Fr. Berchmans Byrne C.P. After an illness of very brief duration, a well-known Irish Passionist, Rev. Fr. Berchmans. (Byrne), C.P., died at St. Paul’s Retreat, Mount Argus, Dublin, on Thursday, May 13th. He had been in his usual vigorous health on the preceding Sunday, and had fulfilled his ordinary routine of Sunday duties. On the following day, he complained of a slight cold and kept to his bed ; but soon his condition gave cause for anxiety and the Last Sacraments were administered. Fr. Berchmans himself realised the gravity of his illness, and faced the impending trial with remarkable resignation and fortitude. He responded to the prayers for the dying with a firm voice, and retaining consciousness almost to the end, recommended himself to the prayers of the community. Known in the world as Robert Byrne, the late Fr. Berchmans, who had attained the age of seventy-one years, belonged to an old and much-respected Dublin family, several of whose members had entered the religious state. His uncle, the late Fr. Thomas Byrne, was parish priest of St. Audoen’s, High Street; another uncle is the well-known Dublin Jesuit Fr. Vincent Byrne, whilst his brother Fr. Pancras, who died some years ago, was also a member of Mount Argus community. Having made his early studies under the Dominican Fathers at Droichead Nua, Co. Kildare, Fr. Berchmans entered the Passionist Congregation at St. Saviour’s Retreat, Broadway, Worcs., where he made his profession on March 17th, 1889. On the completion of his ecclesiastical studies he was ordained in September, 1894, by the late Bishop of Liverpool, Rt. Rev. Dr. O’Reilly. He had been stationed at different periods in various houses of the Congregation in England, as well as in Paris; but most of his priestly life was spent at Mount Argus. Until advancing years forced him to curtail his activities, Fr. Berchmans was constantly engaged in giving Missions and Retreats, both in England and in Ireland. As a confessor for religious communities he was much esteemed, and many who profited by his advice, will miss his wise counsel and prudent direction. In the preparation of his sermons he took the greatest possible care, and the results were seen in the polished elegance and well-balanced construction of his discourses. As a pulpit orator he never favoured the vehement or the declamatory style, preferring to deliver his message with restrained emphasis and with a measured eloquence. Even those who failed perhaps to appreciate his rhetorical excellence, could not fail to be moved by his earnestness and to be impressed by the conviction which inspired his utterance. Even in community life, which favours order and regularity, Father Berchmans was outstanding for his punctual discharge of the various duties of the day. Usually avoiding anything which might bring him before the notice of the public, he was a lover of retirement and solitude, and when not otherwise engaged, he was always to be found in his cell immersed in the preparation of sermon-material and in the study of spiritual books. Gifted with an urbane and gracious manner, Fr. Berchmans usually left a deep impression upon all who came in contact with him. His alert and cultured mind was well informed upon all the topics of the day, and whilst he seldom volunteered his opinions, his judgment was always marked with acuteness and intelligence. For very many years he took the day’s “duty” at Mount Argus on a Tuesday, to which during his long period of service in the community he had established almost a prescriptive right. Always placing himself at the disposal of those who sought his help, he was a kind friend to the poor and to the afflicted. He listened to their oft-times wearisome recitals with patience and affability, and sent, them on their way with words of hope and encouragement. By his death the Congregation is the poorer for the loss of such a devoted member, one who was ever anxious to uphold its best traditions and to display in his own life the virtues inculcated by St. Paul of the Cross. In his devotion to the Passion, in his zeal for souls, in his faithful discharge of every duty laid upon him by holy obedience Fr. Berchmans was a model Passionist. R.I.P. (The Cross, Vol. XXVIII, 1937-38; p. 61)