Archbishop James Martin Hayes

1924 - 2016

Archbishop James Martin Hayes obituary, 1924-2016

BORN

1924

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

JA Snow Funeral Home

339 Lacewood Drive

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Archbishop James Hayes Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 2, 2016.

Most Reverend James Martin Hayes, Archbishop Emeritus of Halifax, died on August 2nd, 2016 in the Halifax Infirmary at the age of 92.

Born in Halifax in 1924, the eldest son of the late Leonard James and Rita (Bates) Hayes, he received his education at St. Thomas Aquinas School, St. Mary's High School, St. Mary's College, and in 1943 entered Holy Heart Seminary. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop McNally on June 15, 1947.
Father Hayes' first pastoral assignment was as a curate at St. Mary's Cathedral. It was at this time that he became a regular visitor at the hospitals, bringing the sacraments to those who were ill and accompanying them and their families with prayer. He spent three years in Rome (1954-57), earning his doctorate in Canon Law, and perfecting his French, Latin and Italian. Returning to Halifax in 1957 by ship, he met many Italian families immigrating to Canada, and recognized the need to provide them with pastoral care; so he established a chaplaincy to the Italian community of Halifax, with which he maintained a pastoral connection to present day. In 1957, he was named Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Halifax and assistant at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and in 1964, he became Rector of St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica. James Martin Hayes was ordained Titular Bishop of Reperi on Easter Tuesday, April 20, 1965, and accepted the responsibilities of Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Halifax. Following the death of Archbishop Gerald Berry, he was appointed Archbishop of Halifax. Archbishop Hayes attended the first session of the Second Vatican Council as Archbishop Berry's secretary, and was himself, a Council Father for the final session in 1965. Archbishop Hayes shepherded the Archdiocese of Halifax from 1967 to 1990. During this time he also served as President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (1987-89); was Chair of the Episcopal Commission for Liturgy, and member of Canada's National Council on Liturgy. He served on numerous other committees and was a delegate for two Synods of Bishops. In 1984, he hosted the visit of Pope John Paul II to our province. He was an advocate for inter-religious dialogue, for which he received the recognition of the local Jewish community. He was strongly committed to Christian Unity and was one of the founders of the Atlantic School of Theology. He also served as Chancellor of Saint Mary's University. Archbishop Hayes retired as Archbishop of Halifax in 1990 and he then entered into full-time ministry caring for the sick and the dying, as chaplain in Palliative Care at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax until his retirement from this ministry in 2012. Archbishop Hayes received a number of honorary doctorates (St. Mary's University, Mount St. Vincent University, the University of King's College, St. Francis Xavier University, Université Sainte-Anne, St. Thomas University and Atlantic School of Theology) as well as other honours and medals, including his induction to the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity in 2009 as Grand Officer First Class, the highest order of merit bestowed by the Italian government to a non-Italian citizen. In 2016, he was honoured by the Atlantic School of Theology with the first annual James M. Hayes Symposium on the pastoral care of the sick and dying. Archbishop Hayes is survived by his sister Marie Whalen, a niece, Mary Rideout, both of St. John's NL; nephews Timothy, Hamilton ON; Patrick and Daniel, Toronto ON; John and James, St. John's, NL and many grandnieces and grandnephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Rev. John Hayes and a sister, Sr. Elizabeth (Betty) Hayes, SC. Funeral rites will be celebrated at St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica, Halifax beginning on Wednesday, August 3rd with the Rite of Reception of the Body at 6pm, followed by visitation until 10pm. Thursday, August 4th, visitation in the Cathedral will begin at 10am ending with Evening Prayer Vigil at 7:30pm. The Mass of Christian Burial, with Archbishop Anthony Mancini presiding, will be at 11am on Friday, August 5th, 2016. A reception will immediately follow in the Cathedral Hall. The committal will take place after the reception at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville.Please note that all masses in the Cathedral will be cancelled during this time. Memorial Donations may be made to the St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica Foundation established for the upkeep of the church he so long served as Rector and Archbishop.Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Snow's Funeral Home.

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20 Entries

August 9, 2016

Lorraine Baldwin

Bishop Hayes was a inspiration to all who had the privilege to know him....Lorraine (Morris) Baldwin surrey British Columbia..

August 8, 2016

I remember Bishop Hayes as a young priest when he came to St. Mary's Cathedral and I was just a child. I also knew him when I worked at St. Mary's rectory years ago as a secretary. May he rest in peace.
Margaret Murphy(nee O'Laughlin), Winnipeg, Manitoba (formerly of Halifax, Nova Scotia)

August 6, 2016

JoAnn Noakes

August 6, 2016

Annette Croft

Sending condolences to the Hayes family. Archbishop Hayes came to our home after the loss of my father (Reuben Marriott) 10 years ago. We will never forget his comforting words to us in our time of grief! You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

August 5, 2016

Hugh Creighton

Deepest sympathy to all the Hayes family members. I will always remember his humility and kindness. He opened the windows and let in fresh air and ideas !!!

August 5, 2016

To a special friend one could have in this life, Archbishop Hayes (James) thank you for your constant interest in the Morris family. You were so very kind, considerate and loyal where they were concerned.

May the Lord confer on you His love and peace you so deserve. Thank you, Friend.

Elaine Nixon
Anna Morris

August 5, 2016

The accomplishments of Atlantic School of Theology benefitted much from the ministry of Archbishop Hayes, Father James, the "spiritus rector" of the School becoming reality. We will miss his presence among us but he will be much alive in our grateful hearts. May he rest in peace.
Martin Rumscheidt (AST 1975-2003)

August 5, 2016

Effie MacPherson & Family

To the Archbishop Hayes family, so sorry for your great loss. It was an honour and pleasure to have known him. He will never be forgotten.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.

