He is one of those giants of the Irish Priesthood who, like Christ Himself, saw his people in need, stood with them and for them. Thank God men like Canon Hayes are part of our Irish Catholic heritage and a simple explanation of the deep devotion the Irish have had for their Priests and for the Priesthood. Their memory and, D.V., their example, deserve to live.
A Traditional Latin Mass was celebrated for Canon Hayes. In the sermon we were urged to give thanks for the gift of Faith, to hold fast to God and the things of God, and to pray for our Country that it may not lose the Faith. After Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament we made our way to the graveyard behind the Church to pray the Rosary at Canon Hayes' grave.