Funeral arrangements for the Most Reverend James Martin Hayes, Archbishop Emeritus of Halifax

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

The Most Reverend James Martin Hayes, Archbishop Emeritus of Halifax, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2016. He was 92 years old.

Funeral rites will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, in Halifax, beginning with the Rite of Reception of the Body on Wednesday, August 3, at 6:00 p.m., followed by visitation until 10:00 p.m. On Thursday, August 4, visitation in the Cathedral will begin at 10:00 a.m. ending with Evening Prayer Vigil at 7:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial, with Archbishop Anthony Mancini presiding, will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 5, 2016. A reception will immediately follow the funeral Mass in the Cathedral Hall. The committal will take place after the reception at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville.

Born in Halifax on May 27, 1924, Archbishop Hayes received his education at St. Thomas Aquinas School, St. Mary’s High School, St. Mary’s College, and in 1943 entered Holy Heart Seminary. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop McNally on June 15, 1947. Father Hayes’ first pastoral assignment was as curate at St. Mary’s Cathedral. He spent three years in Rome (1954-1957), earning a doctorate in Canon Law, and perfecting his French, Latin and Italian. When he returned to Halifax in 1957, he was named Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Halifax and parochial vicar at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. In 1964, he then became Rector of St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica. On April 20, 1965, he was ordained Titular Bishop of Reperi and appointed Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Halifax. Following the death of Archbishop Gerald Berry, he was appointed Archbishop of Halifax.

During his episcopal ministry, Archbishop Hayes served as President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (1987-1989). Likewise, he was Chair of the Episcopal Commission for Liturgy, and member of Canada’s National Council on Liturgy. He served on numerous other committees and was a delegate for two Synods of Bishops. In 1984, he hosted the visit of Pope John Paul II to New-Brunswick. Archbishop Hayes also attended the Second Vatican Council; first as Archbishop Berry’s secretary during the first session, and then, once appointed to the episcopacy, participated as a Council Father for the final session in 1965. Archbishop Hayes offered his resignation from office as Archbishop of Halifax in 1990.

For more information, see the website of the Archdiocese of Halifax:
http://www.halifaxyarmouth.org/index.php/item/rip-most-reverend-james-martin-hayes