A Brooklyn priest killed himself inside a church rectory just two weeks before Christmas and was discovered after his pastor requested a wellness check, it has been revealed.

The body of Patrick Burns, 57, was discovered on December 14 in the living room of the rectory at the Holy Name of Jesus Roman Catholic Church in Windsor Terrace.

A 16-page suicide note was also found in the property following the check which was requested by pastor Father Larry Ryan, sources said.

Patrick Burns, 57, had reportedly struggled with health issues and spent time away from the church on medical leave

A Diocese of Brooklyn spokeswoman described the death as a 'tragedy'.

The church’s music director, Ivonne Rojas, told the New York Post that she was 'shocked and amazed' by the news.

Burns had reportedly struggled with health issues and spent time away from the church on medical leave, according to The Tablet magazine.

He was ordained in 1992 and had previously served in Bushwick, Jackson Heights, Sunset Park and Corona.

According to the magazine's obituary the priest attended the Good Shepherd School in Marine Park and later Sheepshead Bay High School.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article then you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255, alternatively you can visit the website at by clicking here.