PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller has expressed sadness at the sudden passing of Roman Catholic priest, Monsignor Richard Albert, saying his near four decades of service devoted to the Catholic ministry in Jamaica and his pioneering role in facilitating various social intervention and humanitarian projects benefitted thousands of Jamaicans.

Opposition Leader Andrew Holness, meanwhile, hailed the late Monsignor Richard Albert as a man who gave his life to the people of Jamaica, especially the poor and less fortunate.

Monsignor Albert, founder of the St Patrick’s Foundation and co-founder of the Stella Maris Foundation, initiated and steered several philanthropic activities in Jamaica.

“Monsignor Albert devoted his life to the betterment and service of others. The Catholic Church has lost a true man of the people. His dedicated visionary efforts to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in our country will not be forgotten,” Prime Minister Simpson Miller said in a statement.

“Jamaica has lost a friend and a true servant of the people,” said the prime minister, who expressed condolences to his family and the Catholic Church community.

Holness said Monsignor Albert had a positive impact on those he served. “Monsignor Albert was one of the icons of Jamaica, a man who had such a positive influence that he transcended politics and the different strata of society. While his work focused on inner-city renewal and violence prevention, his influence reached far and wide,” said the Opposition leader, who called on the Government to do something to honour his life and work.

“Persons like Monsignor, who dedicate their lives to the country must be recognised. He must be recognised by the Government and something must be done in his honour so that a future generation can look on and learn of his dedication and selflessness,” said Holness.

The entire JLP family, he said, have been mourning the loss of Monsignor Albert and that he will be constantly in their memory for a long time to come.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kingston, in a statement yesterday, said it mourns the loss of a priest who served with distinction as an inspiring pastor, a mentor and good friend, and as a member of various commissions of the Archdiocese.

“As founder of the St Patrick’s Foundation and co-founder of the Stella Maris Foundation, he created opportunities for hundreds of vulnerable young Jamaicans. He served the elderly through his work at the St Monica’s Home, and was dedicated to the poorest of the poor in the Riverton community. Monsignor Albert was well loved by all and we will miss him.”

Funeral arrangements, said the Archdiocese, will be announced at a later date.