Archdioces of Liverpool confirmed that Father Edward O'Toole, 47, of St Edward's and St Cuthbert's parishes in Wigan, Lancashire, expired on October 27, having apparently contracting H1Ni influenza (swine flu) on a pilgrimage to the shrine of Fatima in Portugal. Father O'Toole, who suffered with asthma, returned from his trip at the beginning of the month with with flu-like symptoms.
At the last service he was to celebrate, a funeral, Father O'Toole apologized for losing his voice. With a rapidly deteriorating condiction, the priest was admitted to hospital exhibiting chest and kidney infections. He was diagnosed with swine flu.
A statement by health authorities noted, "It is with great sadness that we confirm that a patient diagnosed with swine flu died in the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan...The Trusts extend their deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased." This was seconded by the Archdiocese of Liverpool, which issued a statement saying "It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Father Edward O'Toole on Tuesday 27 October. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, parishioners and friends at this time...It is understood that swine flu was a contributory factor in his sad death. The local Primary Care Trust has given assurance that even in these circumstances the precautions which are in place in the Archdiocese are adequate if taken seriously."
Father Edward had served at St. Edward's parish since 1998 and took over at St. Cuthbert's two years ago.
Fr. Andrew Jolly of Wigan, who filled in during Fr O'Toole's illness told the Manchester Evening News: "Father O'Toole put his heart and soul into his priesthood and gave everything to the church and the people.
"He was a close personal friend of mine who I'd met through the church 13 years ago. It's come as a big shock to everyone who knew him. We knew he was ill but thought he would pull through it."
A Mass for Fr O'Toole will take place at St Edward's on November 3, the feast of St. Martin de Porres, and his funeral will be held the following day at Litherland near Liverpool.
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