Laserian Byrne

Monsignor Laserian Byrne was born to James and Mary Byrne on June 22, 1924, in Tullamore, Offaly, Ireland, the eldest of 7 children. He was ordained June 20, 1948, at All Hallow's Seminary in Dublin. Of his early days in Ireland, Monsignor often remarked that family was his most important source of recreation. He remembered how his father would take him on the handlebars of his bike and ride three miles to Mass. His love of family was always evident either with his own or with all those whom he met over his 63 years of priesthood.

He served the diocese of Monterey-Fresno from 1948, beginning with his assignment to Our Lady of Mercy in Merced, followed by Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Fresno. In 1954, he was assigned to St. Francis Church in Bakersfield as an assistant under Monsignor Patrick Leddy. In all, he served 12 years as an associate and remarked "there was no shortage of priests in those years."

His first assignment as pastor was in Mojave at St. Francis Church with a mission church in Boron. Wherever he was assigned, he followed in the footsteps of the Carpenter, always building and improving.

During this time, the Second Vatican Council was changing the structure of the church in many ways. He recognized how difficult some of the changes were on the laity, but also echoed how difficult they were on the priests. English, not Latin, became the language of Mass and the priests now faced the people. He felt they were good changes because the laity felt more involved in the church.

After Mojave, Monsignor served as pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Clovis, St. Helen's in Fresno, St Ann's in Riverdale and finally at St. Anthony of Padua in Fresno, from which he retired from full time ministry in 2000. However, he continued to practice his priesthood until shortly before his death, saying Masses, baptizing, marrying and burying those who continued to come to him. When asked about his priesthood, he commented that his greatest satisfaction came from the people and being able to help them in their happiest and most difficult times. Both the Fresno and Bakersfield chapters of the Serra Club, which fosters vocations in the church, owe their origins to Monsignor. The Fresno group recently honored him by naming their local organization, the Monsignor Laserian Byrne Chapter.

He also served as chaplain for the Catholic Professional and Business Group in Fresno. His monthly newsletter columns were a source of inspiration to all.

He enjoyed fishing, golfing and fellowship with friends. He was always able to put people at ease with his sense of humor and warm concern.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two of his sisters, Mary Molloy and Bridie Byrne.

He is survived by his brother, Michael and wife Kay; and three sisters, Olivia Doran, Kathleen Guina and Dymphna O'Connor and husband George; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, on Thursday, May 26, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. Interment at St. Peter's Cemetery.

Remembrances maybe made to the Msgr Laserian Byrne Endowment Fund for St. Anthony of Padua School, 5770 N. Maroa Ave. Fresno, Ca., 93704 or the Priest Retirement Fund- Diocese of Fresno, 1550 Fresno Street, Fresno, Ca., 93703.