The funeral Mass for Father Hugh Byron, who died Aug. 3 in Sunderland, England, was celebrated Aug. 6 at St. Joseph's Church in Sunderland. Sixteen priests concelebrated.

Father Byron had cancer for several years, and had returned home to England in 1992 to be with his family after serving in three parishes in the archdiocese since coming here in late 1984.

According to his brother, David Byron, the American period of his life was celebrated as the procession left the church singing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

He said his brother had made a trip to Lourdes in mid-May then began to fail after returning home. His message to the priest's friends in Atlanta was "Your prayers have been answered."

In addition to his brother, Father Byron is survived by five sisters, Kathryn Witherow, Nora Burrow, Ann Rinzorillo, Louisa Wilson and Eileen Jackson.

While in the Atlanta area, Father Byron served at St. Andrew in Roswell, St. Thomas More in Decatur, and St. John Neumann in Lilburn. He was active in pro-life and the Legion of Mary.

Friends may send condolences to Mr. David Byron at 19 Chatsworth Crescent, Sunderland SRA 7NP, England.