Glasgow's oldest priest Fr Des Broderick dies days before 100th birthday

Glasgow’s oldest priest has died days before his 100th birthday, the city’s Archdiocese has confirmed.

The Archdiocese of Glasgow announced Father Des Broderick’s passing on social media on Monday morning.

The “hugely popular pastor” had been living in retirement at Nazareth House for 34 years after a life of ministry which saw him serve in parishes across the Archdiocese.

Des was born in the city in 1924 and was educated at St Conval’s Primary before he attended Holyrood Secondary.

He then attended St Mary’s College in Blairs before being called up for wartime army service during the Second World War from 1942 until 1946.

After being released from army service he resumed his seminary training, this time at St Peter’s College in Cardross and was ordained by Archbishop Campbell in June 1952 and thus began a lifetime of priestly service.

The 99-year-old had served in parishes across the Archdiocese of Glasgow throughout his life:

July-October 1952: Assistant Priest Immaculate Heart of Mary
1952-1971: Assistant Priest St Teresa’s, Possilpark
1971-1972: Assistant Priest St Andrew’s Cathedral
1972-1974: Secretary to Archbishop Scanlan and to the Archdiocese
1974-1976: Secretary to Archbishop Winning and to the Archdiocese
1976-1983: Chaplain Notre Dame College, Bearsden
1983-1989: Parish Priest St Stephen’s Dalmuir
1989-1990: Assistant Priest St Andrew’s Cathedral
October 1990: Retired to Nazareth House

The Archdiocese said: “Throughout his retirement Fr Des continued to help out at parishes across the Archdiocese and acted as spiritual director to countless individuals and prayer groups.

“His simple and profound devotion to Our Lady, his infectious smile and his gentle manner won the hearts of all who came into contact with him.

“Requiescat in pace.”