Senior churchmen have paid tribute to the Columban priest, Father Rufus Halley, who was shot dead in Mindanao in the Philippines. They also expressed their sympathies to his family who left yesterday for his funeral tomorrow in the Philippines. The Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Sean Brady, expressed his heartfelt sympathy on behalf of the Irish Episcopal Conference. "Father Halley's priestly ministry was inspired by the Beatitudes: `Happy are the poor in spirit. Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right. Happy the peacemakers.' "
Dr Brady said: "His death is also a striking reminder of the extraordinary commitment, faith and generosity of our Irish missionaries throughout the world. May we continue to support them in every way possible, and especially with our prayers."
Dr William Lee, the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Father Halley's home diocese, said the priest had worked tirelessly for peace and saw his role as a catalyst for reconciliation between Muslim and Christian communities.
Dr Lee said he was always struck by Father Halley's friendliness and his "quite extraordinary missionary zeal". He said he was loved by all who had the good fortune to be in contact with him.