Leisure World: Services to Be Held for Holy Family Church's Monsignor Pierse, Irish Football Star and Author of 'Golfer's Prayer'

Msgr. James D. Pierse, 93, pastor emeritus at Holy Family Church at Leisure World, avid golfer and Irish football champion, passed away this week.

From Ireland’s County Kerry, Pierse was the eldest of eight children and a distinguished athlete who dedicated himself to the church, serving half of his career - 33 years - ministering to the Leisure World community.

“He was very dedicated,” said Barbara Gormly, Holy Family Church secretary. “He celebrated private Masses in his room up until two days before he died.”

He died in the room he occupied for 33 years, with his brother, niece and nephew who flew in from Ireland to be at his side, said Gormly.

“He had a lovely death,” added Gormly.

According to friends and family, Pierse affected the lives of many people. In 1966 he became the pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle in Los Angeles and later served at St. Pius V in Buena Park before he was appointed pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church in Leisure World in 1997. In 1984, Pope John Paul II named Father Pierse a "prelate of honor," making him a monsignor.

His early years were equally distinguished. He earned a bachelor's degree in arts from University College, Dublin, and he excelled in Gaelic football and hurling. He played for the 1941 Irish Champion Kerry Team and won the All Ireland Senior Football championship medal.

In 1945, he left Ireland for New York as a young priest traveling with 39 other priests by military boat during World War II. During the voyage, he and other priests ministered to soldiers injured in the recent Battle of the Bulge.

He arrived in New York on St. Patrick’s Day and watched the parade from the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Throughout the years, Pierse incorporated his love of athletics with his devotion to the church. He organized golf tournaments for the clergy and wrote a “golfer’s prayer.”

Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell Mortuary has posted a video, celebrating Pierse's life.