Andy Drozdziak
The Archdiocese of Glasgow is mourning one of its own, as Glasgow’s oldest priest Fr Des Broderick died days before his 100th birthday.
Fr Des Broderick had been living at retirement home Nazareth House for 34 years after a life of ministry which saw him serve in parishes across the Archdiocese of Glasgow.
Paying tribute to the hugely popular pastor, the Archdiocese of Glasgow said: “Throughout his retirement, Fr Des continued to help out at parishes across the Archdiocese and acted as spiritual director to countless individuals and prayer groups.
“His simple and profound devotion to Our Lady, his infectious smile and his gentle manner won the hearts of all who came into contact with him. Requiescat in pace.”
Born in Glasgow in 1924, he was educated at St Conval’s Primary (1929-1936); Holyrood Secondary (1936-1941) and St Mary’s College Blairs (1941-1942) before being called up for wartime army service during the Second World war from 1942-1946.
After army service, he resumed his seminary training at St Peter’s College Cardross (1947-1952). He was ordained by Archbishop Campbell in June 1952 and began a lifetime of priestly service.
July-October 1952: Assistant Priest Immaculate Heart of Mary;
1952-1971: Assistant Priest St Teresa’s, Possilpark;
1971-1972: Assistant Priest St Andrew’s Cathedral;
1972-1974: Secretary to Archbishop Scanlan and to the Archdiocese;
1974-1976: Secretary to Archbishop Winning and to the Archdiocese;
1976-1983: Chaplain Notre Dame College, Bearsden;
1983-1989: Parish Priest St Stephen’s Dalmuir;
1989-1990: Assistant Priest St Andrew’s Cathedral;
October 1990: Retired to Nazareth House.
Many took to social media to pay their respects to the popular priest. Catholic group Padre Pio Events Scotland, which promotes devotion to Padre Pio in Scotland and worldwide, described Fr Des as ‘a truly wonderful man’ and ‘a truly wonderful priest.’
The group posted: “He gave everything to the service of God and to the people of God. May he be welcomed home to paradise with the words: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Rest in peace and rise in glory Des, you were a saintly man! Pray for us.”
Glasgow resident Tom Docherty said Fr Des was ‘one of the kindest priests I’ve ever known and a wonderful loving person.’ Parishioner Craig Mathieson said Fr Des was ‘one of the best priests I have ever known in the Archdiocese.’
Scottish Catholic media company Sancta Familia Media paid tribute by saying: “A wonderful priest. A good holy man. May God reward him for his many, many years in the service of the Lord.”