Fr Robert Brennan, Obituary

Fr Robert Brennan - Photo St Columbans, Korea

In 1985 when the Society decided to accept young people from mission countries as members, he became the first rector of the new formation house in Seoul. He also served as vice-director and bursar of the Korean Region.

In 1992, building on his Mokdong experience, he was appointed to the Urban Poor Apostolate in the Seoul Archdiocese moving into the Mia Dong district where he would live for the next 33 years. He became the Head of 'Samyang Community Solidarity' - the umbrella group coordinating efforts to improve the lot of low-income families and support the homeless. He celebrated the sacraments weekly with the local small Christian community and experienced first hand the insecurity faced by the urban poor, relocating multiple times as his own residences were demolished. In recognition of his decades of service, the Korean government granted him full citizenship in 2020.

For his 80th birthday in 2021 he published his memoir, 'Of Saints & Sinners – A Lighthearted Look at Life', capturing both his sharp humour and his rich insights into the Church in Korea and the Columban mission.

His health deteriorated siginificantly in late 2025 and he died in the early morning Mar 21, 2026. The funeral Mass was in Myeongdong Cathedral where the main celebrant was Archbishop Peter Jung Soon-Teck of Seoul. The Church was full with people coming from all the places where Bob had worked during 60 years. The cardinal and auxiliary bishop also attended as did so many diocesan priests and religious.

His coffin entered the cathedral flanked by Columbans on one side and members of the Jang family - his Korean family - on the other. Bob had first met Joseph Jang in Mokdong, and for decades shared Sunday evenings, meals, and deep friendship with the family, who cared devotedly for him in his final days.

After the Mass the funeral cortege travelled to Gangwondo where Bob was laid to rest in Baeron - the burial ground of Wonju Diocese - in accordance with his own wishes.

May he Rest in Peace!