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John Sweeny Obituary
With his brother Louis he entered St. Joseph's Minor Seminary at Mt. View in September 1938. He completed his studies at St. Patrick's Seminary and was ordained with his brother Louis on December 18, 1948.
His first assignment as priest was associate pastor at St. James church in San Francisco. Subsequently, he was appointed associate pastor at St. Elizabeth Church, St. Anne of the Sunset Parish and St. Mary's Cathedral all in San Francisco. Later he was appointed associate pastor at St. John Vianney in San Jose, St. Francis of Assisi in East Palo Alto and St. Thomas Aquinos in Palo Alto.
He was the founder of Opportunities Industrialization Center West (OICW) while he was at St. Francis of Assisi in East Palo Alto in September of 1965.
Father Sweeny was appointed pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Santa Clara in 1969 before the creation of the Diocese of San Jose. During his more than thirty years of pastorate, he witnessed the growth not only of the parish but also of the valley. He was the founder and the inspiration behind the establishment of the Shrine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at Our Lady of Peace Parish. In 1976, he started the Perpetual Adoration devotion at Our Lady of Peace, keeping the church open for twenty-four hours and inviting parishioners and devotees to spend an hour before the Blessed Sacrament. In October 1983, the 32-foot statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was dedicated in solemn ceremonies, a fruit of Father Sweeny's tireless efforts to preserve and propagate the devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, not only in his parish, but also throughout the area.
He also served as director of the Apostleship of Prayer, spiritual director of the Legion of Mary and diocesan coordinator of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
He was named Prelate of Honor by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
Monsignor Sweeny retired as pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish in June 2002 at age 78.
After his retirement, Monsignor Sweeny lived at St. Frances Cabrini Church, then moved to St. Francis of Assisi in East Palo Alto. He later moved to his family home in San Andreas where he died on March 7, 2006.
Viewing will be after 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Our Lady of Peace Church followed by a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Peace Church in Santa Clara. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. also at Our Lady of Peace Church. Interment will be at 1:30 p.m. at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos. Donations may be sent to the Monsignor John J. Sweeny Family Learning Center at Our Lady of Peace Church. Arrangements by Wyant and Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyvale.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Sweeny
Sponsored by Larry Fargher.
Frances Paredes
April 11, 2025
I got to meet Father John Sweeny when he was a Pastor at St John Vianney Church early 1960's y his friend Rev. Donald McDonnell they were very good friends until his going away to meet Our Lord Jesus and Our Blessed Mother Mary. The two friends have passed to their heavenly rewards with Our Lord's Arms embracing them both. They did tremendously Great works while here on earth. We will remember them for their fervor and holiness serving The Lord, we miss both alot.
James Harcourt
January 16, 2024
Monsignor John Sweeny told us that he was called to the hospital to give the last rights to a dying child.
His parents were there, among others (?) . The child said, "There is a Lady asking him if he wants to go with her to Heaven?
The child then turned to his parents, asking, "The lady is asking if I can go with her?" They said yes, and the young boy then passed away.
Assumption: It was the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Peace.
James Harcourt
January 15, 2024
Our dearest Monsignor John Sweeny, friend, pastor of Our Lady of Peace in Santa Clara,CA
My wife and I were married by him. Our family was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic on Easter in 1988.
Thanks be to God, Jesus Christ, Amen .
He has kept our marriage together in thick and thin of times!
Monsignor John Sweeny is truly a Saint! He is dearly loved and remembered . Prayed the Rosary with him, he gave me such Peace. I am a convert to the Catholic faith 36 years ago. The Holy Spirit literary drove me to Our Lady of Peace church, where he was waiting for me outside the rectory on steps. He invited me his into office, which later his Holy statue and humility had our family converted to the faith.
G Sudano
April 7, 2021
I new Fr Sweeny for a little over 20 years-
I dont know how many times I badgered him about my great ideas for the parish.
He once talked an armed man out of killing somebody-I heard this from a church employee.
