Death of Rev. Fr. Paulinus of the Mother of God. The unexpected news of the death of Father Paulinus of the Mother of God was sent to the Retreats of our Province of St. Joseph on Monday morning, March 12th. The deceased priest had not been seriously ill, and in no place could the announcement of his death have been received with greater surprise and regret, that at St. Joseph’s Retreat, Highgate, of whose community he was a member. At the beginning of the year Father Paulinus complained of heart attacks and insomnia, but his medical attendant considered that rest would soon restore him to his normal health, which was always good. In company with the V. Rev. Fr. Provincial he went to Herne Bay, Mar. 2nd and seemed for the first few days to be regaining his virour and good spirits. He was able to say Mass daily, and took part in the recreation. On Sunday, March 11th, altho’ up and about the house, he was advised by his Paternity to take things quietly according to the advice of the doctor. He retired early in the evening to his room, and a few hours later he passed peacefully away into eternity. His end was a reflex of his life – quiet and gentle. Fr. Paulinus was known in the world as Peter Barton and was born at Liverpool, Feb. 6th 1855. Always shy and somewhat uncommunicative Fr. Paulinus did not reveal much about his early years. In his twentieth year he entered the novitiate at St. Saviour’s Retreat, Broadway and was professed a Passionist, Aug. 19th, 1876. Soon afterwards he was sent to Rome with our present Provincial, V. Rev. Fr. John of Jesus Crucified, to study and prepare for the priesthood. After his ordination he returned to England, and was appointed Vice-Master of Novices in 1884, which important office he again filled in 1888. His life work, however, was done amongst the poor and sick of our parishes in Sutton, Glasgow, and Belfast, where the memory of his earnest and devoted labours is still fresh and green. He never sought human praise nor acknowledgement for his incessant toil, but was satisfied with the gratitude of those for whom he laboured. By temperament he was unsuited for apostolic missions and therefore did not shine before the world as a public and prominent preacher. His sermons were simple and practical. As a confessor he was much sought after and appreciated. He possessed a very beautiful and sympathetic voice, which he used thro’ life in the grand liturgical devotions of the Church. He was noted for his love of the observance and his charity. Sometimes in fun a religious would try to catch him ??? about some whimsicality or oddity of one of the brethren and when he was questioned as to the individual he would reply invariably with a good humoured laugh: “He’s dead now.” The last years of Fr. Paulinus’ life were spent at St. Joseph’s Retreat, Highgate where he began his priestly career. He was chaplain to Holborn Infirmary and also to the German Concentration Camp. Up to the very end the same Christlike zeal animated his work. He was always a good priest, a true follower of the Good Shepherd, and he cared not what colour the fleece might appear to others, to him all were sheep of the one Shepherd. He was heard to say more than once: I am a Catholic Priest before everything and I shall always try to perform its duties.” Surely no ideal could be more splendid, but with Fr. Paulinus it was more than an ideal, it was a rule of life. On Mon. the Dead Office was receited and on Tues. the remains of the dead priest were brought from Herne Bay to Highgate by motor hearse. Solemn Requiem Mass was sung by Fr. Herbert (Vicar) assisted by Fr. Robert and Paul Francis. The V. Rev. Fr. Provincial; Philip (1st Cons); Placide (1st Belgian Cons); Malachy (Rector) and the religious community were present at the Mass and obsequies which took place in the mausoleum. To the gentle spirit of Fr. Paulinus may the words of the Master he served so well be already spoken: ??? serve bone, in modico fidelis, intra in gaudium tuum.” Malachy of the Seven Dolours – Rector. (This is item 1150, at 3/1/3/1.)