Société des Missions Africaines –Province d'Irlande

né le 8 juillet 1918 à Ballinabole dans le diocèse d'Achonry, Irlande membre de la SMA le 30 juin 1940 prêtre le 19 décembre 1943 décédé le 21 juin 1989

1944-1954 missionnaire au Liberia vicariat de Monrovia 1954-1958 Irlande, travail de promotion 1958-1973 Blackrock Road, Cork, responsable de l'animation 1973-1988 missionnaire au Liberia archidiocèse de Monrovia 1988-1989 Blackrock Road, Cork, retiré décédé à Cork, Irlande, le 21 juin 1989, à l'âge de 70 ans

Martin Whyte was born at Ballinabole, Collooney, Co Sligo, in the diocese of Achonry, on 8 July 1918. He died at the Bon Secours hospital, Cork, on 21 June 1989.

Martin came from a farming background in Co Sligo. He was educated in the colleges of the Society. He studied at the Sacred Heart college, Ballinafad, Co Mayo (1934 1935) and St. Joseph's college, Wilton, Cork (1935 38), before entering the novitiate and house of philosophy, at Kilcolgan, Co Galway, in the autumn of 1938. He studied theology in the major seminary, at Dromantine, Co Down, from 1940 1944. Martin was received as a member of the Society on 30 June 1940 and was ordained a priest by Bishop Daniel Mageean of Down and Connor diocese, at Newry cathedral, on 19 December 1943. He was one of a group of twelve ordained on that day.

After ordination Martin was appointed to the vicariate of Liberia. Liberia was arguably the most difficult mission field in Africa. Before the S.M.A. took charge in 1906, three missionary expeditions to that Black Republic (established in the early 19th century by freed slaves from the U.S.A.) had foundered. This was the mission which had been entrusted to the Irish Province at the time of its foundation in 1912. It was also the original 'whiteman's grave', situated only a few degrees from the Equator. Martin came to Liberia in September 1944. On his arrival, the vicar apostolic, John Collins, appointed him to Grand Cess district, on the Kru Coast. Grand Cess mission had been founded in 1916 and had flourished ever since. Indeed, it could be said that Grand Cess and the two Sasstown stations (founded in 1912) were the cradle of Catholicism in Liberia. When Martin took up his post there was a catholic community of almost 2,000 members and 100 catechumens, as well as three schools with almost 400 pupils.

After a year Martin became superior of the district, with Tom Higgins as his assistant. Martin's arrival coincided with a drive to make each mission station self-supporting. A report from the pro-vicar, John Kennedy (Bishop Collins was invalided in Ireland at the time), tells about the plans for Grand Cess. 'Coconut plantation of 600 acres about 40 minutes walk from the mission. This has been granted by the people, but an act of legislature is necessary and this will come up in October (this was granted). Meantime work is in progress, and 800 trees planted. The prospect is to make coconut oil which is in much demand for cooking. At present this commodity is imported. The mission has also eight prospective breeding cows'. Martin wrote to the Irish Provincial, Stephen Harrington, in November 1945, who had just visited Liberia, telling how, in addition to his other tasks, he was concentrating on adult evangelisation and in building up a strong catechumenate. The vicariate's statistical report for 1946 noted that Francis Convey, Joseph Mullins and Martin Whyte were now the priests in Grand Cess. In February 1948 Martin was transferred to Cape Palmas district, which had been founded in 1930. This was a smaller mission, with some 800 catholic members and two schools.
Martin came to Ireland on his first home leave in July 1949. In February 1950 the Liberian jurisdiction was divided and the Kru Coast region was erected as the prefecture of Cape Palmas. Martin was incorporated into the staff of the larger 'Monrovia vicariate', which continued to be led by Bishop Collins. He was to spend his entire second tour of duty (July 1950-May 1954) in Gbarnga district. This mission district, situated in the interior, north-east of Monrovia, had been established in 1933 under the patronage of St. Joseph. A report on Gbarnga compiled by a senior missionary in 1948 recorded that little progress had been made over the years, in evangelisation of the local Kpelle tribe, in the schools apostolate and in making the station self-supporting. Martin did much during his four years in Gbarnga to build up the Church in this remote district, developing a strong catechumenate and establishing good schools.

During his time in Liberia Martin impressed his superiors not only with his pastoral zeal, but also with his ability as an administrator. Accordingly, when he went on his next home leave he was retained in Ireland to work on the home front. He spent the next four years (1954-1958) promoting the missions, working from the Province's headquarters at Blackrock Road, Cork. From 1958 1973 he was in charge of the main promotion office, which processed all correspondence, Mass offerings and matters relating to fund-raising. In 1973 Martin's wish to return to Africa was fulfilled when his superiors assigned him to the vicariate of Monrovia. He was to minister in Liberia until 1988 when failing health caused him to return to Ireland. During this lengthy period, which encompassed six tours of duty of between 3 years and 21 months each, he was especially associated with the catholic mission at Lamco, Buchanan, Robertsfield, where he was stationed between 1973-1979, and where he commenced the construction of a fine church (completed by his confrere Tony Jennings). He also ministered in Kakata mission, and at St. Kizito's catholic church, Paynesville, Monrovia. While in Kakata and Paynesville he also acted as procurator for the vicariate, responsible for its financial administration. In December 1981 he had the joy of seeing the vicariate erected as an archdiocese. In 1985, after suffering a slight stroke, he took up a chaplaincy with the Brothers of Holy Cross, at St. Patrick's high school, Monrovia.

Martin had a gentle, refined and open nature. As a priest he was noted for his prayerfulness and his pastoral outlook. He was a great listener to those in trouble. In charge of the main promotion office at Blackrock Road he was an able administrator and inspired great dedication in his staff. His courtesy to all who crossed his path was renowned. In Africa he was beloved for his unconditional service to his parishioners. Martin retired in the S.M.A. house at Blackrock Road. He faced the suffering of his last year with courage and faith.

He is buried in Wilton cemetery.