Incarnation Parish's Father Field Dies

(Editor's note: this article was updated at 6:15 p.m. on Monday, July 12.)

Father James Field, the beloved pastor at Incarnation Parish in Melrose, died this morning after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer, a receptionist at the church confirmed.

The pastor at Incarnation Parish since 2002 and a priest for 20 years, Field was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2008, but carried on at Incarnation despite his illness and undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Mayor Rob Dolan released a statement on Monday calling Field's death a loss for the entire community and said Field dignity and strength in the face of his illness was inspirational.

"In addition, Father Field went beyond the boundaries of his parish and joined the other members of the Interfaith Clergy Association to confront discrimination, help the poor, and advance issues that are common among all people of faith, regardless of denomination," Dolan said in his statement. "He truly walked in the way of love, and the city mourns the loss of this good and holy man."

A wake for Field will be held at Incarnation Parish on Thursday, July 15 from 2-8 p.m. and a funeral service will be held on Friday, July 16 at 11 a.m., followed by a burial at St. Mary's Cemetery in Salem. Gately Funeral Home is handling the funeral arrangements.