kane is well known and respected across many communities. Local residents in North Belfast will remember his dedicated service and involvement in the management of the Houben Centre in Ardoyne. Throughout his ministry, he has also served as Vicar and Bursar at Tobar Mhuire and as Assistant Director of Formation for Passionist students. His most recent appointment has been serving as Parish Priest at Mount Argus in Dublin, the home of the Shrine of St Charles.

Describing Fr O'Kane as having a deeply rooted traditional spirituality and a heartfelt devotion to the Virgin Mary, Fr Donegan encouraged parishioners and friends across the community to pray for his healing and strength through the intercession of Our Lady and St Charles during this difficult recovery period.