The guy was looking for his victim-someone told Fr John about it, and he-in the middle of the night-found this guy and talked to him for who knows how long.
He saved both the victim and the would be killer.
we'll never hear stories like that about priests.
Pray for me, Fr John, the jerk who wouldn't leave you alone.
Deacon Dennis Purificacion
September 28, 2020
I woke up this morning thinking of Father Sweeny again.
He is one of the reasons why I speak about Jesus' mother and the rosary from the pulpit/ambo as I am able or why I would teach about the Mother of God or Fatima or anything about Mary. He shared JP2's love for her.
I am one of Father's former altar boys having been so for many years in my youth. I don't really remember any of his sermons, but I do remember him holding or showing the rosary at times during his homilies.
As a permanent deacon with a family that prays the daily rosary now, I am eternally indebted to him.
I feel like he still helps me at different points in my life, even after his death.
+ Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Roseanne Sullivan
April 26, 2020
Hyacinth Lord
May 11, 2018
Remembering Monsignor Sweeny with gratitude... May God hold him in His Arms and may he Rest In Peace!
Larry Fargher
April 30, 2006
What a pleasant Surprize, Padre, when I went to Gate of Heaven in Los Altos. I found your grave up on the knoll between your brother and Msgr.
Mentasti of St. Justins. My wife, Camey, and son, Cub, my mother, brother, Jim, and Aunt Frithie also rest there.We love you Father / Msgr.
Ken Kietzman
April 4, 2006
Midnight Mass, Christmas 1999, The beginning of the Jubilee Year for the Church.
Our Lady of Peace Church is packed. There are many new faces of people who are not usually churchgoers. The lectors read the scriptures and the choir scrambles to lead the congregation in singing the carols. The entrance hymn, Adeste Fideles, begins as the priests, acolytes and altar boys advance toward the altar. The venerable old hymn concludes and all eyes are fixed at the center where a humble, unassuming man of medium stature begins with, "In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit". It struck me then how Fr. Sweeny truly believed in his Lord. This assembly wasn't showtime or merely a social gathering but the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Through his profound belief and trust in Our Lord and Blessed Mother, Monsignor Sweeny has converted thousands of us to understand the deeper meaning of Christmas and to become more ardent followers of Jesus Christ.
Mary Fischer
April 3, 2006
Now that Msgr.Sweeny has gone on to his heavenly reward, I wish to express my gratitude for the environment of holiness that he created at Our Lady of Peace. Starting with very little, he built a great work of faith to the Glory of God. He provided an inspiring lesson, showing that even today, one man of profound faith can accomplish much. He will not be forgotten. Thanks to his pastoral wisdom, all who wished it were exposed to traditional devotions in their authentic form. An aura of sanctity clung to him, and I have no doubt that he is now with That Tender Mother, whom he venerated at all times, and The Lord whom he loved and trusted above all things.
Larry Fargher
March 20, 2006
Msgr., You are my absolute vision of a saintly priest. Camey loved you and so do I. What good fortune for us you were able to celebrate her funeral mass with Fathers Wilkiemeyer, Noel, and Lester. I'm sure you are in heaven with Camey now. Please look after her and Cub.
Jesiebel Tran
March 18, 2006
I remember when we first attended Our Lady of Peace. It was a blessing to have known you Monsignor. We were blessed to have you as our pastor and we will miss you.
Joanne Wolkovitz
March 17, 2006
It was a sad moment to hear that you had passed away. But was happy that you are home with our Father in Heaven and your family too. God truly had a hand, two hands, in your life. I'm forever greatful for your sharing God's word and being a living example of Jesus Christ. Glad you're home but you will truly be missed.
Most Lovingly,
Joanne Wolkovitz
ps I'll even miss confession with you!
Patricia Cornell
March 16, 2006
People told me about this holy priest 17 years ago when I first came to California. What a blessing I experienced to have followed the life of this holy priest for so long. A holy priest who loved our Blessed Mother. What a fine life!
