Father Sydney Clarence Mifflen
Father Sydney Clarence Mifflen completed his earthly journey joyfully on April 6th, 2017, accompanied by the love and prayers of his nieces and nephews, Philip (Michele), Theresa (John), Frances (Mike), Patricia (Doug), Claire (Zane), Anne (Joe), Margaret (late Jack), Sydney, John, David (Rosalind), Mary (Bill), the Bishop and Priests of the Diocese of Antigonish, and many other friends and supporters. Born in Sydney, he was a son of the late Sydney Clarence and Theresa Mary (Power) Mifflen. Father Syd grew up in Sydney, Cape Breton, attending St. Joseph’s School and Sydney Academy. He continued his education at St. Francis Xavier University (Diploma in Engineering, BA, and BEd), Grande Semaire in Montreal (LTh), and Indiana University (PhD).
He was ordained on June 15th, 1957 and served the church in the Diocese of Antigonish teaching in the Junior Technical Institute in New Glasgow (1957 – 1963), at StFX, and in the parishes of Christ the King (Trenton, NS), Our Lady of Lourdes (Sellarton, NS), St. Louis (Louisdale, NS), St. Joseph’s (St. Joseph’s, NS), St. Patrick’s (Lochaber, NS), and St. Paul’s (Sherbrooke, NS). He also served as Chancellor of the Diocese as well as on several Diocesan Committees. In retirement, he enjoyed helping out at St. Ninian’s as well as serving for a brief period as Chaplain to the Mother House of Bethany. Among his interests were the Young Christian Workers (YCW) Movement and the Cursillo Movement both of which he served both locally and nationally, serving for 10 years as National Spiritual Advisor to the Canadian Cursillo. Father Syd was committed to social justice. He participated in organizations such as the Naomi Society, L”Arche, and the Antigonish Emergency Fuel Fund. He also supported, financially and otherwise, many other causes such as St. Vincent de Paul, Antigonish Food Bank, Development & Peace, Doctors Without Borders, and more.
Father Syd delighted to visit his nieces and nephews. For recreation, he enjoyed golf, skiing, and gardening as well as gathering with fellow priests at their cottage in Ingonish. He often annoyed and sometimes amused his family and friends by his habit of correcting mistakes in English grammar, though often guilty of that sin himself.
He leaves this life hoping that his presence has affected those with whom he came into contact in a positive way.
Father Syd was predeceased by his brothers, John, Fr. Philip, and Fr. Frank; sisters, Cecelia and Margaret in infancy; and two siblings at birth. Father Syd has donated his remains to scientific study. Visitation was held in his memory in the Priests Dining Hall of Morrison Hall, StFX, on Sunday the 9th of April. The vigil was held at 7:00 pm in StFX Chapel. Funeral Mass was held on Monday, 10th April 2017 at 10:00 am in SfFX Chapel, with Bishop Brian Dunn presiding.