Fr. Richard L. Somers

Fr. Richard Lawrence Somers, age 76, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at St. Catherine's Village. He was born in Clogh, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland on August 8, 1940, son of the late Richard and Mary Somers. He was fifth of six siblings, two sisters and three brothers. He attended the local school, after which he went on to the Minor Seminary, St. Kieran in Kilkenny City. From there he moved on to the Major Seminary at St. John's in Waterford, where he completed his philosophy and theological studies.

Fr. Somers was ordained for the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson in June 12, 1966. He arrived in Jackson on September 1966 and shortly thereafter took up his first assignment at Our Lady of the Gulf in Bay St. Louis. He also served as an Associate Pastor at Our Lady of Fatima, Biloxi, and Sacred Heart, Hattiesburg, and St. Patrick, Meridian. In 1975 he became Pastor of St. Therese in Jackson and from there moved across town to Pastor of St. Richard. His final assignment was at St. Joseph in Greenville where he spent sixteen years, which was his longest tenure.

Fr. Somers retired for health reasons on February 1, 2012 and in December he moved into St. Catherine's Village. His almost fifty years of service has left a lasting impression on the church in Mississippi. His infectious optimism touched the lives of many people because of his enthusiasm, his energy, his faith and his great love of the Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Eddie, and his sister Peggy. He is survived by his brothers, Patty and Frank, and his sister, Teresa.

Visitation will be held at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1242 Lynwood Drive, Jackson, 39206 on Friday, October 21, from 4-7 with a wake service at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, October 22nd at 11:00 am at St. Richard Catholic Church. Internment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Gluckstadt.

Fr. Somers will be greatly missed by a large number of people. In lieu of flowers, memorials or financial donations may be made in Fr. Somers name to St Joseph Catholic High School 1501 VFW Road Greenville, MS 38701.