Rev Anthony J. White

Rev. Anthony J. White passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at the age of 88 years. He was born in Cork City, Ireland on June 22, 1928, but grew up in County Kerry. Predeceased by his parents Patrick White, a member of the Garda (police) and Mary McDonald White, beloved brother to the late Carmel White Bex, Brendan, Declan and Francis White. He is survived by is sister-in-law Rhoda White (Declan), devoted friend Jane Wilson, Peggy and Bill Lewis, Ellen and Jamie, Jennifer and Duane, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He entered the Novitiate of the Holy Ghost Fathers in 1947. While attending the National University of Ireland he graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy. His post graduate work was followed by studies at Kimmage (C.S.Sp), the Holy Ghost Fathers Senior Seminary in Dublin. On July 3, 1955, Fr. White was ordained a Holy Ghost Father. The following year his boyhood dream to become a missionary came true; he was assigned to work with the Ibo people in Biafra. His years in Nigeria included positions as: Faculty member at a Teacher Training College, Pastor of a parish, Principal of a Secondary School, Director of Junior Seminarians at St. Teresa's Secondary School. Father White's dream was shattered against the backdrop of civil war between Biafra and Nigeria. Captured by federal troops, he was taken prisoner to northern Nigeria. After a week of detention, he was liberated with no possibility of getting back to Biafra. He returned to Ireland. In February of 1968, Father White responded to an appeal to serve in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. On October 29, 1971, he was incardinated into the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He served at St. Francis de Sales in Houma, St. Francis Xavier in Metairie, St. Rita in Harahan, and was named Pastor of St. John the Baptist in Folsom. In the midst of his parish ministry he began to help those suffering with alcoholism. The Archdiocese recognized his work and established the Archdiocesan Alcoholic Counseling Ministry with Fr. White as the Director, a position he held for 25 years. While serving at several residences in the city, Fr. White continued his work. In 1990 he was appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick's Church in New Orleans. For the first time in almost 50 years, and Irish born priest was serving at St. Patrick's. As the time for Father's retirement approached, a facility for priests was being planned. During the summer of 2001 Fr. Anthony White became the first occupant at St. John Vianney Villa. Early in his retirement, he began to assist at St. Joseph's Church in Gretna. He continued this involvement until November of 2015 when health issues forced Fr. White to resign. Relatives and friends are invited to attend services. Visitation at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 610 Sixth Street, Gretna, LA on Saturday, October 1, 2016 begins at 9am with recitation of the rosary at 9:30am. The Funeral Mass will follow at 12 noon and interment will take place at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 1225 Whitney Ave., Gretna, LA. Family and friends may view and sign the online guest book at www.mothefunerals.com .