Legion of Mary missionary dies

Father Aidan McGrath, one of the luminaries of the missionary Columban Fathers, died on Christmas Day aged 95.

Father Aidan McGrath, one of the luminaries of the missionary Columban Fathers, died on Christmas Day aged 95.

Father McGrath was a leading figure in the Legion of Mary in China and served as its co-ordinator in the Far East.

He made many clandestine forays into China after Mao Zedong had consolidated his position to pursue the work of the legion there in an underground capacity. He was eventually captured and spent three years in solitary confinement.

Office and prayers for Father McGrath will be at 7.30 p.m. this evening at Dalgan Park, Navan, Co Meath. He will be buried after concelebrated Mass tomorrow at 10 a.m..