OBITUARY NOTICE: REV. JUSTIN COYNE, C.P. On Sunday, 22nd June, 1969, Fr. Justin, who was seldom heard to complain, said that he felt unwell and in the afternoon decided to lie in bed for a few hours. Because of a sore throat and headache, he finally decided to remain in bed from 5 p.m. By 9.45 p.m., he asked for a hot drink so that he might have a good sleep. Five minutes later, he bent his head to the side and was dead. His death came as a complete surprise and profound shock to the Community and the parishioners. He had passed away as peacefully as he had lived. Fr. Justin, known in the world as Joseph Coyne, was born in Hill of Down, Co. Meath on 9th February, 1920. Having completed his studies at St. Finian’s College, Mullingar, he entered the Passionist Novitiate in 1940. He was professed at St. Gabriel’s Retreat, the Graan, Enniskillen on September 7th, 1941, and later ordained in Dublin on 31st May, 1947. Shortly after Ordination, he began to teach in Wheatfield and continued to teach later in Crossgar. From 1956 to 1959, he was Director of Students in St. Michael’s Retreat, Dankeith, Kilmarnock. From there he was transferred to Holy Cross, Ardoyne, where he worked on the parish until his death. During the last few years of his life, Fr. Justin endured much pain through an earlier injury to his back, but few had an idea of the intensity of that suffering. In spite of this he worked hard every day and followed a strict timetable. Like Christ, he was constantly in the midst of his people as one who served. Though he could not be called an outstanding preacher, and in fact gave few Missions, yet whenever he did preach, what he had to say was carefully and thoroughly prepared and delivered with all the sincerity at his disposal. He was above all a man of prayer and was often found on his knees in the Choir, pleading for the lost sheep in his parish – from the Choir he went back refreshed to the streets where his people lived. Unnumbered souls sought his wise guidance and consolation in the Confessional. Above all, he was dedicated to the children whom he loved and who loved and appreciated him in return. Even still they come to his grave to pay their tribute with flowers. When he was saddened in the parish by some older folk who seemed so unresponsive to all his efforts on their behalf, his priestly heart was gladdened by the little children in whom he saw great hope. Those of us who had the privilege of living with him found him ready to listen at all times and humbly to offer his advice. At all times he was a priest, and beneath what some might look upon as a forbidding or even aloof exterior – which was in fact shyness – there was hidden a warmhearted and most lovable person. Above all, he was a man of high principle who was never swayed by anything less than the most noble motive. He inspired us to reach for the heights as priests and Passionists, and his memory will continue to live with us and lead us on, as he prays for us in heaven.