Tributes paid to Fr Ludden

Tributes paid to late  Fr Stephen Ludden

Michael Commins

CANON Stephen Ludden, Clonbur, who died last week, was a much-loved pastor in all the parishes in which he served during his ministry.
A pioneering priest, Fr Stephen (80) had a special attachment to the Irish emigrants and he was to the fore in cultivating strong links between the Castlebar Associations in London, Birmingham and other places during his time in the county town.
A gentle and caring priest, he was especially known for his humility and compassionate nature and he commanded great respect in the communities in which he served with such enthusiasm and commitment.
Born in Clifden on July 10, 1928, he was ordained on June 21, 1953. He served at Corrandulla Monastery for the first year after his ordination and his first parish appointment was to Tully, Ballinakill from 1954 to ‘64. He was appointed to Castlebar in the summer of 1964 and served there until 1974. The next 12 years were spent in nearby Ballintubber until his appointment as Parish Priest of Clonbur in 1986.
Fr Stephen (pictured) was elevated to the rank of Canon of the Cathedral Chapter in 1998. He retired as PP of Clonbur in 2003 but continued to reside in the village.
Castlebar Labour councillor, Johnny Mee, a good friend of Fr Stephen’s over the years, described him as an ‘absolute gentlemen’ who made a great contribution to the parishes in which he worked over many years.
“He was a great man for the Irish Apostolate in London and was a regular visitor to their annual get-together.”
Removal took place from Burke’s Funeral Home to St Patrick’s Church, Clonbur on Friday evening with interment in the church grounds following concelebrated Requiem Mass on Saturday afternoon. The homily was delivered by Archbishop Michael Neary.
Canon Stephen is survived by his sister Terry (Pollard), brother Laurence, nephews, nieces, relatives, people of the parish of Clonbur, the clergy of the Archdiocese, and many friends.