Bishop Francis Lagan The Bishop of Derry diocese has extended condolences after the death of Bishop Francis Lagan, who served as an auxiliary bishop of the diocese from 1988-2010, saying he was a “gentle pastor” and “caring brother priest”.
Bishop Lagan died early on Monday morning. He was born in Maghera and was ordained a priest in 1960 in Maynooth. Bishop Donal McKeown said: “Bishop Lagan had a keen insight into the reality of people’s lives and he never failed to bring his extensive pastoral experience to bear on discussions at the Bishops’ Conference table.
“As a teacher in Derry and Carndonagh, he nurtured young people in the faith and encouraged them to make the most of their gifts and educational opportunities; this remained his message to the thousands of young people on whom he conferred the sacrament of Confirmation over many years.
“Bishop Lagan was a strong advocate for peace and reconciliation, having witnessed first-hand the terrible violence and heartbreak endured by people during the Troubles. He also understood the joys and struggles of his brother priests who often had to minister in the midst of great challenge, grief and community unrest,” Bishop McKeown added.