93, of Mount Claret Retreat Center, Phoenix, AZ, died peacefully at his residence on Thursday, November 6, 2014.
Born September 3, 1921 in County Cavan, Ireland to Rose and Peter McMahon. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Bernard and Peter, sisters Rose, Margaret and Kathleen. Msgr, John is survived by his sister Mary (McMahon) Duke, 12 nephews and nieces and extended family and friends.
Msgr. John was ordained into the priesthood in Ireland on June 13, 1948. He came to the United States in December 1948 to St. Cyril’s Parish, Tucson, AZ until 1957. From 1957-1959 he was pastor of St. Phillip’s Parish in Payson, AZ,. He was pastor for St. Mary’s Parish in Chandler, AZ from 1959-1968, where he concurrently oversaw Seton High School, 1968-1991, pastor of St. Theresa Parish, Phoenix, AZ.
In 1987 he coordinated the visit of Pope John Paul II at which time he was honored with the title of Monsignor. He also served as Vicar of the Diocesan Building & Properties Office, during which time he assisted in the procurement of Mount Claret Retreat Center in Phoenix, AZ., where he resided until his death.
During Msgr. John’s sixty-six years as a priest, he served as Chaplain to many organizations including Dames & Knights of Malta, Knights of Columbus, Christ Child Society. Msgr. John was also very active and involved in the Cursillo Movement at Mount Claret.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. with a Rosary at 7:00 P.M., at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ. Funeral Mass will be on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 10:00 A.M., at St. Theresa Catholic Church, followed by a reception. Interment for Msgr. John will take place in his native Cavan, Ireland.
In lieu of flowers, Msgr. John requested donation be made to “Monsignor John McMahon Fund for Mount Claret”, a perpetual endowment fund.
Monsignor John was dearly loved as a spiritual father and good shepherd to the many he served. He will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace. “Amen”
FR JOHN EBBESMIER
THE PRIESTS AND PARSHIONERS OF ST JOACHM AND ANNE
PARISH – SEND THE PRAYERS AND MASSES TO THE
FAMILY OF MSGR JOHN.. HE WAS A GIFT TO BOTH THE
DIOCESE OF PHOENIX ANDS TUCSON –
IN CHRIST;
FR JOJN EBBESMIER