Margaret Sanchagrin
March 15, 2006
My sisters and I grew up at Our Lady of Peace Church with Monsignor Sweeny as our Pastor. He helped my father and counciled him during difficult times and helped to guide our family in patience and in love. It was a great blessing to have such a wonderful Pastor...so dedicated to Christ and His Mother. He wanted each and every one of us to know Jesus and to have a deep and intimate relationship with Him and the Holy Family. Until I became an adult I thought every Parish was like Our Lady of Peace and every priest like Msgr. Sweeny. In adulthood I saw that there are many good priests and parishes, but learned that my family was greatly blessed to be raised spiritually by such an holy and exceptional priest as Fr. Sweeny. When he retired it was a sad day for all of us. In his death to this life we rejoice, because he is in heaven, and he has newly arrived to the place he lived his whole life to get to...the bosom of Our Lord.
I offer my heartfelt love and sympathy to his family and I now beg the prayers of Monsignor Sweeny for myself, my family, and all of the children and adults in the Catechism program at Our Lady of Peace Church.
In Christ through Mary,
Maria Peceli
March 15, 2006
Dear Monsignor Sweeny,
We love you and are so grateful for the example that you gave and
that we knew you.
Please pray for us.
With love,
The Peceli Family
karl frese
March 14, 2006
Before the final blessing at Mass, Father Sweeny would often recite the following prayer which he based on the Psalms.
I place my trust in You my God, all my hope is in your mercy. One thing I ask, this I seek, to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
Father Sweeny you did dwell in His house here on earth, and now you "behold the loveliness of His Tabernacle" in heaven we pray.
Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement.
Priscilla Padilla-Arreola
March 14, 2006
Father Sweeney, thank you for all the prayers and blessings you gave to so many people. Your visit to our family (for my Dad) will never be forgotten.
The Padilla Family
Carl F. England
March 14, 2006
Dear Rev. Msgr. Sweeny,
You inspired me to pray the Most
Holy Rosary daily and did promote
this by campaign pledges we signed
to do this. Many times I witnessed your desire for us to know and practice the devotion to the Divine Mercy of God. You truly
by God's grace were able to bring
us from far and wide like a magnet
to your Celebrations on the Divine Mercy of God. You followed and believed in the writings of Christ's words written by His Divine Mercy Secretary, St. Faustina.
You held the Blessing of the image
of the Divine Mercy of God each
year on the 2nd Sunday of Easter.
You made sure we were able to participate in the sacraments for
God's Divine Mercy to be given to us through plenary indulgence.
You drew huge crowds of people for
this, a miracle in itself that I have never seen any priest ever do for the Feast of Divine Mercy. I cannot thank God enough for what you have done. May all the Angels in HEAVEN and on EARTH Sing and Give Glory TO GOD for all the Works you have done in GOD's Most Holy Name. Amen
May Your reward in Heaven be great, Let God give to you His
everlasting presence forever. Amen
We will wait to reunite again with
you in God's Holy presence.
To Jesus Through Mary,His Mother.
MaryJane Ergino
March 14, 2006
On behalf of my family and my sisters, I am glad to be blessed by you during your passing in our lifetime. I will treasure the picture that my mom took of you carrying my oldest son when he was a toddler. And pictures of you when you renew my parents' 25th Wedding Anniversary at Our Lady of Peace Church. Thank you for your unending Grace and my your soul be with God to glorious eternity! We will Miss You! We Love You!
Amy Ergino
March 14, 2006
We are greatful to have the experience in gracing us with your presence in blessing/renewing our vows with me and my husband in celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary at Our Lady of Peace Church. We will terribly MISS YOU! We Love You So Much!
Ernesto Ergino
March 14, 2006
We'll be missing you Father! We Love You!
Irish McCabe
March 14, 2006
A Truly other Christ, who walked in Christ's footsteps.
Brian Tamayo
March 14, 2006
Father Sweeny was been a staple of OLOP before I was born. He will be missed throughout the entire OLOP family and in the community, including the DSJ. Dear heavenly Father, he has came to rest. Amen.
