Father Christopher Greaney RIP

Fr Christopher Greaney

Father Christopher Greaney, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, died on Thursday 28 December 2023, at the age of 77.

Fr Christopher was ordained on 29 June 1993 and served as parish priest in Norton le Moors, Kidlington and Stourport before his retirement to Leamington in 2016, where he continued to support the local parishes.

Duncan McGibbon writes: "When I heard of the death of Fr Chris, my brother-in-law, I was shocked, as I knew him to be still at work as a popular Parish priest. He was 77, only two years my senior. I first met him as teacher of English with views on poetry and literature which I valued as a poet. I remember him talking to me about Medjugorje and how he saw the miracle of the sun dancing. I remember how this made him resolve to simplify his search for his vocation to the priesthood. I remember kneeling at his feet when he was ordained in 1993 as a priest of the Archdiocese. I visited him at St Chad's, Birmingham, full of life and encouragement. He went on to be priest at Norton le Moors, Kidlington and Stourport.

"During this time he would often visit the family and encourage the children's worship and their prayer life. To have a priest in the family is a great privilege, but he was also a much-travelled man of humour and spirit. At a family gathering in the High Pyrenees his rendition of "The Lion and Albert" by heart was stunning.

"He was a talented musician and often played the organ in his parishes.

"I mourn his loss with his family. I miss his concern for my spiritual life, as a priest. As a friend, I grieve his loss. His was a wonderful example of a man to follow because he followed Christ. May he rest in peace."

Many people have written tributes to Fr Christopher on the Leamington Catholic Facebook page, among them:

Edward James Trillo: "So sad to hear this news. His voice was so strong when saying Mass on Christmas Eve. I always enjoyed his sermons that were thought provoking and often contained relevant historical and literary references from his academic days as a teacher. Above all he was interested in people and enjoyed the company of the Leamington Catenian Association which he rejoined in recent years. A sad loss to our community. May he rest in peace."

Roger Elson: "One of the loveliest people I have known and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him."

Margaret Simmons: "Dear Fr Chris such a sad loss to us all - a wonderful priest may he rest in peace."

Elizabeth Brash: "Fr Christopher's Mass on Christmas Eve was Beautiful. Uplifting. His love for the infant Jesus was moving, and in his voice , his gentleness, and kindness , will be missed by all. Always there if you needed him , R I P."

Fr Christopher's body will be received into St Peter Apostle RC Church, Dormer Place, Leamington Spa, on Wednesday 7 February 2024 at 6pm, followed by the celebration of Mass. His Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday 8 February at 12noon, Archbishop Bernard Longley to preside. The burial will take place at St Mary's College, Oscott, on a date to be arranged.