FR. MALACHY (GAVIN) C.P. After a brief illness, Very Rev. Fr. Malachy of the Seven Dolours, one of the outstanding figures of the Passionist Congregation, died at Highgate, London on April 30th at the age of eighty-two years. Fr. Malachy (formerly Patrick Gavin) was born at Dalystown, Co. Westmeath on November 8th, 1866 and was educated at St. Mary’s College, Mullingar. Entering the ranks of the Passionists at the age of twenty-two, he was professed at St. Saviour’s Broadway, Worcs. on March 17th, 1889, and. was ordained in Pittsburg, U.S.A. a few months later. Soon after his return from America, he entered on that long. term of office, which was an eloquent tribute to his rare qualities. He was Rector of Ardoyne, 1902 – 05; Consultor, 1905-08; Provincial for three terms, 1908-11: 1920-26; and Rector of Highgate, 1911-20; 1926-29. WHEREVER he went, Fr. Malachy left lasting memorials of his energy and enterprise. In Ardoyne he erected the high-altar and sanctuary windows; during his first term as Provincial, the novitiate of the former Anglo-Hibernian Province was transferred from Broadway to the new Retreat of St. Gabriel, Enniskillen; whilst at a later date he founded St. Paul’s Retreat, Ilkley, Yorks and acquired the Alumniate at Belfast. As a Superior Fr. Malachy had the. happy. knack of inspiring confidence in his subjects. In difficult times, especially during the war years, his somewhat phlegmatic character proved. a tower of strength. He was never hurried or hasty, never ruffled or agitated; he went his way imperturbably, and acted with calm decision and unfailing determination. HIS oratorical gifts won for Fr. Malachy a high reputation as a preacher. The controversial lectures which he preached in Belfast more than forty years ago are still remembered. A popular and experienced missioner, Fr. Malachy did much to foster this distinctively Passionist apostolate and saw his efforts crowned with enduring success. Although he liked to speak of his “retirement” from active work, Fr. Malachy conducted weekly classes for converts at St. Joseph’s Retreat, Highgate up to the time of his death. It was quite characteristic that a manuscript book, with each lecture neatly written out in full was found Amongst his papers. Despite his long years of preaching, he believed that diligent and careful preparation was essential for lasting results. A faithful son of St. Paul of the Cross has laid down the burden that he bore with honour and distinction; a great-hearted and true Passionist has gone to his lasting reward. May he rest in peace. (The Cross, Vol. XXXIX, 1948-49; p. 53) Father Malachy of the VII Dolours, The death of Father Malachy of the Seven Dolours on April 30th in SS John and Elizabeth Hospital, London, closed an long career and its termination has bereft the Province of St Joseph of its oldest priest and one of its most revered religious. Fr Malachy, who secular name was Patrick a Gavin, was born at Dalystown, Co Westmeath, Eire, on November 8th 1866. He was educated at St Mary’s College, Mullingar, and Mount Argus, Dublin. His studies were continued at a West Hoboke, and Baltimore, U.S.A. and he was ordained at Pittsburgh on May 20th 1889. He returned to England in 1891 to begin the work of missions and retreats which was to continue almost uninterruptedly until his death 57 years later. The first six years after his return from America he spent at St Anne’s Retreat, Sutton. He was elected Rector of St saviour’s Retreat, Broadway and three years later of Holy Cross, Ardoyne, Belfast. In 1905 he became Provincial Consultor, and at the following chapter was elected Provincial for the first time and office which he was to hold again from 1920-1926. During his term of office as Provincial Father Malachy founded three retreats, at Enniskillen, Ilkly and Wheatfield, Belfast. His duties as Provincial took him to Australia, then attached to the Anglo Hibernian province, and where he made a visitation of the Retreats. As a missioner and preacher Fr Malachy was an outstanding success. During his long missionary career there were few parts of Great Britain and Ireland which he did not visit, leaving behind him the fragrant memory of a zealous and earnest priest. In 1932 he was invited by the Provincial of the Argentine Province to visit the country and conduct a series of missions and retreats to English speaking Catholics. Fr Malachy remained a whole year in Argentina and his missionary tour was eminently successful. His apostolic labours won for him recognition from the Holy See for in , Pope Benedict XV conferred on him the cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. Fr. Malachy’s last office was the superiorship of Herne Bay. During this time he supplied the long felt need of an elementary school for the parish. The school was founded without any government aid and is still supported by voluntary contributions. During the war years, Fr Malachy acted as an officiating chaplain to the troops stationed in the parish and was much beloved by them for the great interest he took in their spiritual welfare. In 1949 Fr Malachy relinquished his charge of Herne Bay and returned to St Joseph’s. Highgate, where he had already spent 25 years of his priestly life — 15 years as rector. Although he had said he was going into retirement his return to Highgate seemed to have given him a new lease of life and from then until his death in his days were exceedingly full with preaching, work in the confessional, and especially the instruction of converts, which was very dear to him. His weekly lectures on Catholic doctrine were a popular feature of the services at St Joseph’s. Fr Malachy has been taken from among us but he has left behind him a memory and an inspiration, a memory of a long life of unwearying toil in the service of God and of fidelity to the rule of St. Paul of the Cross, and an inspiration to imitate him in his zeal for souls and fidelity to a Rule. “Let us praise men of renown and our fathers in their generation….rich men in virtue….whose goodly deeds have not failed” (Ecclus.I)