John Fitzsimmons

The Reverend John Fitzsimmons (2 December 1939, in Paisley – 17 May 2008, in Gourock) was a Scottish Roman Catholic priest and radio presenter who presented The Greetings radio program on BBC Radio Scotland for many years.[1]

John Fitzsimmons was born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, in 1939.[1] He was ordained priest of the Diocese of Paisley in Rome in 1963.[1] During his studies he earned degrees in Philosophy (Ph.L), Sacred Theology (STL) and Sacred Scripture (LSS). Involved in broadcasting for more than 40 years,[1] he had also served as the rector of the Pontifical Scots College in Rome.[1] In addition to his work at BBC Scotland, Fitzsimmons was known for his sometimes controversial criticisms of the Catholic Church hierarchy.[1][2]

After a long illness, John Fitzsimmons died in his sixty ninth year on 17 May 2008, in Gourock.[1] Maggie Cunningham, the director of programmes for BBC Scotland, said of Fitzsimmons, "He was a big man with a big personality, erudite and compassionate, and anybody who met or worked with Father John would benefit from his life-enhancing qualities."[1]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "BBC presenter dies after illness". BBC News. 19 May 2008. Retrieved 16 June 2008.
  2. ^ Father John Fitzsimmons’s online confession, Stephen McGinty, The Scotsman, 15 July 2012

External links[edit]