It was with great sadness that we learned of Bishop James OBriens death on 11th April. Shortly after his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster he assumed
responsibility for the Church in Hertfordshire, where he was to serve his priests and people with total dedication for the next twenty nine years. It was at this time, in
September 1977, that he contacted Fr Des – who was then working in the Portsmouth diocese – and invited him to come to Hertfordshire as chaplain to St Michaels School, Garston. He also established, under the care of Fr Des, a Pastoral Area of some fifty square miles which eventually evolved into the Catholic parish of Chipperfield.
Bishop OBrien lived, very simply and frugally, in the Gate House at the Pastoral Centre in London Colney. Fr Des recalls his first visit to meet him for lunch. Des was instructed to butter the toast whilst he, the Bishop, scrambled the eggs. His parting gift was a jar of homemade marmalade, with words to the effect ‘we need to look after each other! Bishop Jims culinary expertise peaked when eventually he was able to present a rather good spaghetti bolognaise to his guests.
Bishop Jim always retained a warm and deep interest in the growth and development of the Pastoral Area. He attended and gave evidence at the Public Enquiry which
preceded the building of our church in Dunny Lane, and, ten years after its construction, unveiled a plaque commemorating the repayment of all debts on the building.
Bishop Jim epitomized the description of a gentleman and a priest. His ready smile; his response when asked about his well-being “Splendid, my dear”; his advice “Dont take life too seriously”, were expressive of his deep faith and knowledge of himself. In his humility, he was able to laugh at himself and indulge in his great hobby of long walks, bee-keeping and latterly caring for his beloved Labrador dog, Ben.
At the onset of his final illness he wrote to his people in his usual gentle way:
I am even more grateful to God for the wonderful life with which he has blest me. Fifty two years in the priesthood, over half of which were spent as a bishop in Hertfordshire have given me great joy…. Illness can have many benefits. It gives one a chance to
reflect – to realise ones dependence on God and the love of others and to recognise that Gods Grace is everywhere… Please continue your prayers now that Gods holy will be done so that He may be glorified in all things. In the end, that is all that really
matters.
We thank God for the good life and dedicated ministry of this holy man.
May he rest in peace.