Brussels, 8th October 2024
On 24th September, members of the FAFCE office in Brussels attended the Commemoration Mass for Archbishop Mons. Noël Treanor. The late Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union unexpectedly passed away on 11th August. At FAFCE we have been motivated by his encouragement, wisdom, and kindness. He was much-loved by many Catholics working in Brussels. We pray for his eternal rest.
Upon learning of his death, FAFCE communicated that “we are saddened to learn of Archbishop Noël Treanor’s passing. His Excellency was supportive of Catholic organisations in Brussels, sharing his intellect and encouragement. We extend our condolences to his family and all who had the privilege of working with him.”
In another note to media, FAFCE described him as “a true pastor. Mons. Treanor was a dear friend of FAFCE, always showing his closeness in a concrete and active way. We are also shocked and saddened. And, at the same time certain and confident in Christian hope, which does not disappoint: we pray to God that he may already intercede for all of us, especially for all people of good will committed to the promotion of human life and the family in international institutions, particularly on our continent, in these times of war.”
Born near the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland on Christmas Day in 1950, the Archbishop had served as Bishop of Down and Connor from 2008 to 2022 before beginning his position from Brussels as Apostolic Nuncio. The Irish prelate’s expertise and experience in European affairs included fifteen years as General Secretary of COMECE from 1993 to 2008, as well as serving as its Vice-President from 2018 to 2022.
He was key to the founding of the Chapel for Europe in Brussels, where the Mass of Commemoration was held. The service was co-celebrated by COMECE General Secretary Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, Fr. Bernd Günther SJ, Mons. John Baptist Itaruma, Fr Dalibor Renić SJ, and Mons. Franco Coppola, Nuncio to Belgium and Luxembourg. You can read Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto’s homily here.
You can watch a brief video here shot by Fr. Alberto Ares SJ, Director of Jesuit Refugee Service Europe.
