TRIBUTES have been paid to Bishop John Mone, former bishop of Paisley, who passed away this morning.

He died peacefully aged 87 on Friday, October 14 at 6am.

Bishop Mone is remembered by the church "as a holy man of God and gentle pastor, loved by all of the Paisley diocese".

Born in Glasgow, June 22, 1929, Bishop Mone was educated at Holyrood Secondary School, Sulpician seminaries in France of Issy-les-Moulineaux and Paris, Institut Catholique, Paris.

He was ordained as priest in Glasgow, June 12, 1952.

Bishop John Keenan, current bishop of Paisley today said: "We announce the sad news that Bishop John Mone died peacefully this morning just before 6am in the Holy Rosary Residence, Greenock. 

"He was taken unwell an hour or so before and passed away tranquilly.

"Bishop John was a holy man of God who was a gentle and faithful pastor of his people and who was dearly loved by the faithful, clergy and religious of Paisley diocese. 

"May he rest in peace.

"Our condolences go to his family who will thank God for his good life along with the people of the diocese.

"Our heartfelt gratitude to Mother Stephen, the sisters and staff of the Holy Rosary Residence who cared for him lovingly to the end. 

"Bishop John was given special spiritual care by Mons. Gerry Gallagher and we remember him too in our prayers." 

Throughout his life, Bishop Mone served as:

Assistant priest, St. Ninian’s, 1952 – 74

Assistant priest, Our Lady and St. George, 1975-79

Parish priest, St. Joseph’s, Tollcross, 1979-84

Scottish National Chaplain, Girl Guides, 1971

Chairman, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, 1974-75

Episcopal Vicar, Marriage, 1981-83

Chairman, Glasgow Catholic Marriage Advisory Council, 1981-83

Chairman, Scottish Catholic Marriage Advisory Council, 1982-84

Director, Ministry to Priests programme, 1982-84

Nominated titular bishop of Abercorn (and auxiliary bishop), April 24, 1984

Ordained by Thomas Joseph Winning, Archbishop of Glasgow in Holy Cross Church, Glasgow May 14, 1984

President, Justice and Peace (Scotland), 1987

Translated to Paisley, March 8, 1988

President and Treasurer, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, 1988

President, Scottish Catholic Marriage Care, 1993

President, Pastoral and Social Commission, 1996

Retired, October 7, 2004

The date of Bishop Mone’s funeral will be advised in due course.