Eleanore Helten
March 13, 2006
I attended the all night vigil of the Blessed Sacrament at Our Lady of Peace Cathokic Church for many years. Thank you Fr. Sweeney for making this time available for me to pray and visit with our Lord Jesus Christ during the evening hours.
Father Anthony-Hernandez
March 13, 2006
I have known Father Sweeny nearly all my life. I worked as director of religious education at Our Lady of Peace for 15yrs and have taught there for nearly 26yrs. During those years I was encouraged by his dedication to sound teaching, Catholic orthodoxy, and to his primary priestly ministry: providing for the spiritual & sacramental needs of his people. His example of personal prayer (even outside liturgical times), his practical charity, and his presence in the pro-life movement are truly inspiring. Father Sweeny not only performed priestly functions, he lived as a priest of Christ.
As a priest, I hope to imitate these special qualities in my own ministry.
“And I heard a voice from heaven, saying to me: Write: Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord. From henceforth now, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; for their works follow them.” Apocalypse 14:13.
Requiescat in pace. Rest in Peace.
Claire Heimgartner
March 13, 2006
Our Lady Star of the Sea.
CCD Program during the 70's.
Mai Nguyen
March 13, 2006
God bless Monsignor Sweeny.
Rest in peace, and rejoice in God's glory forever.
Steven Salazar
March 12, 2006
Thank you Fr Sweeny for your great humility in being an instrument of God to touch the lives of so many. Thank you for showing us the dignity of the priesthood. We have had the grace to be in the presence of a saint.
Sister Pauline Kelly
March 12, 2006
God bless you Father Sweeny
Cathy Maksim
March 12, 2006
Dear Father Sweeny, how we will all miss you! How we HAVE missed you since you left Our Lady of Peace Parish. This oasis in the darkness will never be the same now that its brightest light has left us for good…and yet, you will never truly be gone.
What would OLOP be without you? It simply would not be at all. It was your courage, faith, and dedication to God and His people that turned an orchard into not only a shrine worthy of national attention, but also a place where the “remnant”, lost in a sea of worldly confusion and conflict, could feel the loving presence of God and His Mother in a tangible way.
How we miss the lovely intonation of your voice as you lifted it in song during Mass and during the processions honoring the Blessed Sacrament. How we miss your heartfelt words of inspiration and encouragement in each homily. Most of all, how we miss the wonderful example you set for all by your selflessness, devotion, and constant faithfulness. How many even knew of the many sacrifices you made – from your own pocket, your precious “spare” time, and your tireless prayers - for others?
We knew that it broke your heart to leave OLOP – just as it broke ours to see you leave. It was so difficult to say goodbye then, and still more difficult now. But, as we both agreed at our last meeting, one cannot follow Christ and expect to be spared that final Calvary. At the foot of the cross, Our Lord was stripped of His garments. So, too, must we be stripped of our attachments to all that is familiar and, sometimes also, of all those upon whom we have become dependent for emotional support. It is in such abandonment that we most resemble the object of our love, and you, dear Father, in your final throes have given us a splendid reflection of our crucified, seemingly defeated, Lord. But, as we know, it was He Who defeated death itself!
You now join Him in His victory by living on still – despite all apparent defeat – in the hearts and intentions of those who admire and love you. The good you have done will live on, perpetuated in our lives and the lives of our children, for generations to come. In this you are also a reflection of the Mother of God in her Magnificat, for all generations will also call you “blessed”. Those who knew you best will call you “saint”.
Thank you, dear Father (for you will always be “Father” to us), for all the time you took out of your busy schedule for our personal cares and need for your guidance. Thank you for teaching us and our children that the true purpose of life is love for and devotion to others…to be instruments of God’s love. Thank you for teaching us that Our Lady always waits, with her arms open wide, to enfold us under her mantle when life becomes too burdensome. Thank you, specifically, for your patience and kindness towards our family, and for inspiring our daughter to follow your example and enter the religious life.
