OBITUARY : BROTHER HENRY McGRATH C.P. (d. 6th March 1935, aged 70 years.) We regret to announce the death of Brother Henry (McGrath), C.P., which took place in Dublin after an illness of some months’ duration on Wednesday, March 6th. Known in the world as Henry William McGrath, the deceased Passionist was born at Sheerness, Kent, on June 24th, 1864. Whilst living in London, he became acquainted with the work of the Passionist Congregation at St. Joseph’s, Highgate, and at the age of twenty-four he entered the noviciate at St. Saviour’s Retreat, Broadway, Worcs., where he made his profession on February 16th, 1889. The greater part of his religious life was spent at St. Anne’s Retreat, Sutton, where for many long years he performed the duties of questor, in the course of which he became a well-known and welcome figure in the many great centres of Catholic life throughout the industrial areas of Lancashire. For the last ten years of his life, he performed the duties of sacristan at Holy Cross Retreat, Ardoyne, Belfast. A gentle, kindly soul Brother Henry always seemed to be the actual realisation of the ideal Passionist lay brother. Always sparing and deliberate in his speech, he appeared to weigh every word before it was uttered, with the result that when he did speak, his words were always practical and to the point. To him, actions always meant more than words, and his many kindly and unobtrusive acts, his thoughtfulness for the needs of his brethren, his anxiety to forestall their wishes and to supply their wants, were traits in the character of Brother Henry that will long be remembered. His gentleness and charity were almost proverbial, and it can justly be said that in the whole course of his long Passionist life of nearly fifty years he was never heard to utter a word of complaint, or to say anything which might hurt the feelings of the most sensitive. During his last illness, his patience and resignation were both admirable and edifying. With the realisation that the inevitable end could not long be delayed, came an added spiritual strength which enabled him to overcome both the physical pain and the mental anxiety which were the natural result of his painful malady. Thus spending his days in prayer and patience, he awaited the coming of that Lord, whose faithful servant he had been for well-nigh half a century. Nor can we have any doubt but that he now enjoys the reward promised to those who are faithful stewards. Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Paul’s Retreat, Mount Argus, by V. Rev. Fr. Sebastian, C.P., Provincial, subsequent to which the interment took place in the adjoining monastic cemetery. R. I. P. (ex. “The Cross, April 1935, Vol XXV, p. 523) BROTHER HENRY OF THE HOLY FAMILY Brother Henry of the Holy Family, in the world, Henry William McGrath was born at in Sherness in the Shire of Kent, England on 24th June, 1864. His parents were of Irish extraction, so he had the good fortune, though in a Protestant country of living under the influence of Irish Catholic traditions. We do not know when he first felt the call to the religious life, but about the age of 24 he became acquainted with some of our Fathers at St Josephs Retreat, Highgate, and shortly afterwards entered our novitiate then at St Saviour’s Retreat, Broadway, Worcestershire. Having passed the chapters successfully he became a professed member of our congregation on February the 16th 1899. About this time the Retreat of the Sacred Heart, a new foundation, was opened at Herne Bay, Kent, and here we first find him in active work for the Congregation. For some years he attended conscientiously to the wants of the community, filling many officers at once as the community was small, and sharing in the privations and inconveniences incidental to most houses of our congregation newly founded. In these our older religious have always recognised the blessing of God, and we may be sure Brother Henry also saw in them the loving hand at Providence. We next find him in our Retreat of St. Anne’s, Sutton; Lancashire. His office here was that of Questor. At no time and in no place was this at sinecure. Although the queststor is, as a rule, kindly and respectfully treated, at times he has a very different experience. Forty years ago, when Brother Henry entered upon its duties, they were difficult and onerous. The means of travelling were neither so cosy nor so many as now. Many a weary journey he made in the fulfilment of the duties of this office – journeys on foot, that would now be done in the modern convenience of travel; yet offered 30 years he acted as quaestor for the retreat at Sutton, with credit to himself, it may be said, and the honour and benefit of the Congregation. It was in a spirit of Faith he was working, not for man but for God, and he was always anxious to do God’s work in a befitting manner. From Sutton he was transferred to this Retreat of holy cross, of which, when he died he was a member. His duties lay principally in the church and sacristy, these like the duties of offices he performed conscientiously and well. He obeyed, certainly the 12th regulation concerning the sacristan, counting himself happy that he had better opportunist than others of remaining in the presence of God, and nearer to the Blessed Sacrament. The vestments of the sacristy and furniture gave proof of his regard to the advice and warning of the 20th chapter of our Holy Rule and Constitutions, for the greatest care was given this by Brother Henry, so long as he was the sacristan. He was also the lover of the regular observances, and his place in the choir was always occupied until sickness and thee infirmities of old age brought their own dispensations. . Having gone to St. Paul’s Retreat, Mount Argus for a rest, it was found advisable to send him to Jervis Street Nursing Home for an operation. It was unavailing. The news, having been broken to him, he manifested at once the greatest resignation to God’s will and edified all those who came in contact with him. He died on March 6th, 1935. May he rest in peace. Thomas of St. Joseph, Rector.