On the evening of Tuesday, March 10th, at Holy Cross Retreat, Ardoyne, Belfast, Father Edwin (Farrell), C.P., passed to his reward. His death came as a shock to his brethren at Holy Cross, because, though unwell for some days, he was not believed to have been gravely ill.
Born in the parish of Holy Cross, Belfast, on September 6th, 1892, he was known in the world as Malachy Farrell. While still very young, he showed a strong desire to study for the priesthood. Understandably enough, his thoughts turned to the Passionist Fathers, for it was in the shadow of their monastery that his boyhood years were spent. Thus, on the completion of his secondary education, he entered the Congregation, and had the distinction of being among the first to be professed in the newly established Passionist Novitiate at St. Gabriel’s Retreat, The Graan, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. He took his vows on October 18th, 1910. For a short time previous to that date, and as a temporary arrangement, the Novitiate had been situated at St. Paul’s Retreat, Mount Argus, Dublin.
Father Edwin was a member of the only class of Passionist students to have been ordained at All Hallows College, Dublin. He was raised to the dignity of the priesthood on June 17th, 1917.
Shortly after his ordination, he was transferred to St. Saviour’s Retreat, Broadway, Worcs., where he remained until his appointment to the Community of St. Anne’s Retreat, Sutton. For some years, while resident at St. Anne’s, he held the office of Director of Students. At the division of the old Anglo-Hibernian Province, Father Edwin chose the Province of St. Patrick, where he served in many communities, including those of St. Mungo’s Retreat, Glasgow ; St. Gabriel’s, The Graan ; St. Mary’s, Drum-Mohr, Musselburgh ; St. Paul’s, Mount Argus and Holy Cross, Ardoyne.
Father Edwin’s example led into the Passionist Congregation two of his brothers, Father Laurence of St. Joseph’s Province and Father Alexander of the Province of St. Patrick.
Some few years ago, Father Edwin suffered a severe accident followed by a long and critical illness from which he never completely recovered. Thus were the last years of his life marked by the cross of suffering.
The obsequies took place at Holy Cross Retreat, Ardoyne. Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Laurence, C.P. Most Rev. Daniel Mageean, D.D., Bishop of Down and Connor, presided. Very Rev. Father Fergus, C.P.,. Provincial, was present in the sanctuary. Requiescat in Pace.
(The Cross, Vol. L, 1959-60; p. 18)