May you now reap the reward of which you are so deserving, “good and faithful servant”. Please continue to pray for us all, Father, until we meet again. Your burdens and pain are over. Rest now in peace, dear Father Sweeny, and rejoice in God’s glory forever!
With love and deep gratitude for the blessing of knowing you,
Loren Obenchain
March 12, 2006
What can I say that has not Been said or thought of in the hearts and minds of so many people. I remember when you visited me after my Heart Attack in Jan 1992. You brought me the Sacrament of the sick. I was so happy to see you, I Knew you would be there, Just as I knew, even after you retired, you would bring the same sacrament when you came to see my Brother, Richard who was dying of liver Cancer. Your visit made him very happy. Just a few days later he died in peace. I knew you would return the following week
to lead us ,his familey and friends once again at his funeral and burial service. That was the last time I saw you. How I wish to thank you with all my heart for our friendship over the past thirty years.
The day I walked into Our Lady of Peace Church over thirty years ago and met you, My life was changed forever. Goodbye for now Oh Holy one,for surly God Has blessed You now in Heaven as you have Blessed us all by being in our lives, by Bringing Jesus and Mary to us so many times.
Goodbye to the holiest Priest or Man or Confessor I Ever Knew. I know we all have not lost A Priest or Friend but rather gained a great and dearly beloved Friend in Heaven who we know will never forget us and always pray for us. Goodbye REV.MONSIGNOR JOHN SWEENY and God Bless you with your well Deserved Reward for ever, Rest in joy and peace dear friend. Help us all to meet you again in Heaven.
William and Heidi McCarty
March 11, 2006
God bless and keep Monsignor Sweeny
Robert and Cristina Tuite
March 11, 2006
We will always remember our beloved Monsignor Sweeny
Arthur and Camille McCarty
March 11, 2006
We love our holy parish priest, Monsignor Sweeny.
Kathy O'Brien
March 11, 2006
It is with a very heavy heart that we say goodbye to one our holiest of priests who by his example of courage, selflessness, trust, obedience, and love lit the path to Jesus and Mary for so many.
Monsignor Sweeney made it very easy for one to obtain grace by making himself and other priests available at all times for Holy Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Confession, the Rosary, Our Lady of Fatima Devotions, Divine Mercy Devotions, the list is too numerous to mention.
Thank you Monsignor Sweeny for giving yourself tirelessly in order to bring others To Jesus.
May your soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace, Amen.
MARYANNE PICCOLI
March 11, 2006
GOD BLESS YOU AND REST IN PEACE IN THE GLORY OF OUR LORD AND OUR LADY. I WILL WISPER A PRAYER TO OUR BEAUTIFUL LADY OF PEACE EVERY TIME I VISIT HER IN YOUR MEMORY. THANK YOU FOR HER PRESENCE ON 101.
Frances Martini
March 11, 2006
May this true and faithful servant of his Lord and His Blessed Mother now be found rejoicing in his heavenly homeland.
Caridad Esona
March 11, 2006
Thank you and God Bless you dear Monsignor Sweeney for all the years you have been with OLOP. Your example and great love for the Blessed Sacrament and the Virgin Mother was such an inspiration to all of us. May you rest in peace.
Diane Esguerra
March 11, 2006
An Irish-American saint has died. May St. Patrick lead Monsignor John Sweeney into the Heavenly Jerusalem and to the God he served so well.
Martha Bravo Perrault
March 10, 2006
In 2000, my daughter Maritza had been with fever for at least 7 days. The doctor didn't know what was wrong with her and told me to give her fever medicine.On Sunday that week, she insisted on going to church because she needed to receive communion. She hadn't eaten much in the past week and would cry during the night. I didn't let her go to church that Sunday, but she insisted that I ask Father Sweeny to bring her the holy bread. Knowing how busy he was, I told her I'd ask, but didn't think he would come to our house. The lady at the rectory told me that she was sorry, but that he might be too busy to make it.To my surprise later in the evening, there he stood at our door knocking. It was dark, cold & windy. He came in, blessed her, prayed for her and gave her communion. She was so happy and that night she broke her fever and her appetite started to come back.The following Sunday, I saw the lady at the rectory and she said Father was wondering how Maritza was doing. He had a special gift for her that he forgot to give her that evening.He sent her a plastic bottle shaped like the Lady of Fatima that contained holy water from Lourdes. We were so deeply touched and so thankful to God that we were privileged to have had Father Sweeny in our lives.He was a living Angel. Father Sweeny, thank you for all your prayers and for truly listening when my husband and I needed you the most.
