Confrater Xavier Reilly. Entries in Salvian Nardocci’s Chronicles for 17 November, 1875 and 13 August, 1875. November 17 Clothing of Confrater Xavier of the Immaculate Conception, Reilly, of Confrater Cyprian of Mount Carmel, Meagher, and of Brother Bernard of the Blessed Virgin Mary, McSally. All made their profession in due time, and Father Cyprian was ordained priest, and in April 1887 went to Buenos Aires where now is working in that flourishing Mission. Confrater Xavier, who was our most promising student, and an excellent Passionist, was accidentally drowned near Liverpool, whilst bathing, on 13 August, 1878. Brother Bernard is at present de familia at Mt. Argus. August 13 Fatal Bathing Accident An accident of a most melancholy character occurred this day to one of our students of St. Anne’s Retreat., Sutton. A party of students, under the care of Father Wilfrid O’Hagan, went on a bathing excursion to Wallesey shore, (near Birkenhead). For some time everything went on well, but after a time it was observed that one of the students, named Xavier Reilly had got some distance away from the rest of the party, and was making signs of distress, and calling for help. Father O’Hagan at once swam to his assistance, and on reaching him took hold of the poor fellow by the left hand, and at once swam towards the shore. The current however was very strong, and the Rev. Gentleman soon found that if he persisted in his attempt both would suffer the same fate. He held on, however, till almost exhausted, and then reluctantly let go his hold and made for the shore. In this attempt he was barely able to succeed, and becoming insensible was assisted to the shore by some of the students. Confrater Xavier of course was drowned, and immediate search was made for the body, but it was not recovered until 4.00, two hours after the unfortunate occurrence, when it was washed ashore by the tide. The body was at once removed to the Egremont dead house, where it remained until the inquest which was held on the 14th by Mr Churton at the Magazine Hotel, when a verdict of “accidentally drowned whilst bathing” was returned. The body was then removed to the Retreat, and was interred at 6.00 on the 16th in the evening. The funeral was postponed to that hour, in order that the parishioners might be able to attend. In the morning, at 8.30 o’clock, the Office for the Dead was said, and Solemn Requiem Mass offered up. Confrater Xavierwas a student of great promise, and would in a short time had been ordained. His untimely death is sincerely mourned by the students, and Fathers of the Retreat, and by the whole body of Catholics of Sutton, and the neighbourhood. (The above is taken from St. Helen’s newspaper.) Father (i.e., Confrater) Xavier of the Immaculate Conception, alias Thomas Reilly, was born at Kells, County Cavan, on 11 August, 1852. Was clothed with the holy habit at St. Saviour’s, Broadway, on 17 November, 1875, made his profession on 21 November, 1876. Died 13 August, 1878. R.I.P. Having made his profession, Confrater Xavier was sent to Sutton, to begin his studies under the care of Father Wilfrid, who was the Professor of Philosophy in that Retreat. From the very beginning, our youth manifested great desire for learning, and having good talents was making great progress in the science he was learning; at the same time he did not neglect his making similar progress in science of virtue. In consequence of his great taste at the decoration of the altar, he was appointed sacristan, and being asked by Father Rector to make up a list of what might be wanted in the Sacristy, or Church, and he (Father Rector) would see that they would be provided without delay, Confrater Xavier wrote as follows. Things required for the sacristy. 1st. Incense (of a better quality than before.) 2nd. Large altar breads, and a separate knife for cutting them. We have one for the small ones. 3rd. Matches. One of “Bryant & May’s” patent boxes, that could be kept permanently in the sacristy. 4th. There are in use three domestic bowls, for the “Lavabo” in the sacristy, the choir, and St. Paul’s altar. (This was a little hint, that Father Rector should procure better ones, and more fit for the altars.) 5th. The canopy poles require mending and lackening. The acolytes, candlesticks, mending and lackening; indeed almost all the candlesticks required lackening. 6th. The branches of gas in the back sacristy is out of order. 7th. About a dozen strings for amices, some elastic for maniples. The washing in the sacristy is increased very much by an excess in the use of amices: I give one every fortnight, yet notwithstanding there are nearly twelve soiled every week. It is in the regulations that the sacristan should get the particle in the Pyx changed once a week. I wish your Reverence would free me from this, as I break silence asking the Priests to do it, and am insulted into the bargain. Another thing, but I hope I do not go beyond my bounds, I should wish to call your attention to, is to appoint a “Deacon” to assist at Benediction on Wednesday evenings, and other times. I think the absence of a Deacon weakens the faith of seculars, and I am sure the devotion of the Religious. Brother Xavier Immaculate Conception. P.S. I am in silence today (it was the day before his death, viz. 12 August, when he wrote the above list) and I do not wish to speak about these things.” The Annalist keeps his precious relic, because it speaks volumes. At the end of the little note, I wrote these words. “This memorandum was written by Confrater Xavier by my own request on the day before the accident, and it is the last letter or writing. He died on the following day. Salvian Rector.” Strange to say that very morning, in fact by the same train, I went to Liverpool with the students, and there we separated. They went to Birkenhead for the bathing, and I went to the town of Liverpool to purchase the things the dear youth wanted, and order the rest; so much so that on the same evening everything that could be had I brought with me to Sutton. After the purchase of the things, and the order I had given, to have the candlesticks lackened etc, I went to Birkenhead, and to my horror there I was informed of the sad accident. Towards evening I Telegraphed to Father Provincial, and wrote a letter to all the Rectors of the Province, for prayers….. Father Provincial sent the following Telegram early on the following morning. “Deeply affected at sad news, and sympathise with you all. Send me full particulars. I hope body has been recovered. Alphonsus.” Dr O’Reilly, the Bishop of Liverpool, sent a beautiful letter of sympathy to the Rector and community.