87-year-old Father Joseph Breen’s death was reported on Saturday afternoon. He was a beloved Nashville priest known as the personification of love.
Nashville’s Catholic priest, Joseph Breen, died late Saturday afternoon. He was a well-known figure who occasionally clashed with church leaders over his progressive beliefs.
Breen spent 30 years of his life as pastor of St. Edward Church in Nashville. He was also a community organizer and advocated in the city and state and the Catholic Church.
Joseph Breen always maintained a strong public stand for progressive stances on immigration, marriage, and the priesthood, even though it brought him into conflict with his bishop.
Who Is Father Joseph Breen?
Father Joseph Breen was a Nashville priest who served at St. Edward Church for thirty years. The 87-year-old was known for his strong opinion against church laws banning female and married priests from being ordained.
Joseph Breen graduated from Father Ryan High School and went on to St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, for seminary before finishing his studies at the North American College in Rome.
On 20 December 1961, Father Joseph Breen was inducted at the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Basilica. He previously served parishes in Memphis, Cleveland, Chattanooga, and Murfreesboro before his career at St. Edward.
Joseph Breen received three formal reprimands from church leaders for his criticism of church policy. The former Nashville Bishop, David Choby, also threatened to excommunicate him unless he apologized.
Father Joseph Breen Cause of Death & Obituary
So far now, the actual cause of Joseph Breen’s death is a mystery. Still, some reports suggest he died after suffering from a long illness.
Breen’s family posted an obituary late Saturday evening, “We grieve tonight, but we know that we aren’t the only ones. Joe Pat’s family extended far beyond his blood kin. He loved everyone he ever met from the bottom of his heart.”
“Let us pray for the repose of Fr. Breen’s soul and the comfort and consolation of his family,” the Diocese of Nashville released a statement to diocesan priests on Saturday.
Father Breen was an associate with the immigrant community through a program at St. Edward that served Hispanic parishioners. Breen played a significant role in the founding of Our Lady Guadalupe Church, the diocese’s first parish for Spanish speakers, according to the diocese.
How Did Father Joseph Breen Die?
Father Joseph Breen passed away at 87 after a long battle with an extended illness. He was a beloved figure who campaigned for church acceptance of the LGBT community and same-gender marriage.
Joseph Breen also funded a new Catholic school in Nolensville, which is set to open in 2023, and established a scholarship in his name for Catholic School pupils.
Julie Cain Lummus said, “Joseph Breen’s whole life was about inclusion. It was about loving everybody, it was about accepting everybody, it was about truly showing Christ in action.”