Today, we gather here to remember, give thanks for, pray for, and honour the life of Brother Brian, whom we all loved so dearly as we entrust him to God’s embrace. Joining us in this Mass through online streaming are many co-workers and friends of Brother Brian in Korea who love him dearly.
I believe everyone present here today would feel the same as I do. While we are saddened by his passing, our hearts are also filled with gratitude for the profound love and dedication his life embodied, as well as the joy of knowing that he now rests eternally in God’s love.
I remember the first time I met Brother Brian. He always greeted people with a warm smile and gentle tone, full of humour and wit. He became a friend to the poor and the sick and a model of Saint John of God for the brothers.
After first setting foot in Korea in 1969, Brother Brian felt deep compassion for the inadequate mental health care system. He returned to Ireland to further his studies in psychiatry with great zeal. After receiving a Doctor of Medicine in psychiatry, he came back to Korea, introducing patient-centred treatment programs and revolutionizing the field of mental health care. His efforts and love went beyond system improvements, instilling new hope in the lives of everyone he encountered.
Brother Brian didn’t just offer therapeutic services to patients. He listened to their stories, empathized with their pain, and comforted them. He treated patients as friends and family. He was a constant source of inspiration, not only to his patients but also to his co-workers. Through his daily hospital rounds, filled with kindness and care, he became a friend to patients, coworkers, and his fellow brothers. This remains a warm memory in all our hearts.
Brother Brian introduced the first Day Hospital system and multidisciplinary team-based approach in psychiatry in Korea. This went beyond mere changes in the medical system to create a new culture of healing by making St. John of God Hospital a patient-centred hospitality model. He often said, “Patients are not subjects of treatment but friends who walk the journey with us in love.” Through his life, actions, and faith, he demonstrated this truth.
But Brother Brian is not remembered solely as a doctor or religious brother. He was a person who never lost his sense of humour, often making us laugh and cry. His diligence and attention to cleanliness were legendary, leaving no corner of the hospital untouched. Whether early in the morning, after work, or on his days off, he could be found with a cleaning cloth in hand, tidying every corner of the hospital. This inspired all the brothers and staff to be equally diligent and attentive to creating a clean environment.
Brother Brian was also passionate about educating co-workers and student nurses. Many who were trained by him still remember him with great fondness. His dedication to education was unmatched. Even when Parkinson’s disease caused his hands to tremble, he continued teaching students, jokingly scolding his shaking hands, saying, “Stay still!” This lightheartedness brought laughter to his students, even as he shared joy amid his suffering. He was a man who transformed his limitations into love, demonstrating a beautiful spirit.
This is how we remember him: a friend to the poor, a healer of the sick, and a brother to us all. He showed us what love is and what God can accomplish through us.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus says to us:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms.” (John 14:1–2)
These words resonate with us today through Brother Brian’s life and passing. He has returned to the house of God and now enjoys eternal peace in His presence.
Today, as we cherish our memories of Brother Brian, we must thank God. He showed us the essence of life and love. His life was a precious gift from God to us, and now we are called to share that gift with the world.
Perhaps the final message Brother Brian left us was this:
“Love one another. Walk together. Be friends to one another as you follow the path of God.”
Let us follow in Brother Brian’s footsteps and walk this path together. He is surely praying for us from heaven now.
Brother Brian, thank you for everything. May you now rest in eternal peace in the arms of God. Amen.