Local
Father Aidan Walsh granted senior priest status
By Father Robert M. O'Grady
Posted: 2/27/2015
Father Aidan Walsh Pilot file photo
Recently featured in The Pilot in an article detailing the renovations at St. Elizabeth Church in Milton, Father Aidan Walsh, the parish's pastor, was granted senior priest/retirement status effective Feb. 16, 2015.
Father Walsh has served in a variety of priestly assignments and ministries. From assistant in parishes, to chaplain in the United States Navy and Veterans Administration; from Worcester and Washington, D.C. to West Roxbury and Brockton, he has been a pastor, a tribunal official in three dioceses, and a student priest.
Born in Boston's Jamaica Plain section on Jan. 21, 1940, he is a son of the late John and Elizabeth (Gill) Walsh. After attending Our Lady of Lourdes School in his home parish, he moved with his family back to the Emerald Isle. He attended schools in Kenmare in County Kerry and on the family's return to the U.S. he completed his high school studies at Mission High School in Roxbury.
He attended both St. John's Seminary and Boston College before entering St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore as a candidate for the priesthood for the diocese of Worcester. Worcester's second bishop, Bernard J. Flanagan ordained him to the priesthood at St. Paul Cathedral on May 16, 1970.
In addition to parish assignments he was also a Naval Reserve Chaplain. In 1975 he was granted a license in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America and later a Masters Degree from Loyola College, Baltimore. Returning to Worcester he served in various positions in the diocesan tribunal including a term as vice officials.
He moved from Naval chaplaincy to Veterans Administration chaplaincy and served at three local VA hospitals: Bedford, West Roxbury and Brockton; he was also on the staff of the tribunal of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA and a member of its Presbyteral Council and Board of Consultors.
He "came home to Boston" with his incardination in the archdiocese on May 11, 1998. He served as a full time member of the staff of the Metropolitan Tribunal (2000-2001) and (2005-2009); parochial vicar at Holy Family Parish, Duxbury (2001-2003); pastor of St. Peter Parish, Plymouth (2003-2005); and most recently as pastor of St. Elizabeth Parish, Milton (2009-2015).
A gracious and gregarious man, Father Walsh is easily approachable and has a kind word for anyone. His "crowning" achievement was the recent renovation of the parish church at St. Elizabeth. Bringing together the old -- stained glass windows from St. Augustine Church in South Boston; and the new -- spacious and liturgically appropriate design, he added the beauty of an already handsome church.
Father Walsh will live in his own residence as he begins his next stage of priestly ministry -- senior priest.
