Bishop pays tribute paid to Fr Neville McClement

The Bishop of Northampton has paid tribute to Fr Neville McClement, who retired to Beccles in Suffolk, and who died in February, aged 91, as a consequence of being involved in a road traffic collision, the Suffolk Coroner’s Court concluded this week.

A Requiem Mass was held for Fr Neville at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Lowestoft back on March 19, following his death in February. Fr Neville was ordained in 1958 and he retired in 1997.

The Northampton Vicar General, Canon Michael Harrison, spoke at the funeral saying: “Half a coachload of parishioners have come from St Martin de Porres Parish in Luton the final active parish of Fr Neville, where he served for 17 years. He was very much appreciated by the people there and they still remember him. He used to come back to do supply and for funerals and Luton was very much in his heart.”

Canon Michael also read a message from the Rt Rev Dr David Oakley, Bishop of Northampton, who wrote: “I am sorry that it has not been possible for me to be with you for the Requiem Mass for Fr Neville. Please be assured, we will be remembering Fr Neville and all of you who mourn his dying in our prayers. It is good that Canon Michael, is able to represent me and the clergy and people of the Diocese of Northampton as you bid farewell to a much loved and appreciated priest.

“Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to meet Fr Neville during my brief time as Bishop here in Northampton. Nevertheless, my heart has been touched by the many people who have spoken to me about him, since his death was announced.

“He is remembered with great affection by so many people. They speak of his pastoral solicitude and commitment to the people he was sent to serve. It is good to know that he was able to enjoy a long retirement in Beccles, and with a community he knew and loved. As we all pray for the repose of his soul, his memory will continue to be treasured and honoured here.”

The Suffolk Coroner’s Court inquest heard on September 9 that Fr Neville had spent his final months taking care of his brother before they were involved in a head-on car crash days after Christmas.

The court heard that Fr Neville, of North Cove, had retired to Suffolk where he lived with his elder brother, Eric, who had been diagnosed with bladder cancer.

Fr Neville was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital with fractures to his ribs and sternum. He was transferred to the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston where he died on February 6.

Assistant coroner for Suffolk, Dr Daniel Sharpstone, concluded that he had died as a consequence of being involved in a road traffic collision.  

You can see a recording of Fr Neville’s Requiem Mass at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWv4QNojNl4

Pictured above is Fr Neville McClement (centre) at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Lowestoft, in 2020.

Article extracts from EDP24

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