FUNERAL HELD FOR FORMER QUEEN’S CHAPLAIN  

An appreciation can be found in the Irish News (06 November, 2019)

08 November 2019

The funeral service has taken place of Monsignor Ambrose Macaulay – Queen’s graduate (BA 1956) and chaplain at the University from 1970-1985 – at St Brigid's Church, Derryvolgie Avenue in south Belfast (Friday 08, November).

Monsignor Macaulay died suddenly at his residence in Maryville Park, Belfast on November 5, aged 85.

In a message of sympathy posted on its Facebook page, the Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s said: He ministered to the University community with dedication and faithfulness and was held in great affection by many. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Born in Cushendall, County Antrim where he was one of a family of 10, Ambrose Macaulay attended St Malachy’s College in Belfast, before beginning his philosophical studies for the priesthood at Queen’s. He completed a Licence in Theology at the Pontifical Lateran University in 1960 and a Doctorate in Ecclesiastical History at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome in 1963.

Best known as Father Ambrose, he was associated with the Catholic Chaplaincy at the University since 1964 first as Assistant Chaplain, and then as Chaplain from 1970. A keen GAA fan Father Ambrose was president of the Queen's University Gaelic Football Club Past Members Union for over 50 years.

In March 2019, Monsignor Macaulay attended an event at Riddel Hall at the University to honour the GAA team that won the college’s first Sigerson Cup – the biggest prize in Irish university football – at Ballybay in County Monaghan on 15 February 1959.

Following his time as Chaplain, he was appointed Parish Priest of St Anthony’s, Willowfield in east Belfast in 1985, as well as diocesan historian. From there he moved St Brigid's on the Malone Road in south Belfast in 1989, where he remained until his retirement in 2010. He received the Prelate of Honour with the title monsignor in June 1994.

His 21 years at St Brigid’s culminated in the building of a new Church in 1994 and of a parish centre in 2006.

Throughout his life, and having studied the subject as part of his primary degree at Queen’s, Monsignor Macaulay had a passion for history, especially ecclesiastical history. He wrote six books covering the period from the mid-18th Century to the end of the 19th, embracing the 1798 Rising, the Act of Union, Emancipation, the Famine and the Land War.  

Deeply regretted by his sister, his nephews, his nieces and the Macaulay family circle, by the Bishops, priests and deacons and religious of the Diocese of Down and Connor, and by his many friends.

To submit graduate news items, or for general enquiries about this story, please contact Gerry Power, Communications Officer, Development and Alumni Relations Office, Queen's University Belfast or telephone: +44 (0)28 9097 5321.

Photo credit: Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen's University Belfast 

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