A memorial Mass for Father Joseph Simoly was celebrated Jan. 20 at Holy Cross Church, Flatbush. Father Simoly was murdered Dec. 21 during an apparent robbery in Haiti. He was 54.

A beloved professor and preacher who was well known in the Brooklyn Diocese, he taught biblical studies at Grand Seminary Notre Dame of Cazeau in Port-au-Prince. He also conducted a foundation, Pauvrete Sans Misères de Marie Immaculee, helping more than 100 children with school fees and providing them with meals.

Retired Brooklyn Auxiliary Bishop Guy Sansaricq, who celebrated the memorial Mass, said Father Simoly “was an excellent preacher and was beloved not just in Haiti, but everywhere he went. He visited Brooklyn several times to preach.

“Thousands of people came to his funeral to show how much they loved him. He was an excellent teacher as well. He shared his love and wisdom. Sometimes he would even sing when preaching because he loved what he did,” the bishop said.

Angeline Moreau, a parishioner at SS. Joachim and Anne, Queens Village, recalled, “He loved to preach and he loved his people. He travelled all over the world to share his message. He was very humble which allowed him to be a great leader, mentor, and professor. He was able to share so much with people.

“He had such love for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, but especially Mary. Many of his homilies included Mary and how important she is to his and to our lives,” Moreau said.

“Through all the work he did his goal was to see a better tomorrow especially for the children he was helping,” she added.