Obituary of Rev. Msgr. James A. Brassil

Rev. Msgr. James Anthony Brassil died January 21, 2018 shortly after celebrating his 55^th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood.

Msgr. Brassil was born on September 1, 1930 in Kilrush, County Clare, Ireland.  He was one of  nine children of Catherine and Martin Brassil.  He spent many days fishing and boating in his home town before hearing God’s call.  He graduated from University College, in Cork and then continued his studies at the African Missions College in Newry, No. Ireland.  He was ordained December 21, 1962 for the SMA Fathers.  His first assignment was as a Dean in the Minor Seminary for the SMA Fathers.  As he was preparing for an assignment in West Africa, he was in a serious automobile accident which prevented him from leaving for that assignment.

Bishop Kellenberg then invited him to the Diocese of Rockville Centre.  He served in a number of parishes including: Our Lady of Victory, Floral Park; St Matthew’s, Dix Hills; Our Lady of Mercy, Hicksville; St. Thomas More, Hauppauge; Magnificat House of Prayer, Manhasset; St Killian’s, Farmingdale.

While at Our Lady of Mercy, he became involved in the parish’s Catholic charismatic renewal group where 2000  people gathered for monthly Mass at times.  His interest continued and he later worked with Cardinal Suenens of Belgium, one of the leading figures of Vatican II and a promoter of  charismatic renewal.

In 1983, Msgr. Brassil was appointed Pastor of Maria Regina Church, Seaford and remained there until his retirement in 2000. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Maria Regina Church, Seaford on January 30 followed by burial at St. Charles Cemetery.   He is survived by two brothers and a sister.   Further information can be found at drvc.org.