Société des Missions Africaines –Province d’Irlande

Born on February 21, 1920 in the diocese of Derry, Ireland Permanent oath: June 17, 1944 Priest December 17, 1944 Died January 29, 1999

1946-1986 missionary in Nigeria 1986-1987 diocese of Owensboro, USA 1988-1989 missionary in Nigeria 1990-1991 diocese of Down & Connor 1992 Nigeria 1993-1995 diocese of Down & Connor 1995-1999 Dromantine Died in Newry, Ireland, on January 29, 1999, aged 78

Father Vincent BOYLE (1920 – 1999)

He died in Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry, Co. Down after a short illness on Friday, January 29th, 1999.

Father Vincent’s arrival in Nigeria in 1946 coincided with a period of expansion of the Church and he later played a significant role in that expansion. It was a source of great joy to him to see that the seeds which he had earlier sown had already begun to produce such an abundant harvest.

In the first reading we heard how Abraham was called by God to leave his family and go to a strange land. It was a journey in faith in which God is our final destination. Father Vincent oftened listened to Christ’s words: There are many rooms in my Father s house; I am going now to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you with me. (John 14:1-3). We now celebrate his life’s journey as he enters that room to enjoy the fullness of his new life with God in heaven.

During his life he touched many hearts with his gentle, easy manner. He had an instinctive gift for making people feel at ease in his company and his courteous manner inspired trust and respect. As we mourn the loss of a warm-hearted and gentle man we thank God for the gift of his life.
(Excerpt from homily by Father Des Corrigan, sma, Vice-Provincial)