Brother Paul J. Feeney CFX

brother paul feeney

February 9, 1933 ~ June 24, 2025

Born in: Boston, Massachusetts
Resided in: Danvers, Massachusetts

Brother Paul J. Feeney, C.F.X., 92, a devoted member of the Congregation of the Brothers of St. Francis Xavier for 75 years, died peacefully on June 24, 2025.

Born in Boston on February 9, 1933, he was the son of the late John and Gertrude (Sheehan) Feeney. He was raised in Boston and graduated from Boston College High School with the Class of 1950. On September 19, 1950, he entered the congregation of the Xaverian Brothers, receiving the religious habit and the name Brother Antoninus on March 19, 1951.

Brother Paul earned his bachelor’s degree from Catholic University of America in 1956 following studies at Xaverian College. He later completed his master’s degree at Catholic University in 1970, and pursued further graduate studies at Boston College, the University of Manchester, King’s College (UK), and the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.

His teaching ministry began at St. John’s High School in Worcester, where he served until 1961. He then held brief assignments at Keith Academy in Lowell and Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, where he was assistant principal. From 1967 to 1970, Brother Paul worked in religious formation for the Xaverian Brothers.

He returned to Xaverian Brothers High School from 1970 to 1986 before serving at Xaverian College in Manchester, England. From 1989 to 1993, he served as Provincial for the Xaverian Brothers. He later returned to Xaverian Brothers High School and served as Director of Religious Education for Secondary Schools of the Archdiocese of Boston from 1996 to 1999. From 1998 to 2007, he was in residence at Xaverian and at St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury, where he also served as editor of CFX World. In his retirement, he resided at St. John’s High School, Shrewsbury, where he was a beloved member of the community, and more recently at Xaverian House in Danvers.

Brother Paul was a tireless advocate for peace and justice, a master teacher, a dedicated scholar, and a compassionate mentor whose influence touched generations of students, colleagues, and fellow religious. He had recently celebrated his 75th Jubilee as a Xaverian Brother, a milestone marking a lifetime of faithful service.

In addition to his brothers in religion, he leaves several cousins and their families. He was predeceased by a sister, Marion Feeney.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Richard Church, 90 Forest Street, Danvers. Burial will follow in the Xaverian Brothers Cemetery in Danvers. Visitation will precede the Mass in the church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Brother Paul’s memory may be made to the Xaverian Brothers Retirement Fund, 4409 Frederick Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229. Arrangements are by C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Online directions and condolences available at www.LyonsFuneral.com.

Services

Visitation: Monday, June 30, 2025 9:00 am - 10:45 am

Saint Richard Church
90 Forest St.
Danvers, MA 1923


Funeral Mass: Monday, June 30, 2025 11:00 am

Saint Richard Church
90 Forest St.
Danvers, MA 1923


Committal: Monday, June 30, 2025 12:15 pm

Xaverian Brothers Cemetery
Spring St.
Danvers, MA


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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Rest in Peace, Brother Antoninus. I will never forget your calm presence at Xaverian Brothers High School, Westwood MA through my years there, and your visits to Class reunions for the very first graduating class at XBHS.
    Al Morgen Class of 1967

  2. Rest in beautiful peace, dear Brother Paul. You were such a bright light at the Holy Cross Retreat house where you soothed many souls with your kindness, warm heart, and beautiful smile.

  3. Amelia and I were blessed to be Xaverian Brothers Associates (I was a former Brother) and were inspired by Brother Paul. Since we could not attend his Jubilee celebration this past Saturday we had a blessed conversation with him. Thank God he was able to share his 75th Jubilee with his Brothers and friends and now enjoys God’s eternal love. Brother Paul, pray for us! Till we meet again.

  4. What a shock! My cousin Paul and I just had lunch together in Danvers and while his body may have been 92, his mind was as sharp as ever. We shared many family memories and talked of our shared religion. Paul has been my big brother for 76 years, my religious mentor and non-judgmental advocate. I will miss him greatly. My wife Sheila and I had so looked forward to our next visit with Paul in September. RIP

    Dr. John Comerford, DHA
    Seattle, Washington

  5. A true humble & brilliant servant of God! I loved spending time with Brother Paul on Cursillo at the Holy Cross Retreat House. He was a mentor to so many. I feel so blessed to have spent some time with him. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.


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