Tributes Paid Following Sad Passing of Passionist Priest Fr Aidan O’Kane

Tributes and heartfelt prayers have been shared across North Belfast and beyond following the sad announcement of the death of Passionist priest Fr Aidan O’Kane CP.

Fr O’Kane, originally from the Glens of Antrim, had been recovering in hospital following surgery after sustaining a serious spinal injury in a fall during a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in Bosnia.

Announcing his passing, the Community of the Passion and St. Patrick's Province shared their deep sorrow, saying: "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."

Fr O’Kane was well known and fondly remembered in North Belfast for his work within the community, having previously been involved in the management of the Houben Centre in Ardoyne. Fellow Passionist priest Fr Gary Donegan had recently asked parishioners and friends across the area to hold Fr Aidan in their prayers as he fought to recover from his injuries.

A late vocation to the Passionist congregation, Fr O’Kane dedicated his life to serving others in a wide range of roles. Alongside his time in Ardoyne, he served as Vicar and Bursar at Tobar Mhuire and as Assistant Director of Formation for Passionist students. His most recent posting was as Parish Priest of Mount Argus in Dublin, the home of the Shrine of St Charles of Mount Argus.

Following the announcement, many people across the community took to social media to share warm memories and condolences. Friends and parishioners described him as a "beautiful priest", a dedicated friend, and "one of life's good guys" who fought the good fight to the very end.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Fr Aidan's family, his Passionist brothers, and all who knew and loved him during this difficult time.