Fr Denis Ruane

Birth, early life, ordination

Denis Joseph Ruane, or “ Dinnie“, as most of his clergy  friends would later address him, was born on February 27, 1907, at Ballinaloch, Foxford, County Mayo, Ireland.  

His parents were Patrick and Ellen. He was the youngest of eight children: viz., William (died as a young child), Katie and Winifred (twins), Norah, Patrick, John, Mary (Sr M. Barbara OP) and Denis.

He obtained his early education at St Nathy’s Ballaghadeerson, County Roscommon. In 1926 he began his studies for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Carlow.

Aged 26, he was ordained Priest in St Patrick’s College Chapel by Bishop Matthew Cullen D.D. on June 11, 1933. He arrived in Adelaide before the year was out, on December 27.

First appointments

His first appointment in the Archdiocese on February 1, 1934 was as assistant priest at Lower North Adelaide. From March 1, 1936 he was assistant priest at Port Lincoln, when it was still part of the Adelaide Archdiocese. In October 1940 he became the administrator of the parish, until he was transferred in June the following year to Pinnaroo where he became parish priest. In August 1946 he was appointed parish priest of Birdwood.

During 1949 he had extended leave in Ireland. On his return he was appointed parish priest of Strathalbyn, where he remained for 12 years. Strathalbyn parishioners, Gene Ferrarese and Peter Eckert remember him as “a priest who was prepared to talk to all, Catholic and non-Catholic alike".

This helped to break down any barriers between the parish priest and his people, between Catholics and non-Catholics. When he visited the hospital he visited everyone. He seemed to be always praying. He was truly a priest of his people.”

His next appointment was to Richmond parish, where he was to serve for 19 years. During this time he had extended periods of leave to Ireland in 1963, 1973 and again in 1979. In July 1981, he was appointed to Riverton as parish priest where he served for two years until he retired on June 12, 1983.

Life as Pastor Emeritus

He retired as Pastor Emeritus to the residence provided by the parishioners of Glenelg parish, at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Glenelg North, when Fr John Chambers was parish priest. Fr Ruane was most welcome in the parish of Glenelg, especially at Our Lady of Fatima’s section of the parish at North Glenelg. He loved his new residence.

He was most intrigued with the new door which gave him immediate access to the Sacristy and thus to the Sanctuary for his beloved daily Mass. He used to say: “whoever designed this was a genius". That genius was Kevin Hoskin, with assistance from the Finance and Works/Grounds and Maintenance Committees of the Glenelg parish. More importantly Fr Ruane loved his new parishioners. They knew it and loved him in return.

Most days, while at Glenelg North, he would join the priests at Glenelg for his midday meal. He especially enjoyed the company of Monsignor Redden as his fellow Pastor Emeritus. He also loved his new way of life that enabled him, like Mgr Redden, to do the priestly apostolate that he wanted to, without the burdens of parish administration. We suspect that he even loved the fact that he was “outside” the then “System of Retirement".

Final years, death and requiem

However, he also knew “when it was time” and asked John Mahoney, then his power-of-attorney, to arrange for him to move to Villa Murphy in May 1989. Late in November 1996, he moved to the Southern Cross Hostel and two years later to its Nursing Home. Father Ruane bore his declining health with great patience and humility. He rarely complained. He maintained his cheerful disposition to the end.

He died peacefully in the Nursing Home on August 18, 2000. He lived to see a Golden Year of Priestly Service. He died aged 93, a priest for more than 67 years.

His funeral Mass was celebrated in the Church of St Aloysius, Richmond, on Thursday August 24. Archbishop Faulkner was the Principal Celebrant of his Funeral Mass, with 36 priests concelebrating, including several from the Port Pirie Diocese. A large crowd of Religious Brothers and Sisters, and former parishioners were present.

In his homily, Archbishop Faulkner said: “Fr Ruane as a priest, shared in the Priesthood of Christ. The second Vatican Council teaches us that ‘priests, by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, are configured to Christ the Priest, in such a way that they are able to act in the person of Christ the Lord.’ I was thinking of Father Ruane doing just that!”

John Mahoney, a Richmond parishioner, in his eulogy at this funeral Mass, recorded that one of Fr Ruane’s favourite quotations from the Scriptures was “This is the Day the Lord has made – Let us rejoice and be glad”, which is precisely what he put into practice! John, who was Fr Ruane’s “right hand man” at Richmond, also recorded his devotion to his daily Mass, the Blessed Sacrament, prayer, especially the Office and the Rosary, parish visitation and Catholic Education.

The custom that he developed of the Blessing of Cars on the Sunday after Easter, was a custom appreciated by his parishioners and many others. Religious Education of Catholic children in State Schools, with assistance from the Passionist students, the The Good Shepherd Sisters and others, and having his parish zoned with two representatives from each zone are good examples of his care and initiative.

A loyal, gentle, caring priest

His loyalty and obedience to his Archbishops was given completely, without any hint of dissent. Many younger priests admired the way Fr Ruane and most of the senior priests of his vintage appreciated the Second Vatican Council and implemented the changes it required as quickly as they could.

In every parish he served, Fr Ruane obviously enjoyed his parishioners and they enjoyed him. They knew he loved them and they loved and helped him in return. Most people would describe him as a gentle, kindly, caring priest. Many children saw him as a priestly Father Christmas, another grandfather.

Sr Frances Gaynor OP was one of the many “Father’s friends” who cared for him when he could no longer drive his blue Datsun. She picked up “Father” one Sunday each month and drove him to Cabra for dinner and a visit to the cemetery. He would sit on a seat in the corner of the cemetery and recite part of the Rosary.

He spoke of the beauty and the peace he experienced there, when he came to visit his sister’s grave, so much so, that one day he was asked if he would like to be buried with his Sister (Sr Mary Barbara OP). Without any hesitation he said, ‘Yes!’  Within a few days a cheque arrived in the post and a “thank you” letter for such an offer. Now in the corner of the cemetery is a beautiful bird bath set in a little garden in “Father’s” memory – a gift from his family in Ireland and America.

Tu es Sacerdos in aeternum. Rest in Peace.