August 5, 2016

Aug 5/16

To the family of Archbishop Hayes.

I wish to express my sympathy in the loss of your brother and uncle. I remember Fr. Hayes from my boyhood on Garden St. in Halifax where we all attended church and school at St. Thomas Aquinas. Also, a good family friend, Mona Mahar, was very close with your family and spoke with pride of "Jimmy and Jackie." Was she, perhaps, Fr. John's godparent? She lived with my aunt Margaret Ross on Henry St.
I remember the kindness shown to our family when my mother-in-law Jean Poirier was in the Halifax Infirmary about 9 years ago. Jean was a convert to Catholicism prior to her marriage to Paul Poirier in 1947. When she received the sacrament of reconciliation for the first time, she was, understandably, a little nervous. The priest who heard her confession was a bit abrupt, which didn't increase her comfort. The next time she went, she had Fr. Hayes and she always remembered how patient and encouraging he was. When she was ill in hospital, I wrote to the Archbishop whom I knew still was involved in pastoral care. He quickly acted on my request to visit Jean and she was so pleased and comforted. But, he then followed up by calling us at home in Middleton to report on his visit. As I came in the house from work that evening, my wife was just finishing talking with him. We were all so pleased and thankful for this simple but large act of kindness.
This was, very likely, quite emblematic of his ministry over a long life. As a physiotherapist at the hospital in Middleton for 26 years, and involved in pastoral care there, I know it is an important component of hospital life, and death.
Again, best wishes and fond remembrances.

Tom and Paula Ross
20 George St. Middleton B0S 1P0

August 5, 2016

kevin archibald

When I was 13, I was confirmed in Truro. My mother was in the old Grace Maternity hospital in Halifax. I asked Archbishop Hayes to visit my mother which I never expected him to do. A week later my father was visiting her in Halifax told me that she had three visits. The bishop,the bishop, the bishop as well as other relatives. Needless to say my mother was not pleased because in her mind she felt he was too busy to visit. He did not see it that way. All were considered equal in the eyes of the Lord RIP Archbishop Hayes

Kevin and Donna Archibald Truro NS

August 4, 2016

Susan Veniot

Our condolences to the family of Archbishop Hayes, a true servant of the Lord.
He could preach the gospel in a few words and leave the listener nourished for the week. Thoughts and prayers, sincerely Ralph & Susan Veniot.

August 4, 2016

M.A. Metzger

Sympathy to the family and all those who knew Archbishop Hayes. We were so fortunate to have had him in our life. Thanks, Archbishop Hayes, for all your dedication and insight into making the world a better place.

August 4, 2016

Mike and Helen Walsh

We thank God for our lives are richer for having known Archbishop Hayes as both a friend and wise and holy leader. We will miss you my friend , however,we rejoice because we know that you are with your beloved Jesus. To his family we extend our prayers.

August 4, 2016

Jean Burke

Archbishop James Hayes was a gentle and caring man but when you were in his presence his strength was palpable. He had a knack of showing up unexpectedly but always when needed the most. I will always remember him fondly sitting on his porch overlooking Herring Cove telling me of the time there was a storm that lifted a huge rock from the cove which landed in his yard. He could fit in with everyone he met, he will be greatly missed but always remembered. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

August 3, 2016

Patricia L. (Godwin)Flack

Many people enter this world and when they grow up there not sure of there calling. Our Lord provided Archbishop James with a Loving, Precious ,Life, I will miss him and as his Family you should be very Proud. ++God Bless Pat(Godwin)Flack, Halifax, NS

August 3, 2016

susan gillis

Archbishop James Hayes was one of the kindest and caring man I met he had his summer cottage in Herring Cove and I used to go there all the time he confirmed me when I was 14 years old and always had a special place in his heart for the herring cove community. He also buried my mom back in 1999. My sincere condolences to the family on the passing of your brother he was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed in the roman catholic community. Susan Gillis

August 3, 2016

To the family members of the Most Reverend James Martin Hayes. My sincere condolences on the passing of your brother and uncle. Archbishop Hayes was a kind and generous person who visited the sick and dying. His contributions to the religious and educational communities affected many people. May your memories of him bring you peace. God Bless the soul of Archbishop Hayes. L. A. Ginsburg

August 3, 2016

To the family members of the Most Reverend James Martin Hayes. My sincere condolences on the passing of your brother and uncle. Archbishop Hayes was a kind and generous person who visited the sick and dying. His contributions to the religious and educational communities affected many people. May your memories of him bring you peace. God Bless the soul of Archbishop Hayes. L. A. Ginsburg

August 3, 2016

John O'Donnell

When I think of Archbishop Hayes, some words that were once used to describe Tolstoy come to mind: "Look what a wonderful man has been living on the earth!" A truly great human being; a man who strove always to practice what he preached; a man whose life truly reflected the love of God: What has come into being through the Word of God was life itself, and this life is the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:4-5)

August 3, 2016

Bernard and Annette Leonard

Dear Marie, Tim,Paddy,Johnny,Jimmyand Danny
Sincere condolences on the passing of your dear brother and uncle who was such a special person and whom you all loved so deeply. Father Jimmy, as he was affectionately known to us all, was a giant of a person to you and to all he knew especialy to his fellow priests. He will be missed greatly but there will be treasured memories to sustain us, his family and friends.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during thse days. God Bless you.
Bernie and Annette Leonard

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