REV. FR. JUSTIN (O’DOHERTY), C.P. It is with deep regret that we chronicle the death of Fr. Justin (O’Doherty), C.P., which occurred at Belfast on November 4th at the early age of thirty four, after only eight years of priestly life. For some time past his precarious state of health had given cause for anxiety; but hopes were entertained that he would be spared a little longer. The eight short years vouchsafed to him were crowded with achievement that would have done honour to those who had grown old in the Master’s service. Born in Maghery, Co. Armagh, on December 16th, 1903, Michael Eusebius O’Doherty, as he was then known, came of an exceptionally talented family. His father and mother were gifted teachers; so, too, in due course, were many of his brothers and sisters. He received his early education at his father’s school, and entering the Passionist Novitiate at St. Gabriel’s Retreat, Enniskillen, he made his religious profession on September 28th, 1923. On the completion of his ecclesiastical studies at St. Paul’s Retreat, Mount Argus, Dublin, he was raised to the priesthood on June 14th, 1930, by Rt. Rev. Dr. Norton, Bishop of Bathurst, N.S.W., at the Pro-Cathedral, Dublin. Almost immediately afterwards he was transferred to St. Patrick’s Retreat, Crumlin Road, Belfast, as a member of the professorial staff, where he continued to teach until death untimely claimed him. It is no exaggeration to say that Fr. Justin was an outstanding figure in St. Patrick’s Province. Owing to his arduous professorial duties he was unable to devote himself to missionary work; but his gifts as a preacher found congenial scope in the numerous special sermons which he delivered in many parts of Ireland and Scotland. Endowed with eloquence above the ordinary, he was an earnest and most successful pulpit orator, and was consequently much in request. Even when he might have pleaded ill-health to excuse an engagement, his zeal prompted him to continue his labours. Doubtless, feeling that he had not many years in store, he worked with extraordinary energy until the Master called upon him to lay down the burden. Whilst his primary interest was always for the success of the young students whose studies he directed, he found time to engage successfully in other fields of labour. Keenly interested in the drama, he was invited to act as adjudicator at the Belfast Dramatic Festival two years ago. His deep devotion to the Passion found expression in the composition of a Passion Play Under Pontius Pilate, which was performed with success in Belfast on several occasions, and which met with widespread approval. At the invitation of the Catholic Truth Society he crossed to Scotland to deliver an inspiring address at the C.T.S. Rally in Edinburgh. Fr. Justin left a lasting impression upon all who knew him. His eager questing mind found interest in every subject that he touched and communicated that interest to others. He could talk upon anything, and he was no superficial conversationalist. He penetrated below the surface, and would discuss with ease and admirable fluency the most abstruse philosophical speculation or the subtle distinctions of theology. A man of culture and a scholar, he was equally at ease in Gaelic, and had preached the Irish sermons at Mount Argus on several occasions. For his native land, her history, her culture, her folklore and her language he had a deep and lasting love. His memory will be cherished and his inspiring example will be held in honour by his brethren and by all who had the privilege of his friendship. At the obsequies, which were attended by a large and representative congregation, His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Mageean, Bishop of Down and Connor presided, and afterwards imparted the absolution. R.I.P. (The Cross, Vol. XXIX, 1938-39; p.351) J.X.P. Wheatfield House, Crurmlin Rd.; Belfast. Rev. Fr.. Justin (O’Doherty) C.P. (R.I.P. ) It is with deep regret that we chronicle the death of the Rev. Pr. Justin of the Side of Jesus on Nov. 4th. of this year, 1938. He was “born at Loughgall, Co. Armagh on Dec. 16th. 1905, and was baptised Michael Eusebius (O’Doherty) Bought up in such historic surroundings near the banks of Lough Neagh, it is no surprise that he entertained an ardent love for the language of his country and, in after years, became such a proficient exponent of it. It is common-place to say that he spoke and wrote it, as if it had been his language since childhood His preliminary studies were begun in Maghery, Co. Armagh, under the able tuition of his father who had been appointed principal there. Noted for his quickness of grasp of any subject, it was not long before he showed that his was no mediocre ability. Having passed through the various standards of the Public Elementary School, he felt himself called to the Religious life and particularly to the Passionist life. He applied to be received as a Postulant in the Congregation, and was sent to Holy Gross, Ardoyne which was then the Alumniate. After the study of the usual subjects, he was considered sufficiently proficient and was sent to the novitiate, St. Gabriel’s Retreat, Ennisklllen. He was Professed on Sept. 28th. 1923. He began the usual course of studies for the Priesthood in St. Paul’s Retreat, Ilkley, Yorkshire, where, with his fellow-students, he remained for about fifteen months, when they were sent to St. Paul’s Retreat, Mount Argus. During the subsequent six year he showed that intimate grasp of philosophy and theology, so characteristic of his after life. He was ordained on June 14th. 1930. Shortly afterwards, he was sent to St. Patrick’s Retreat, Belfast where he taught Senior Irish and the philosophy of History with marked success. Indeed it can be said without exaggeration, that there are few colleges in Ireland which have a record of such consistent success in the Matriculation Examination as the unassuming retreat of St. Patrick’s. In that success, Fr. Justin had no mean share. Nor were his activities confined to teaching. He was a preacher who was sought after on many occasions, and he always acquitted himself with distinction. Perhaps he shone most on special occasions. Last year he was chosen to lecture at the Catholic Truth Conference in Edinburgh. He was also chosen to adjudicate at the Catholic Drama Festival in St. Mary’s Hall, Belfast, under the Presidency of the Bishop. Few will forget the critical acumen he displayed on that occasion He was, moreover, a dramatist, his best known works entitled “Under Pontius Pilate” and “Thirty Pieces of Silver*. When we add that, during his eight years of teaching he suffered from that dread disease, diabetes, it will be realised how ardently he loved the Congregation and how well he worked for it. Anyone of less tenacity of purpose would have found such labours impossible. For some time past, it was evident that his strength was sapped, and he often remarked that his life would be short. He had the feeling that his course was nearly run. The end came, nevertheless, with startling suddenness. He sent for his confessor, Fr, Benedict of Holy Cross Retreat. After receiving the last sacraments, he sank into a coma and despite medical efforts, he breathed his last at 3 p.m. on Nov. 4th. He was one of those whom God chooses to accomplish much in a short time. He had “fought the good fight and finished his course”. After his death was announced, telegrams and letters of sympathy came from all quarters: clergy and laity expressed their sorrow. They knew that one had gone who had not only been a religious and a priest, but one who had left his impress on the public mind. The Office and Solemn Requiem Mass took place in Holy Gross, Ardoyne on Nov. 7th in the presence of His Excellency the Bishop; of Very Rev, Fr. Adrian C.P,, Provincial, St. Patrick’s Province, of Very Rev. Fr. Benignus C.P., Provincial, St. Joseph’s Province, of many of his religious brethren of the Provinces of St. Patrick and St. Joseph, of some sixty secular priests of the Dioceses of Down and Connor and Armagh, and of a large congregation of the laity. May his soul rest in peace. (Signed) Thomas of St. Joseph