Love, Alan, Martha, Maritza & Everett Perrault/Mr. & Mrs. Felipe Bravo and all of my siblings.
Clark Beck
March 10, 2006
If John Sweeny was not a saint by midnite last Tuesday there is no hope for any of us... He was the consummate holy and humble parish priest and I was blessed to know him
Mila Ortiz (Robles)
March 10, 2006
God bless you father Sweeny, you will be missed. I thank you for the memories of my youth Our Lady will alway's be in my heart.
Robert & Frieda & family Soeherman
March 10, 2006
Rev. Msgr John Sweeny - Pastor in O.L.O.P. for 33 years!!!
We, Parishioners of Our Lady of Peace, in Santa Clara - California know how holy, patient and humble our Pastor was.
Thanks to Monsignor John Joseph Sweeny's HUMBLE example as a Priest of God that our son followed his footsteps to becoming a priest.
Msgr Sweeny toke from his VERY busy schedule to travel to E.W.T.N. Birmingham AL, in August 13, 2001 to be present for the
Perpetual Profession of one of his Parishioners, our son,
then, Brother Miguel Marie Soeherman, M.F.V.A.
Msgr. John Joseph Sweeny was also present during the
Ordination of Deacon Miguel on his Ordination to the Priesthood
- June 5, 2004 and did oncelebrate in the First Holy Mass of Father Miguel Marie, M.F.V.A.
in the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville June 6,04
We are grateful and thankful to God Almighty and to Our Blessed Mother,
that Msgr. John Joseph Sweeny was our Pastor and a dear friend to us all,
the Soeherman Family and we are happy that
Monsignor John Joseph Sweeny is now Heaven.
Robert & Frieda Soeherman (San Jose, CA)
Albert & Ira Soeherman and family, (San Ramon, CA)
Michael & Coby Soeherman and family, (Hoover, AL)
Father Miguel Marie Soeherman, M.F.V.A. (Birmingham, AL)
Eloisa Garcia Escalante
March 10, 2006
May you rest in peace father. He was a great man of spirit. He will be missed.
Victor Lipari
March 10, 2006
I was an altar boy for Father Sweeny in the mid-1960's at St. John Vianney Parish here in San Jose and felt that it was a real privilege to serve Mass under him. He was such a fine and reverent man and helped me be the best altar boy possible. He was also a close friend of our family, especially my grandmother, Virginia Fernandez. He was one of the 10 priests who concelebrated her funeral Mass in 1980. (That was an unforgettable religious service!) He loved the Latin language in the Mass and stood strong in his pro-life beliefs. Father, you will be really missed in this world but now, you are beginning your eternal life in Heaven. We shall see you again someday. Thank you for being such a wonderful priest and human being. We will always remember you so fondly. Rest in peace......
Gary, Theresa & Marc Stevenson
March 10, 2006
Thank you dear Fr. Sweeny for your example to what an authentic Catholic priest should be. Thank you for making us cherish the priesthood by your dignity.
Thank you for your reverence for the Blessed Sacrament, especially the way you celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Your influence on Marc is still apparent today.
Thank you for your humility, prayers and sacrifices you made for souls. Thank you for showing us that we can go to "Jesus through Mary". Thank you for speaking the Truth, 'in season and out of season'.
We love you & you will be greatly missed! Some day we hope to be at your canonization. Please pray for us.
