Rev. Gerard Redden

Rev. Gerard Don Bosco Redden, former Director and founder of St. Juan Diego Pastoral Center in Fort Pierce, died May 20, 2011 from complications of a stroke. He was born in Derry City, Northern Ireland and was one of nine surviving children, born to William “Willie” Redden and Mary “Mamie” Donaghy. He studied for the priesthood at All Hallows Seminary, Dublin, Ireland and was ordained on 14th June 1959. He served in Scotland for nine years and then joined the Missionary Society of St. James the Apostle and went to work with the poor of Peru and Ecuador. In 1980, he came to Florida to serve at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Riviera Beach and later at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in West Palm Beach. In 1985, he was assigned by the first bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Palm Beach, Thomas V. Daily, to serve the Hispanic communities of St. Lucie and Indian River counties.
Padre Gerardo worked mainly with migrant farmworkers and founded Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Fellsmere and St. Juan Diego Pastoral Center in Fort Pierce. Father Redden’s love for the poor and those in need made him work tirelessly towards a place in the table for them. He was instrumental in forming Basic Christian Communities. He committed himself towards social justice and understood his responsibility to participate and respond to the signs of the times by welcoming the immigrants. He celebrated mass in the open air from trailer parks to orange groves and the presence of a visible church was very clear to him, feeling nourished and uplifted by the spirituality of the people. His favorite scripture was Luke 4, 14-21. For him, education was crucial, particularly for those with no opportunities. Padre Gerardo’s vision was to work for justice and peace and to promote God’s love by serving and loving the poor. He believed that every human being was worthy of respect.

He is survived by two brothers, Tony (Anthony) Redden, Noel Redden and many
nephews and nieces.

Viewing and a prayer service will take place at St. Juan Diego Pastoral Center, 401 South 30th St., Fort Pierce, from 6pm-9pm, Monday May 23, 2011. And the Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 407 South 33rd St., Tuesday May 24, 2011 at 6pm presided by the Most Reverend Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito.