Reverend Sean Sylvester Heslin

For years now your dear sister, Áine and myself have worked hard on finding exactly how we are related. Finally found out it was many generations later than when too many of our Heslin ancestors perished in the Battle of Ballinamuck. To our not too distant Heslin family, condolences. We know he was a Blessed priest! RIP

Fr Heslin was the pastor at the Basilica of St. Paul, Daytona Beach in late 70´s. The school children loved him.

I was a student attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach when Fr. Seán was pastor at St. Paul's. As the son of Irish parents who grew up on Long Island playing Gaelic games, I would spend some of my Sunday afternoons pucking a hurling ball back and forth with him. My grandmother flew in from Ireland for my graduation and he joined my parents, my grandmother and I for my graduation brunch. I kept in contact with him throughout the years, but I never made it back to...

Fr Heslin was the epitome of priesthood. One of the chosen. He lead by example. I was an usher at St James Cathedral in the 1990´s. His service to St James and the community were unparalleled. Fr Heslin baptized my daughter . I am forever grateful to have been in his company for many years . Rest in peace Father. You were loved .

Fr. Heslin was gifted as a pastor and administrator and was the presence of God's love, peace, and compassion at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Winter Haven where I grew up and went to school. Always ready with a smile and welcoming spirit, his servant leadership created a loving and accepting faith community where people from all backgrounds could belong, be cared for, and care for one other. We, as I'm sure all of the places where he lovingly served, were blessed to have him there. May he...

Our family is sad to learn of the passing of Fr Sean Heslin. We thank God for the years he ministered to us here at St Joseph's Church Winter Haven. We remember him and speak of him with fondness and respect. Fr Heslin was a genuine servant of God. He exemplified what a Catholic priest should be. Rest in peace Fr Heslin and please remember us when you're in Paradise. Jain Family Winter Haven

Father Sean was a key figure in developing my spiritual life as a parishioner at Our Saviour. He was so caring and helpful during my daughter, Sharon's illness and eventual passing in 2009. Hope he and Sharon are having a nice chat in heaven! I'll never forget his kindness and empathy.

His delightful personality and joyful faith projected Christ's love to this Presbyterian. We will not see his like again.

Fr Heslin: I love you and will miss you. Most of all, I want to thank you for visiting my husband daily during the last three months of his life to pray over him. Now that your in heaven, you´ll know how much comfort you gave my husband with your thoughtful prayers. Also, you performed my husband´s beautiful eulogy. Your kindness and loving care of your flock will never be forgotten. RIP Fr Sean Heslin.