Confrere Theodore of the Five Wounds. 11.March.1890. Province of St. Joseph. Death had already visited this Province three times during the short space of two months when it re-appeared and took away one of the most talented of our students, Confrere Theodore. He was called in the world Michael Gavin and was born in Ireland on the 19th of Dec. 1869. Two of his elder brothers had preceded him in giving themselves to God in our Congregation and he very soon after conceived the design of following in their footsteps. Whilst pursuing his studies in the preparatory school at Harborne he distinguished himself in the practice of those virtues for which he was remarkable after his profession. In October 1886 he was sent to the Novitiate in Broadway and after a fervent year of probation made his religious profession on the 2nd of November 1887. He then went to Sutton and made himself conspicuous by his conscientious application to the acquisition of knowledge and not less did he apply himself to his own sanctification as he wished not only to become learned but also a good Passionist. From these traits of his character may be gathered how useful he would have become to the Congregation, especially by reason of his rare talents. Inflexible in the observance of the Rule, his Superior and companions attest that no one had ever heard him violate the rule of silence. Not less singular was he in the observance of his vows. With regard to poverty he was almost scrupulous, his cell was the poorest in the Retreat and what was not absolutely necessary he did not wish at any cost to retain. His obedience was blind and perfect in a singular degree for he not only fulfilled whatever was commanded him but submitted himself interiorly to the wishes of his director. He was always charitable and kind to his companions and so gained their esteem and affection. This was due in a manner to his great humility. Most guarded lest a word might issue from his lips which would redound to his own praise he had a low esteem of himself, and did not suppose himself to be possessed of intellectual gifts and rare virtues. Uniting in himself such beautiful traits of character, it was painful to his Superiors to notice that towards the end of 1889 his health was beginning to decline. At the end of January this year, he with his companions went to the Retreat in London where it was hoped the change would do him good; but Our Lord disposed otherwise and called him to Himself since it might well be said of him “Consumatus in brevi explevit tempora multa”. With his usual fervour he made the spiritual retreat with the Community although he was so weak that he could scarcely stand and was getting worse day by day, till at last the Doctor said he was suffering from a rapid consumption and that no human remedy could avail him. The last rites of the Church were administered to him by Father Provincial and he rapidly declined in health. He was however always joyful and recollected in God and was a true model of a Passionist lying on his bed of sorrow. The sacrifice of his life he made most willingly to God and being most resigned to the Divine Will he placidly slept in the Lord an the 11th of March in the twentieth year of his age, whilst his brethren were reciting the Prayers for the dying. He retained the use of his mental faculties till his last breath, and only half an hour before he died he desired to receive again the sacramental absolution. Great sorrow was felt throughout the Province at the death of this young man, as great hopes were entertained by all in his regard, but we are consoled by the thought that he is already interceding for us before the throne of Divine mercy, as he had been during his life a model and exemplar worthy of imitation.