
Father Gregory (Byrne) C.P. “Blessed are they whom God awakens” wrote Bl. Richard Rolle, and English mystic, word which are especially applicable to the passing of Fr. Gregory (Byrne) C.P. His death was quite unexpected, for though complaining of what he seemed to regard as a passing indisposition, he was actively employed throughout the day and retired to rest as usual on the night of Monday, June 4th. On entering his room the next morning, the Rector, V. Rev. Fr. Germaine, C.P., discovered that Fr. Gregory had passed away during the night. Formerly known as Michael Byrne, the late Fr. Gregory was born at Magheracloone, Co. Monaghan, on July 1st, 1886. Having entered the Passionist Congregation at St. Saviour’s Retreat, Broadway, he made his profession on July 20th, 1907. His ecclesiastical studies were made at Mount Argus, Dublin, and on their completion, he was raised to the priesthood on December 21st, 1913. During the year which followed, Fr. Gregory laboured zealously as a missioner in many parts of England and Ireland. At successive periods he became a member of the communities at Enniskillen, Belfast, and Sutton, where he fulfilled for some time, the duty of Director of Students. In 1920, he volunteered for the Australian Mission, where his assistance and indefatigable labours in the mission-field were much appreciated. In the wider sphere of usefulness thus open to him, his many talents found full scope for their application. For six years (1926-1932) he acted as Rector of the Passionist Retreat, Mary’s Mount, Goulburn, which prospered under his wise and prudent administration. But it is as a zealous and eloquent missioner that Fr. Gregory will best be remembered. Throughout Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia, his name was a household word, and he will doubtless be long and gratefully remembered in the prayers of those who attended one or other of the many missions which he conducted. On his return from Australia, about twelve months age, he was appointed Vice-Rector of St. Mary’s, Carmarthen, which office he held at the time of his death. After Solemn Requiem Mass on Friday, June 8th, he was laid to rest in the cemetery which adjoins the church. May his good soul enjoy eternal rest!