Fr Patrick “Paddy” Hagan, a beloved priest in our parish and a man who dedicated his life to serving God and his community, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025. He was 93 years old. A man of unwavering constancy and quiet strength, Fr. Paddy’s legacy is a testament to his kind and gentle nature.
A Life of Service
Born in Rhyne, Killoe, Co. Longford, on May 2, 1932, Patrick Joseph Hagan began his journey of faith in 1951 when he joined St. Patrick’s Missionary Society. After years of dedicated study, he was one of 24 priests ordained on May 24, 1959.
For many years, Fr. Paddy held various leadership positions within the Society, including serving as the Director of the Spiritual Year for 13 years. He was known for his fairness, sound judgment, and ability to treat everyone with the same kindness and respect. These qualities served him well throughout his life, especially during his time in Malawi.
A New Mission in Malawi
In 1985, Fr. Paddy arrived in Malawi to begin a new chapter of his missionary work. He started his service in the Diocese of Chikwawa at Muona Parish. Over the next two decades, his path led him to serve in different communities and capacities, always with the same dedication and gentle spirit.
His service included:
1989: St. Peter’s Parish, Zomba.
1990: Spiritual Director at Kachebere Seminary, where he helped shape the next generation of priests.
1991-2003: Regional Leader for Central and Southern Africa, based here in Lilongwe. This was a significant leadership role in which he guided the Society’s mission across the region for twelve years.
2003 – 2012: Priest at St. Kizito Parish, Chigoneka.
After more than 50 years of service in Africa and Ireland, Fr. Paddy retired to Kiltegan due to his declining eyesight. Despite this, he remained an active and engaged member of his community, keeping up with the Society’s mission by listening to the radio and staying in touch with friends.
A Gentle Soul Remembered
Fr. Paddy served the St. Kizito Parish community with great love and humility. Though he is no longer with us, his memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be remembered not only as a faithful servant of God but as a man who embodied compassion and was a beacon of grace in our parish.
Oh how sad. Father Hagan was a very kind priest who had the welfare of his flock at heart. His compassion and understanding touched many hearts. I remember how he encouraged us to plant fruit trees in our compounds, saying a Catholic faithful shouldn’t be without fruits in their home. He also taught us about the importance of the sacrament of penance and reconciliation. Personally, he helped me navigate through a rough patch in my life and was always checking up on me…… – Chikumbutso Clara Malunga
May God receive the beautiful soul of His servant of the vineyard. He taught us so much, and in particular, the need to be early for mass. In fact, he took some moments to pray for those who came to mass late. – Peter Mkali
Kind and caring priest God gave us. May his soul rest in peace till we meet again home – Tessa Charles Yobe
Father Hagan demanded seriousness in readers discipline. Helped in preparation. Art to deliver Proclamation was the idea. He is always in mind when called to ministry. May his soul rest in peace – Patrick Kamwenje
Rest well abambo Hagan we appreciate your good job pa St Kizito kapumeni Bambo pepani kwambiri St Patrick’s Fathers – Tammy Chanakira Phiri
😭😭😭😭 Anagwira ntchito yabwino kwambiri. Mzimu wao uwuse mumtendere – P Kandikole
Fr. Hagan anagwira ntchito yabwino. Akapeze mpumulo osatha. Amen. – Alfred Msakambewa
I remember him at St Kizito. He would have evening walks past my parents house – Area 47, Sector 2 resident
I never knew him much, but i had a chance to listen to his homily once in Nov 2006 on All Souls day. That homily remained in my mind to this day. Rest thee well Father Hagan. May the Lord grant His Soul eternal rest.🙏🏾 – Rose Constance Kamoto
To view the recordings of the Evening Reception and Funeral Mass for Fr Paddy Hagan, please click on the following links.
Evening reception recording (August 25th):
Funeral Mass recording (August 26th):