Home / News & Publications / Michigan Catholic News / 2010 / Fr. Byrne was known as a priest who would fight for those who couldn't fight for themselves
Fr. Byrne was known as a priest who would fight for those who couldn't fight for themselves
by Kristin Lukowski of The Michigan Catholic
Published May 28, 2010
DETROIT — Fr. Thomas R. Byrne was known as a priest who would fight for those who couldn't fight for themselves, a friend and brother priest recalled.
Fr. Byrne died May 21. He was 77.
Fr. Byrne lived his last few years at St. Constance Parish, Taylor, where Fr. Leo Sabourin is pastor; "He was well-known and well-liked," Fr. Sabourin said.
"He was known as a priest who would fight for the rights of the poor," he said.
"He was known as a priest who was willing to go to bat for somebody who did now know how to go to bat for themselves. He was not afraid to take on strong authority figures in order to accomplish what he felt was right for the needy."
Among his efforts was a failed attempt to prevent I-96 from being built directly in the middle of what were then the boundaries for St. Brigid Parish, Detroit.
Fr. Sabourin said Fr. Byrne had grown quite ill and hadn't been able to assist him with Masses recently, but he had been a skilled homilist. That had also translated into his being a strong orator in the courtroom on behalf of the people, he said.
Fr. Byrne was born Jan. 8, 1933, in Detroit and ordained a priest for the archdiocese June 7, 1958, celebrating his first Mass at St. Alphonsus, Dearborn.
He served as an associate pastor at St. Benedict Parish, Highland Park (1958); St. Louis Parish, Clinton Township (1960-61); St. Brigid Parish, Detroit (1961-65); St. Angela Parish, Roseville (1965-69); St. Andrew Parish, Rochester (1969-70); Our Lady of Victory Parish, Northville (1976-78); St. Richard Parish, Westland (1979); St. Frances Cabrini Parish, Allen Park (1983-85); and St. Alphonsus Parish, Dearborn (1988-90).
He also served as pastor at St. Gabriel Parish, Detroit (1985-88), on the Catholic Youth Organization staff (1971-73), and as administrator at St. Anne Parish, Monroe (1996-97).
Funeral Mass was Monday at St. Constance Parish, Taylor, attended by both Archbishop Allen Vigneron and Auxiliary Bishop Francis Reiss, with burial following at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.
Condolences to Fr. Leo Sabourin at St. Constance Parish, 21555 Kinyon St., Taylor 48180.
|
