Father Twomey dies after extended illness NESBIT — Retired Mississippi priest, Father Dermot Twomey, SCJ, died March 25, after an extended illness.
He was a member of the Priests of the Sacred Heart who minister in northern Mississippi. Originally from Ireland, Father Twomey, 76, served as a religious brother in Great Britain for many years.
Following Vatican II, he felt called to the priesthood and came to the United States to study at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wis.
He was ordained in 1976. Remaining in the United States following his ordination, he joined the U.S. Province.
Following a sabbatical in 1988, he came to Mississippi to help at Sacred Heart Parish in Walls.
The short-term assignment eventually turned into a long-term commitment.
Besides Sacred Heart (1988-90, 1999-2007), Father Twomey ministered at Southaven Christ the King Parish, (1990-97), Tunica St. Anthony Mission, (1998-2007) and Senatobia St. Gregory Parish (1999-2007).
Funeral services for Father Twomey were held in both Mississippi and in Wisconsin.
Bishop William Houck, retired bishop of the Diocese of Jackson, celebrated a Mass of Christian burial March 27 at Southaven Christ the King Church.
At Sacred Heart Monastery in Hales Corners, Wis., the wake was held Monday, March 31, at 7 p.m., and the Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1, also at Sacred Heart.
He leaves his sister, Veronica Lee, Cape Cod, Mass.; two brothers-in-law, James Neary, New Jersey, and Lawrence Barbour, England; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Twomey, Ireland.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Patrick Twomey, and three sisters, Maureen Suckling, Kathleen Barbour, and Eileen Neary; 18 nieces and nephews, 39 great nieces and great nephews and numerous other relatives and friends and members of the United States Province of the Priests of Sacred Heart.
Any memorials may be made in his name to the construction of the new Sacred Heart Church, P.O. Box 38, Nesbit, Miss., 38651.
