Friends, most of you know that Fr. Hugh McGuigan was the Spiritual Advisor for the Mother of Mercy Magnificat local chapter in Fort Myers. He was always there for us; he was kind and supportive. We were heartbroken to learn of his passing. Please keep him in your prayers.
Father Hugh J. McGuigan
Father Hugh J. McGuigan was a beloved figure in the Catholic community of Fort Myers, Florida, where he served as pastor of Our Lady of Light Parish for 20 years until his death on November 23, 2024, at 71. Born on January 11, 1953, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the second of nine children to Hugh A. and Jeanne M. (Tomas) McGuigan. His journey with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, a religious community he joined 50 years ago, shaped his life of service—first as a brother for 23 years, then as a priest following his ordination on May 31, 1997, in Wilmington, Delaware.
Before taking the helm at Our Lady of Light, Father Hugh had a rich history of ministry and education. He graduated from Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia in 1971, where he was active in student government and excelled in track and cross-country. His early generosity shone through as an altar server at Sacred Heart Cancer Home. After earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Allentown College (now DeSales University) and completing theological studies at the DeSales School of Theology in Washington, D.C., he began his career in Florida in 1990 at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. There, he served as Assistant Dean of Students, later becoming Dean of Students and Principal from 2000 to 2003. During those years, he also assisted at various parishes on weekends, including Our Lady of Light.
In 2003, he joined Our Lady of Light as a Parochial Vicar under Father Angelo Maraldo, OSFS, and was appointed pastor in 2004. His tenure was marked by significant growth—he oversaw the construction of the parish church, completed in 2007, and added a Carilion Bell Tower to the grounds. Known for his warm smile, humor, and love for dancing, Father Hugh was a pastor who lived his faith vibrantly. His passion for the Philadelphia Eagles was a quirky hallmark, endearing him to parishioners. He was deeply committed to his flock, regularly visiting the sick at the Life Care Center of Estero and ministering to students at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he celebrated Mass and fostered a Catholic presence.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane of the Diocese of Venice described him as “a friend and a true servant of God who lived his faith each day, being an example for others to follow.” Father Hugh’s Salesian devotion—rooted in the teachings of St. Francis de Sales—emphasized kindness and availability, traits parishioners often praised. He also served the diocese on the College of Consultors as a Religious Representative on the Presbyteral Council and was chaplain for the Notre Dame Club of Southwest Florida.
Father Hugh passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind seven siblings—Patrick, Maria, Michael, Kathleen, Dennis, Joseph, and Jeanne—and many nieces and nephews. His funeral arrangements included a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Light on December 6, 2024, and a Memorial Mass and burial on December 14, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Parish and the Oblate Cemetery in Childs, Maryland. His legacy lives on in the community he nurtured, with donations suggested to Our Lady of Light, Bishop Verot, or the Oblates’ retirement fund. He’s remembered as a hardworking, compassionate priest whose life was a testament to living Jesus daily.