OBITUARY : FATHER HENRY (WARD) C.P. (d. 16th August 1931, aged 59 years.) After an illness of more than a year’s duration, Father Henry (Ward), C.P., died at St. Paul’s Retreat, Mount Argus, on 16th August. When the disease, which necessitated his removal to hospital, manifested itself, Father Henry was transferred, by his own request, to Dublin. When he had recovered sufficiently to allow him to leave the hospital, after a serious operation, he took up residence at Mount Argus. Always a great lover of sunshine and the sea, he was able to sit out of doors, when the weather proved favourable, and thoroughly enjoyed the salubrious breezes wafted across from the Dublin mountains. Nothing was left undone, on the part of medical science, to retard the disease and effect a cure, but these efforts, while prolonging his life, proved ineffectual to stamp out the malady. Born in Dublin in 1874, a call to the religious state, found a ready response, and Father Henry entered the Passionist Noviciate at Broadway, Worcestershire. After his profession he made his studies at St. Paul’s Retreat, Mount Argus, and was ordained priest in the Pro-Cathedral, Marlboro’ Street, in 1898, by the late Most Rev. Dr. Walsh, Archbishop of Dublin. During the thirty-three years of his active life in the ministry, he was stationed in various Retreats of the Congregation. In such populous centres as London, Glasgow and Belfast where parochial work had to be attended to, he devoted himself with unremitting zeal to the spiritual and social welfare of the people. Besides preaching and administering the sacraments, his duties were of a varied and exacting nature. When family estrangements arise, when the shadow of the cross falls upon the household, when distress and difficulty invade the family circle, the priest is usually called in, and his advice and mediation sought. Wisdom, tact and charitable consideration were displayed by Father Henry in circumstances Such as these. His was a heart that beat in sympathy for the miseries and trials of others, and he could not look on unmoved when the sorrow-laden needed words of encouragement and consolation, or the poverty-stricken, material aid. Gifted with a pleasing musical voice, Father Henry was often called upon to sing Solemn Masses, or take part in liturgical Services of the Church. Although somewhat hampered by a natural bashfulness which cost him an effort to appear in public, he held high rank as a preacher. His sermons were attractive, informative and convincing. In the direction of souls he was prudent, patient and painstaking, and the large number of clients that consulted him proved how his efforts as spiritual guide were appreciated, and productive of good fruit. The end crowns the work, and the time came for the labourer in the Vineyard to receive his reward. Father Henry was not deceived as regards the uncertainty of life. It could be easily seen that he was daily making careful preparation for the final ordeal. Despite his infirmities he recited the Divine Office and other spiritual exercises with deep and absorbed devotion. He had the precious privilege, too, of being able to celebrate Holy Mass until a few days before his death. Although he must have suffered much physically happily he did not seem to be racked by acute pain he was a model of patience, not a single murmur escaped his lips. Fervour and perfect resignation to the Divine Will, worthy of a saint, were shown by this devoted son of St. Paul of the Cross when the Last Sacraments were administered. His passing was calm and peaceful, and his mortal remains were laid to rest in the quiet little cemetery at Mount Argus beside his departed religious brethren who, like unto him, had fought the good fight, kept the Faith and persevered to the end. May his soul rest in peace. (ex. “The Cross”, October 1931, Vol. XXII, p. 252) Fr. HENRY of St. Paul of the Cross (Ward) A Dublin man he was born in St. Catherine’s Parish (one of the oldest outside of the City Walls), Meath Street. He was baptised Edward on 13th November 1874, two days after his birth. He was Professed a Passionist on May 28th 1893. His studies for the priesthood were made at Mt. Argus, and he was ordained priest, by Dr. Walsh, the Archbishop in 1898. Many years of his life as a CP were spent in Glasgow, where he was renowned for his devotion to the poor and the sick. His Obituary Notice said: ‘He could not look unmoved on the poverty-stricken, or the sorrow-laden without being moved to charitable works and kindly words of encouragement’. He was later transferred to St. Mary’s Retreat, Harborne, Birmingham, but after that the remainder of his life was spent at Holy Cross, Ardoyne, where he showed the same loving care of the poor and the sick. He spent long hours in the confessional. His sermons were attractive, devotional, and convincing. He was ill for a year before his death, on 16th August 1931. For a required operation he was sent to Dublin. He was a man devoted to ‘The Church’s Prayer’, saying his Office with fervour. Mass he was able to offer almost up to the day of his death. He had one regret tho’ at the end: that he had not died on the day before, the great Feast of the Mother of God, whom he loved so dearly. God rest him. Sources: Anglo-Hib. Catalogue 1917. No. 52 ‘Obituary Notices, St. Patrick’s Province 1927-1935′ p.20-1