Mgr James Aylward

Early years

James Aylward was born in Ballytarsna, Co, Kilkenny in Ireland on January 1, 1871. He was the youngest in a family of 11.

In 1893 he entered St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny to commence his studies for the priesthood and was ordained in the Presentation Convent in Kilkenny on May 8, 1902.

Ministry in Adelaide

Fr Aylward came to Australia later in 1902, together with two other newly ordained priests, Frs James Blake and Cornelius Crowley. Following his arrival in Adelaide on October 22, Archbishop O’Reily appointed him Assistant Priest at Naracoorte. Then in 1907 he was, for a short time, Priest in Charge at the Cathedral and in 1908 he went to Gawler to take the place of Fr O‘Neill who was on leave travelling in Europe. After a year at Gawler he was then appointed Parish Priest of Maitland where he stayed for 17 years.

Mount Barker

On February 1, 1926 Fr Aylward was appointed Parish Priest of Mount Barker with the tile of RI (Rector Irremovable) signifying a permanent appointment. One of his claims to fame was that he was the first Parish Priest of Mount Barker to own a motor car. Priests prior to his arrival used horses and buggies. Parishioners remembered his gentlemanly manner and as one of ‘the old style Irish priests’. He had a live-in housekeeper named Mrs Foley.

In 1929 Archbishop Spence appointed Fr Aylward a Diocesan Consultor.

During the latter stage of his time in Mount Barker Fr Aylward suffered from a serious throat complaint and some parishioners became perturbed that he ceased to give sermons at Sunday Mass. As a result a request was made to the Archbishop that he should be replaced, and this happened in June 1942 when he was moved to Lower North Adelaide again with the title of RI. (To the chagrin of disgruntled parishioners his successor had a reputation for extremely long sermons!)

Vicar General

In May 1952 Fr Aylward celebrated his Golden Jubilee of Priesthood and Archbishop Beovich appointed him as Vicar General, replacing Mgr Hourigan.

In July 1955 Fr Aylward was awarded the honour of ‘Prelate of Honour” with the title of Monsignor. But soon after this he fell ill and died on July 31,1955.

Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral on August 2. The celebrant was Fr Brendan Bowler and in the absence of the Archbishop the panegyric was delivered by Mgr Gatmeyer VG. In paying tribute to Mgr Aylward he said: “All who knew him remarked how gentle and kind he was. Though not a great builder, he was always the priest. His outstanding virtues were his gentleness and charity – charity on all its fullness, a love for his fellow men based on the love of God.”

Mgr Gatzmeyer referred to the providential way in which he, following his appointment as Vicar General, had been able to assist Mgr Aylward in his big responsibility during the absence of the Archbishop.

Mgr Aylward was buried in the West Terrace Catholic Cemetery.

May he rest in peace.