REV. FR. KIERAN (FARRELLY), C.P. THE announcement on Monday, 16th October, of the death of Father Kieran, came as a great shock to the members of St. Patrick’s Province. He had just concluded a fortnight’s mission in Tubber, Co. Westmeath, on Sunday night, and on his return on Monday morning, he seemed to be in the best of health and good spirits. A heart attack in the afternoon, however, proved fatal, and he passed away peacefully in a few minutes. Father Kieran was born at Carnaross, Ceanannus Mor, Co. Meath, on January 30th, 1887, and was known in the world as Thomas Farrelly. He entered the Passionist Novitiate, Broadway, Worcs., in 1908; made his profession of religious vows on February 21st, 1909, and was raised to the Priesthood by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Walsh, Archbishop of Dublin, on December 21st, 1913. He was a man of exceptional talents – a fact which did not escape the notice of his Superiors – for, shortly after his ordination, the task was entrusted to him of teaching Philosophy and Theology to Students preparing for the priesthood, at St. Paul’s Retreat, Mount Argus, Dublin. His period of Lectorship was one of marked success, and those whose privilege it was to pursue their studies under his direction, pay high tribute to his diligent and painstaking efforts. Later, for two successive terms, he filled the position of Rector in St. Gabriel’s Retreat, Enniskillen, where the fruits of his administrative powers soon became apparent. The beautiful Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, which was erected by the voluntary labour of the people of the surrounding district, remains as a monument to his memory. When his term of office there was completed, he was elected second Provincial Consultor, and at the following Chapter, first Provincial Consultor, which facts go to prove in what esteem he was held by his colleagues, and what confidence they placed in his mature and prudent judgment and in his ability to give counsel and advice on matters of moment. In the field of missionary activity he distinguished himself as a brilliant preacher and a zealous confessor. He was in constant demand for Missions and Retreats all over the country, and he achieved an immense popularity as a conductor of Diocesan Retreats for Clergy. His extraordinary familiarity with the Sacred Scriptures, his power of driving home the desired lesson with a homely anecdote flavoured with a soupcon of humour, his high regard for the ministry of the Word, manifested by his careful preparation, and his burning zeal which was evidenced by his whole demeanour whilst preaching, all combined to give to his sermons a distinctive quality and an appeal which could not leave his hearers unmoved. By his death the Province of St. Patrick has sustained a great loss and of this all the members of the Province are keenly conscious. He was one to whom half-measures were abhorrent, and he put forth all his energy into whatever task was imposed upon him by holy obedience. He will be remembered by all as being good and generous, a pleasant and affable companion, and most particularly, as a Religious who had at heart, the salvation of souls and the good of his Order. Having a passionate love of the Irish language, he could speak it fluently, and always availed himself of an opportunity of so doing. Walking always provided for him a favourite form of bodily exercise and recreation, and it was after a short walk that he was seized with the fatal heart attack which ended his life. While we record our own grief at his passing, we wish to express our heartfelt sympathy with his sorrowing relatives and friends, and it is our earnest prayer, in which we ask our readers to join, that God in His Infinite Mercy may grant rest to his soul. May he rest in peace. (The Cross, Vol. XXX, 1939-40; p.317) J.X.P. Father Kieran (Farrelly) of The VII Dolours of B.V.M.., C.P. The news received on Monday, l6th October, 1939, of the sudden death of Fr, Kieran came as a severe blow to his brethren of Holy Cross, Ardoyne, Belfast, of which retreat he had been a valued member for almost two years. Fr. Kieran, known in the world as Thomas Farrelly, early evinced a desire of embracing the religious state and entered our novitiate at Broadway, Worcestershire, England, in 19O8. Ho was professed on 21st February at St. Paul’s Retreat, Mount Argus, Dublin, and there pursued his studies of Philosophy, Theology and Sacred Scripture in preparation for the priesthood. Gifted by God with a keen intellect, a penetrating mind, and a sound reasoning faculty he was early marked out by his superiors as one well fitted to train others in like studies. Thus, after his ordination by the Most Rev. Dr. Walsh, Archbishop of Dublin, he was appointed to the arduous post of Lector of Philosophy and Theology. His clear grasp of fundamental principles, his wide knowledge of his subject, his diligence and zeal, were fully recognised by those who had the benefit of his tuition, and proved by the continuous success of Ms labours. Retiring from the office f Lector. so highly esteemed was he by his Superiors for his wide experience and administrative powers, his sage counsel and common prudence that he was elected for two successive terms as Rector of St. Gabriel’s Retreat, The Graan, Enniskillen. During those years, his talents were matured, his experience lengthened, his constructive abilities strengthened, his knowledge of the practical side of things increased. The Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes remains as a tribute to his love of the things that are not of this world but of God. Unwilling that such a ripe judgment and mature experience be lost to the furtherance of the internal and external well-being of the Congregation, he was elected by successive Chapters to the offices of 2nd and 1st Consultor. At the last Chapter, held in 1938, he desired no further office and came to live in Holy Gross Retreat as a member of the community. Here, as in the other Retreats, his brethren appreciated to the full his devotion, untiring zeal, and unflagging industry. His diligent application to the work of the ministry, his careful preparation of his sermons, his zeal in the confessional, his faithful observance of his religious duties endeared him and made him an example to all, while his genial spirits made him a welcome companion. His reputation as a Missioner, especially in the conducting of Diocesan Clergy Retreats, made him a well know figure among both priests and people. In the Irish-speaking districts, his knowledge of Irish, which language he spoke fluently, proved a forceful asset. Fr. Kieran worked wholeheartedly and zealously during his religious life. His entire thoughts were devoted to how best he could further his own sanctification and that of the souls entrusted to his care. His life was a life of prayer and work, and indeed it seemed fitting that after an arduous mission at Tubber, Co. Westmeath, God should call him to his eternal reward, when in the height of his reputation and in apparently the best of health. God called him in the midst of his labours and surely did not find him wanting. He had augmented the talents he had been endowed with, he had fought the good fight, he had laboured to increase the external glory of the Master, and whilst we, his brethren mourn his loss, we are consoled by the thought that he has already heard the words: “Well done! thou good and faithful servant” May h rest in peace. Fabian of Jesus Crucified..