Scottish Catholic Observer

Among the priests concelebrating was Fr John Paul MacKinnon, whose early ministry in the Western Isles was charted in the BBC’s 2012 An Island Parish, in which Fr Banyard featured. There was also a small group of people who had been present at his ordination in Wimbledon College in 1961.

Principal celebrant Fr Damian Howard SJ welcomed the congregation, which packed the church, to what he described as ‘the end of an era.’

Fr Banyard first came to St Aloysius’ College two years after his ordination. He later returned to England in 1976 where he taught and worked as a chaplain before undertaking further study.

He suffered a heart attack in 1986 and a year later came back to Glasgow as a college chaplain where he remained until his death earlier this month.

Rugby was among his great passions and he continued to play in the front row until his 50s. He was a regular Saturday morning coach at the college sports ground in Millerston, remaining active in that role until well into his later years.

He was greatly loved by all who knew him, no more so than by the people of his beloved Vatersay. Unlike everywhere else, where he was affectionately known as Bert or Bertie, there he was Fr Peter.

His first visit was in 1971 when he went to Our Lady Star of the Sea, Barra to supply at the request of the then parish priest, Canon Angus McQueen. There, as everywhere he went, his ability to mix with people ensured the islanders quickly took him to their hearts.

After the Golden Jubilee of his ordination which was celebrated in Our Lady of the Waves and St John’s, Vatersay, a party was held in his honour in the hall, where a banner proudly proclaimed: “80 years of age, 50 years a priest, 40 years OUR priest.”

Although in rapidly failing health, this year he was able to visit one last time in June. On his death the Barra and Vatersay weekly newsletter was given over to the news.

Fr James Crampsey SJ, who gave the homily, was in 6th Year when Fr Banyard returned to the college. He told of Fr ­Banyard’s mastery of the short note and how it enabled him to keep in touch with people and let them know they were in his prayers. Around the church heads nodded in assent, many of whom had been supported by Fr Banyard in times of difficultly or ill-health.

In a eulogy before the final blessing, Dr Frank Dunn, a former chair of governors, captured the various facets of Fr Banyard’s life: the chaplain of the Children’s Fund, the sought-after after dinner speaker, and the accomplished poet.

Until recently he celebrated Mass every morning at 8.30 in the college’s sodality chapel. When the stairs became too much for him Mass was celebrated in a downstairs classroom, which he continued until the end of the summer term.

Fr Banyard was laid to rest in the Jesuit plot in St Kentigern’s Cemetery.