Patrick McEntee
March 10, 2006
God Bless you Monsignor Sweeny and thank you for all your kindness. You will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.
elizabeth medina
March 10, 2006
LOSEING FR.SWEENY IS A GREAT , GREAT LOSS, BUT THE LORD HAS CALLED OUR BROTHER IN CHRIST, AND HE PLANTED IN US THAT WONDERFUL PASSION FOR JESUS MOTHER, VIRGIN MARY, WE WILL MISS U ALWAY'S PRAY FOR US.
Robert Frieda Soeherman
March 10, 2006
Thanks Be to God,
for giving us, Parishioners of Our Lady of Peace that we ALL know how
holy and humble our Pastor was. Thanks to Msgr. Sweeny's HUMBLE example as a Priest of God that
our son followed his footsteps
becoming a priest.Msgr Sweeny toke from his VERY busy schedule to travel to E.W.T.N. Birmingham AL, in August 13, 2001 to be present for the Perpetual Profession of one of his Parishioners, then, Br. Miguel Marie Soeherman,MFVA
Msgr. John Joseph Sweeny was also
present during the Ordination of
Deacon Miguel on his Ordination to
the Priesthood - June 5, 2004 and
concelebrated in the First Mass
of Father Miguel Marie,MFVA June 6,04 We are grateful and thanks full to God, that Msgr. John Joseph Sweeny was our Pastor and a dear friend to our family and we are happy that Msgr. John Sweeny is now Heaven.
Chuck Gullo
March 10, 2006
Fr. John:
God bless you. My the lord hold you in the palm of his hand. RIP my friend.
M. Charlie and Darlene Dias
March 10, 2006
Monsignor Sweeny -- We are so lucky to have known you and had you as the pastor of our church for such a long time. You did so much to enrichen our spiritual lives. Thank you
REYES & LETICIA DOMINGUEZ
March 10, 2006
To our friend and loved one. Father Sweeney you were like our father and a great spiritual councelor who loved us and cared for us from Feb.1981 till now.From Reyes, Leticia, Raymundo, Sandra, Berenice, Paula, David and Eric thank you for the years that you helped us spiritualy. We will always Love you and miss you. Loving you for ever. The Dominguez Family.
Maria Ormonde
March 10, 2006
God Bless Father Sweeny....I will always have fond memories of of him and my young years of CCD at Our Lady.
Fernanda Bettencourt
March 10, 2006
Father Sweeny is a very dear memory from my childhood. He was so kind and warm to everyone around him. I always felt like I could talk to him about anything and that he would understand. He just truly cared about what he did and it showed. I am grateful that he was a part of my childhood. God bless you father Sweeny, I will never forget you.
Melissa Lopes
March 10, 2006
The earth seems a bit dimmer since Msgr. Sweeny's passing--but only to make Heaven much brighter!
A true priest at heart! I feel very honored to have had him as my pastor, mentor and friend!
I'm sure that Our Lady and Jesus scooped him right up to Heaven where he is now a powerful intercessor on our behalf!
We love you Father! an like Fr. Warren had once said years ago, "There is no such thing as dead people--they're only invisible. I'm sure that Fr. Sweeny is with us all in a very powerful and profound way!
My sympathy and love to his family-especially his brother, Richard. God bless you and may the souls of your two saintly brothers rest in peace!
Melissa Lopes
Mike Bearsby
March 10, 2006
I was an Alter Boy for Fr. Sweeny in East Palo Alto 40 years ago. I will never forget his kindness and the trips to his parents house for weekend outings. God rest his soul and may he rest in peace.
Gene Owens
March 10, 2006
God bless John Sweeny
Brendan Murphy
March 9, 2006
The Murphy family is eternally grateful for your devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady, and the Rosary. You are sorely missed, but now in a much better place. We pray for your repose, and ask you always to pray for us.
Bernadette Quimson
March 9, 2006
May you rest in peace. We will miss you.
Liza Steuwer (Hufana)
March 9, 2006
Rest in Peace, Monsignor Sweeney.
You will be missed.
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
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Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
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Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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