Bishop Francis Lagan: a ‘wise man’ loved by so many

Dr. Lagan, who passed away earlier this week after a long illness, was buried in his native Maghera today after funeral Mass in Strabane where he had lived for more than 35 years.

Speaking at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Bishop Donal McKeown paid tribute to Dr Lagan who, he said, had to cope with many changes and challenges during his 60 years’ ministry.

He told today’s Mass: “Shortly after the death of Bishop Seamus Hegarty last September, I visited Bishop Francis in his sick bed. I wagged my finger at him and jokingly said something to the effect that, in three years, I had buried two bishops and didn’t want to have to bury another one for a long time! He smiled graciously, as ever, but, clearly, he didn’t take me too seriously. And, today, we find ourselves at his funeral Mass to which he had given much thought.

“Last Saturday, I was in his room in the hospital. His only concern was to talk about his funeral ceremony - and he wrote with his felt-tipped pen, ‘Keep the Mass simple’. And music? ‘Simple’. For Bishop Francis, the restrictions imposed by Covid have been ideal in enabling him to be buried with little fuss. In life and in death, he was a simple man.”

Dr McKeown said that, during his years as a priest, Bishop Lagan had to deal with many developments and demands in the life of the church.

As a young priest, he said, Francis Lagan could not have known of the effects of the Second Vatican Council or the terrible reality of the Troubles or the many sad stories that would emerge about the Church, locally and internationally.

“We have all had to cope with the reality that we stumbled through the difficulties, often making mistakes, misreading situations, acting or failing to act appropriately”, said Dr. McKeown.

“Though he did not talk to me about that, I do know that he was a conscientious man who would have acknowledged his mistakes and humbly asked for forgiveness.”

Bishop McKeown said Dr Lagan wished to have his funeral Mass in his “beloved” Strabane but wanted to be buried in his native soil of Maghera.

“He was deeply rooted in the life of that community and of its strong cultural traditions. Those who know their roots are well equipped to spread their wings,” he added.