Father Christy Fox MHM RIP

Fr Christy Fox

Source: MHM/Missio

Mill Hill Missionary Fr Christopher (Christy) Fox died on 14 March in St James' Hospital, Dublin.

Born on 8th of April, 1931 in Streamstown in Westmeath, he was one of nine children; four brothers and four sisters. His father was Michael Fox, a farmer, and his mother's maiden name was Mulvany.

He was ordained a Mill Hill Missionary Priest in 1955. He started his ministry in Ireland, and also became a qualified science teacher. A few years later, he was appointed to work in Tororo, Uganda. He had one year of pastoral work there before being seconded onto the staff of St Pius X Seminary at Nagongera. By 1967, he was back in his native Ireland working as Vocation Director, based in Dartry, Dublin.

This appointment was renewed twice, but he longed to return to East Africa. in 1981 he was again appointed to Tororo Diocese, Uganda. During this time, he gained a Masters Degree in Sacred Theology.

In 1994, he was elected again to represent Uganda at our General Chapter. Christy was instrumental in establishing the Philosophical Centre in Jinja. After a short Home Leave Christy was appointed onto the staff of the Faith and Mission Renewal Programme at Navan, Ireland. He had a brief return to Uganda in 1995, where he assisted with Renewal Courses. By October 1996 he left Uganda to work as Rector in Courtfield.

In 2003 Christy was appointed to work in the Irish Region, initially as Rector at Kilkenny and editor of the Saint Joseph's Advocate magazine. While doing all these tasks he also found time to do some Organising/Promotion work in Ireland.

A talented author, Fr Christy wrote three books: 'Painted Butterflies: Memories of a Missionary' (2015), 'Our Lady's Apron: A collection of articles on spiritual topics' (2016) and 'The Miracle of the Universe' (2021).

In one article from Mission Today, he discussed the miracle of a close and personal relationship with God, observing:

'Modern research is revealing new wonders of the vast universe of which we are part. The fact that I can have a relationship with the Divine Creator of it all, whom I can call Abba, Father, is almost incredible. Scripture tells us that He has carved my name on the palm of His hand. I can only respond with love, adoration and thanksgiving'.

A tribute from Missio says: "Throughout his long life of service, Fr Christy was passionate about mission, the power of prayer and the good that the Church could do in the world, often without being particularly acknowledged.

In his last article for Mission Today See: he noted:

'A few years ago we were grateful when Band Aid raised some seventy million pounds to help relieve the famine in Ethiopia. But we should keep in mind that the Catholic Church, through its many agencies, gives far more than that every year for the relief of poverty and the elimination of the causes of poverty and injustice'.

He also emphasised the importance of prayer, and how precious prayer is to missionaries working overseas. He said:

'During some of the dangerous times in Uganda, I was very conscious of communities of people at home praying for our safety. The Church is the body of Christ.

Every prayer we say, every act of self-sacrifice and generosity contributes to the welfare of the Church at home and abroad'.

The Missio team gives thanks for the life of Fr Christy and will remember him as a 'kind and lovely man', an insightful and inspiring writer, and a true friend.

When Fr Christy retired at the age of 86 from writing for Mission Today, our National Director - Fr Anthony Chantry - wrote to readers saying:

'On your behalf and for the hundreds of thousands of people who have benefitted from his wisdom over the years, I thank him profusely for his distinguished contribution towards the life of this very special missionary magazine. He leaves with our blessing and an open invitation to drop us a line, or an article, anytime'.

His Mill Hill Missionary brothers share:

'Christy's height and bulk towered over most people. Yet he was a gentle but direct person, believing that challenge, when expressed in the right way, was an opportunity for growth… Christy enjoyed life and made a wonderful friend to all'.

Fr Christy's funeral took place Friday t18th of March at 11am in Saint Joseph's Parish church in Terenure, followed by burial at Bohernabreena Cemetery.

LINK

Fr Christy's last article: https://missio.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/MissionToday-Autumn2016-FrChrisFox.pdf