CONFRATER FINBAR (LANE), C.P. When death comes as the peaceful close of a long life filled with useful labour, it is often looked upon as the crowning glory of the well-spent years. But when death claims one who stands upon the threshold of life, when it cuts off abruptly the thousand golden dreams of youth, the splendid promise of the future that now can never be fulfilled, then it is that we appreciate to the fullest extent its tragic significance. Such was the case when on Monday, July 28th, it was known that Confrater Finbar of the Blessed Sacrament had passed to his reward at the early age of eighteen years. The announcement was all the more unexpected, since a period of nearly forty years had elapsed since a Passionist student had died in these countries. Known in the world as Michael Lane, Confrater Finbar was born in Schull, Co. Cork, in the year 1912. Feeling the call to the religious life, he applied for admission to the Passionist Congregation, and entered the Novitiate of St. Joseph’s Province at St. Saviour’s Retreat, Broadway, Worcs. He made his religious profession on November 26th, 1929, and some time later he was transferred to St. Paul’s Retreat, Ilkley, Yorks, where he commenced his studies for the priesthood last January. True, his life in religion was brief, yet in him was fulfilled that pregnant saying of the Book of Wisdom: “Venerable old age is not that of long time, nor counted by the number of years: but the understanding of a man is grey hairs, and a spotless life is old age” (iv, 8, 9.) Though young in years, he was old in the wisdom of the saints, and “being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled. a long time: for his soul pleased God.” As a fervent novice, as a devoted and painstaking student, he practised the virtue of fidelity in the small things of daily life. His devotion to the Sacred Passion, manifested in his choice of the Congregation devoted to its remembrance, and fostered by the life he led, grew stronger day by day. Faithful to the name that he chose, he loved His Eucharistic King. It was his delight to work around the Altar, and to adorn the dwelling-place of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Ever ready to serve or to assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, his fervour edified those who came in contact with him. Like his model, St. Gabriel, he had a filial love for the Mother of God; and during the illness which proved to be his last – and which first manifested itself on the Feast of Mary’s Visitation – he was never tired speaking of her, and of the great debt of gratitude that he owed her. Solemn Requiem Mass was offered at St. Paul’s Retreat, Ilkley, Yorks. on Wednesday, July 30th, the celebrant being Very Rev. Fr. Brendan, C.P., Master of Novices; deacon: Rev. Fr. Fergus, C.P.; subdeacon: Rev. Fr. Paulinus, C.P. Confrater Finbar was laid to rest in the Cemetery in Ilkley, the Absolutions at the graveside being read by Very Rev. Fr. Alban, C.P., Provincial. (The Cross, Vol. XXI, 1930-31; p.189)