St. Mary’s Retreat, Harbourne, Birmingham. Death of Fr. Sylvester Father Sylvester of the Precious Blood in the world William McManus, was born at Church Hill, Ireland, October 18th 1840 and died at St. Mary’s Retreat, Harbourne, England on the 20th of June, 1902. In his death the order has lost one of the most devoted and zealous members. From his earliest years he was a model of true and solid piety. Even in those young and tender years when frequenting the little school of his native village he was wont to pass most of his recreation hours in fervent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament laying, no doubt, the foundation of those great virtues, which characterised his whole life. As a religious he was most exact in the observance of the Holy Rule. As a priest (he?) was (?) in his zeal for the salvation of souls. As a missioner he was an indefatigable labourer in the Vineyard of the Lord, never sparing himself whenever his ministrations were required. He was beloved by all who knew him for he was of a most cheerful, charitable and amiable disposition and many were the expressions of sorrow and grief which were uttered when the sad news of his death became known. If during his whole life he gave many proofs of the deep faith that burned within his breast, it was especially during his last illness and at the moment of his death that he showed his great belief and confidence in God. While the religious of the community, assembled round his bed, recited the Rosary – though apparently unconscious he endeavoured to find his beads, and these having been placed in his hands he followed from decade to decade. When told by the Doctor that all had been done for him that human skill and science could do and that nothing remained for him but to prepare for his last journey, he accepted the news with a true Christian fortitude and a religious resignation to the will of Him before whom he was about to appear to receive his well deserved reward. As his life had been that of a true and fervent son of St. Paul of the Cross, so also was his death – a death we are all sure (was?) precious in the sight of God. R.I.P. Fr. Cyprian, Rector.