News of the death yesterday of the former Roman Catholic Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Tipperary born Bishop Michael Russell was received with great sadness by the people of Thurles. Bishop Russell who was eighty eight years of age was the Bishop of his diocese from 1965 to 1993.
Michael Russell was born on 10 December 1920, in Loughmore, Thurles, Co Tipperary and received his secondary education at the Christian Brothers’ School here in Thurles Town. He studied for the priesthood in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and was later ordained in June 1945. He later completed post-graduate studies and was conferred with a Doctorate in Canon Law in 1948. Following his conferring he was appointed Professor of Moral Theology in St Patrick’s College, Thurles, Co.Tipperary and lectured there until 1965. He also served as Vice-President of St Patrick’s College, Thurles. In November 1965 Pope Paul VI appointed him as Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, and he was duly ordained in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Waterford, in December 1965.
Bishop Russell retired as Bishop of Waterford and Lismore in May 1993.
On his death Bishop Russell is survived by his brothers Conor and Sean and by his sisters-in-law, Madge and Maura, and by his many nephews and nieces.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Wednesday 14th. January: Bishop Russell’s remains will repose in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Waterford from 9am until 9pm.
Thursday 15th January: Concelebrated Requiem Mass will take place at 12 noon in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Waterford. Following Requiem Mass his body will be laid to rest in the Cathedral grounds. Most Rev William Lee, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore will be Chief Celebrant and will preach the homily.
Upon hearing of his death, the present Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Most Rev. William Lee, (also a native of Tipperary and former President of St Patrick’s College, Thurles) stated:
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of Bishop Michael Russell, my predecessor and very great friend. Since becoming Bishop of this diocese in July 1993 I have enjoyed and greatly valued his wisdom and support. Bishop Michael was loved and admired by the people and priests of Waterford and Lismore. He will be greatly missed by all. Bishop Michael will be remembered especially for his great love of the Church, his deep faith, his prayerfulness, his devotion to Our Lady, his humility, warmth and approachability”.
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