FATHER RAYMUND (SAUNDERS), C.P. With fraternal regret we record the death, on December 16th, 1954, at St. Gabriel’s Retreat, Ormskirk, Lancs., of the late Father Raymund of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour (known in the world as Henry Joseph Saunders). He was buried at St. Anne’s Retreat, Sutton, St. Helen’s, close to the tomb of the Venerable Father Dominic (Barberi), C.P .the “Apostle of England’s Second Spring.” Father Raymund was born in Liverpool in April, 1876; professed a Passionist at St. Saviour’s Retreat, Broadway, Worcs., in June, 1897; and ordained in London in February, 1904. Accordingly, just a year ago, he was privileged in celebrating the Golden jubilee of his Priesthood – on which occasion he had the rare happiness of celebrating his Jubilee Mass at the very Altar at which he first offered the Holy Sacrifice fifty years before. In these few and limited lines it is impossible to give an adequate sketch, much less a worthy pen-picture, of Father Raymund’s work and worth. Nevertheless, we cannot omit mention of his scholarly ability which successfully sought many and varied outlets, but which found congenial scope during his years as Professor to different groups of Passionist Students – all of whom remember his lectures and classes with affectionate gratitude. Nor can we leave unrecorded the grateful memories of many Religious Communities for whom he conducted so many retreats. And no less noteworthy are the golden opinions won by him as a Military Chaplain during the Great War of 1914-18. Gifted with a quiet, but quaint and entirely kindly disposition, he was most popular amongst his brethren in Religion, while he could boast of a host of friends to whom he was devotedly loyal. Though an Englishman born and bred, he had – like so many of his country-men who really know us – an unusually warm affection for Ireland and the Irish. Apart from his term of residence at Mount Argus, Dublin, in his comparatively younger years, summer after summer it was to Ireland that he came for his brief vacation: roaming our roads, climbing our hills, loving our scenery – and all the while finding warmest welcomes in Irish homes and hearts. Unpardonably incomplete, even in its brevity, would this tribute be were we not to add that Father Raymund was, in its earlier days, a frequent and valued contributor to THE CROSS – of which older volumes bespeak the spirit and the unassuming greatness of a man who was a scholar, an architect of refined thought and lovely language, a true Passionist and a worthy Priest of God. May perpetual light surround his soul! (The Cross, Vol. XLV, 1954-55; p.276.) Father Raymond died on Dec. 16th 1954 at St.Gabriel’s Retreat, Blythe Hall, Ormskirk, after a very long illness. He was born in Kirkdale, Liverpool, and attended St.John’s elementary school before proceeding to the Jesuit College of St.Francis Xavier. At both schools he and the late Father George were the closest of’ friends. He went to the Novitiate at Broadway in 1896, and was ordained in 1904. During the first World War Father Raymond volunteered as a chaplain, and in this capacity traveled far. After the war he resumed normal duties as a Passionist, and besides giving retreats he taught at Broadway and later at Ilkley. Last year he underwent a serious operation, from which he never fully recovered. In February last he had the great happiness of celebrating his Golden Jubilee in the priesthood. He was then staying at St.Joseph’s, Highgate, resting after his operation, and to the edification of all with great effort rose from his sick bed and celebrated Holy Mass. It was a happy coincidence for him that he could celebrate this Jubilee Mass on the same altar on which he offered his first Mass fifty years before La La Last June Father Raymond was transferred to Blythe Hall. For the first three months or so after his arrival he said Mass almost each morning. But his condition continued to worsen. Eventually he was confined to his room, leaving it only occasionally to come to say Mass. Early in December . he was anointed and received Holy Viaticum. From then on the fathers watched with him during the night. The night before he died Father insisted on sitting in an arm-chair instead of’ lying down. About 5.30 a.m. the priest who had been watching with him went to say Mass. Shortly afterwards Father Superior went to the room and found Fr. Raymond dead in hi s chair. The community and postulants were told immediately and prayers wore said for the repose of his soul. Solemn Requiem Mass was sung on Saturday 18th by Father Provincial, assisted by Frs. Bernard and Harold. The funeral took place at St. Anne’s, Sutton.