Martin O'Brien RIP

Martin and Bobo with Fr Tom Forde at a parish pet blessing at Our Lady Help of Christians in 2009.

Many friends gathered at the church of Our Lady Help of Christians in Kentish Town, north London yesterday, for the funeral of Martin O'Brien. A much-loved figure, Martin died two weeks ago after an illness. He was 77. The Mass was celebrated by parish priest Fr Alan Alvarado Gil with former parish priest Fr Tom Forde and Fr Dominic from the Rosary Shrine.

Born in Ireland in 1948, Martin was orphaned as a young child, but he grew up in a children's home in Dublin, run by nuns, who he always said, he loved. They sowed the seeds of his strong faith which stayed with him for the rest of his life.

During his homily at the funeral Mass, parish priest Fr Alan Alvarado Gil noted: "Although Martin didn't have his own mother for very long, he found his true mother in Our Lady."

Martin came to London in the late 1960s and got various jobs, working on building sites and kitchens. For several years he was homeless and survived sleeping in doorways around Kings Cross and up on Hampstead Heath. He also lived in a derelict house in Kentish Town. In the mid 90s, he was diagnosed with HIV and was very ill for a time. His health did stabilise with treatment and he eventually got his own council flat - his first real home - in Bartholomew Road.

Martin decorated his flat with many statues and pictures of Our Lady, St Anthony and other saints. At Christmas he always put a crib in his front window. Throughout the year he had a large statue of Our Lady there. Martin also took in many stray animals - dogs, cats and a rabbit - and fed the birds on window ledge.

Martin kept busy, helping elderly housebound friends with their shopping and visiting the sick. He was a daily Massgoer and also attended Adoration, Rosaries and retreats in Kentish Town, Camden Town and St Dominic's. Every year he would join a parish pilgrimage to Lourdes, Fatima, Walsingham or Aylesford.

He was also very concerned about the environment, justice and peace. Throughout his life Martin took part in many vigils and demonstrations organised by Pax Christi, Laudato si, Extinction Rebellion, and others.

Martin enjoyed daily walks on Hampstead Heath with his dogs, first Bobo and then Chico. He became a familiar figure in Kentish Town, often walking home carrying a tired dog round his neck.

Martin and his dog feature in a music video by Imelda May - The 'Kentish Town Waltz' see: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY02Tz5cHlo

Martin O'Brien will be greatly missed. His friend Carl Butler said: "Martin was a great friend, and spiritual director. He taught me a lot about the faith and the church. We prayed together, visited sacred sites. He was a true best friend who has been with me through many difficult times. Martin for me was a living Saint. We could look towards him as an example of how to be a Catholic. May he rest in peace."