THE LATE FATHER WILLIAM Owing to the March issue of the Cross being in the printers’ hands we were unable to chronicle the death of Father William, which took place on 23rd. February. The news of his death spread quickly and came as a great shock to his many friends. Though he continued to perform his priestly duties till the last day of 1924, Fr. William. had been in failing health for a considerable time. On the advice of his medical attendant in Enniskillen he came to Dublin, and entered St. Vincent’s Private Hospital on 3rd January for special treatment. At first, hopes were entertained of his complete recovery, but as the weeks passed by it became evident that neither medical nor surgical skill could restore his health. He heard his doom with calm resignation to the Divine Will. On the evening before his death he received, with great devotion, the last Sacraments of the Church, and at 3 p.m. the following day, having received the Holy Viaticurn some hours before, he calmly expired on the 24th anniversary of his Religious Profession.. Known in the world as Owen Brennan, Fr. William was born in Monaghanstown on 6th July 1865. Having made his profession on 23rd Feb.,1901, he came to Mount Argus. where he continued and completed his ecclesiastical studies, being ordained priest by the late Bishop Donnelly in Clonliffe College on 22nd. Sept., 1906. After his ordination he was attached to the Missionary Staff at Mount Argus. In 1911 he was appointed Vice-Rector, and in 1914 he was elected Rector. His first break with Mount Argus came in 1917, when he was chosen Rector of St. Gabriel’s Retreat, Enniskillen. When his term of Rectorship expired, he was made Vice-Rector of Holy Cross Retreat, Belfast, and as a result of the Chapter in 1923,, he returned to Enniskillen, this time as Vice-Rector. Fr. William was an exceedingly, popular priest and most successful missioner, and while his somewhat unexpected death startled his many friends, we trust that they and all who read these lines will unite in earnest prayer for the happy repose of his soul. R. I. P. (Cross, Vol. XV, 1924-25; p. 762) THE LATE FR. WILLIAM BRENNAN OF THE SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY. The sad tidings of Fr. William’s death came as a shock not only to his Religious Brethren, of the Province of St. Joseph, but to his friends amongst whom he laboured as a priest for the past nineteen years. Not for a great many years has there been such sincere regret shown at the loss of this good, genial and kindly son of St. Paul of the Cross – Fr. William of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. The many messages of sympathy from religious and laity when the news of his death became known, were a striking testimony, if such were needed, of the esteem and affection with which he had been held. Born at Monagjston, Co. Westmeath, on 6th July, 1865, Fr. William was known in the world as Owen Brennan. After completing his elementary studies at the National School of his native place, he was engaged or some twenty years in commercial work. Though the vocation to the religious life did not come until he was advanced in years, those who were his companions in business unanimously agree that Fr. William’s life in the world was a fitting preparation for the higher life which he embraced. Haying entered the novitiate at St. Saviour’s retreat, Broadway, early the year of 1900, he made his religious profession on 23rd February, 1901. Transferred to Mount Argus, Dublin, where a class of student was then residing he continued his course of ecclesiastical studies for the next six years. During that time he was regarded by his companions as a model student. Though unceasing in his efforts to become efficient in the sciences necessary for the priesthood, he did not forget to develop the interior spiritual life Those of us who were intimately connected with him could not fail to observe his unobtrusive piety: his unfailing charity and kindness: traits of his character which became more predominant in his later life. On the Feast of the Seven Dolours, September 2nd, 1906, he was ordained priest, By the Most Rev. Donnelly in Clonliffe College, Dublin. His priestly life embraced the rather brief period of nine years. From this time until the. day of his death, the words of Holy Writ might well be applied to him: “Being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled a long time”. His years as a priest were given unselfishly and unsparingly in the interests of the congregation. While it was well known that he suffered for many years the painful disease which ultimately proved fatal, Fr. William was ever ready to take up the duties imposed upon him by his superior. As a missioner and retreatist he was very successful. His kind fatherly advice, prudent judgment and unfailing patience as a confessor, made him much sought after. In the year 1911 he was made Vice-Rector of St. Paul’s Retreat., Mount Argus. At the Provincial Chapter 1914 he was elected Rector of the same retreat. Three years later he was transferred as Rector to St. Gabriel’s Retreat, Enniskillen. When his term of office as rector expired, he became vice-rector of our retreat in Belfast. When he returned to Enniskillen in 1923, it was apparent that his health was failing, he took up, nevertheless, his new duty as Vice-Rector with the same unselfish spirit which charactarised all his undertakings. His last painful illness came with startling suddenness. In the third week of Advent he gave a short retreat to the Irish Sisters of Charity at Banada, Co. Sligo. On his return home he seemed much improved in health and spirits. He was busy preparing for another retreat to be given to the Sisters of St. Louis, Middleton, when he was suddenly stricken down. On the advice of his medical attendant, Dr. Smyth, he was sent to Dublin and entered St. Vincent’s Private Home for special treatment. It was evident from the beginning that his case was serious. All that medical and surgical aid could do was unavailing to stop the progress of the disease. On Sunday, February 22nd he was told that his recovery was hopeless. He received the fatal news with that spirit of resignation befitting one whose life was a continuing preparation for death. With feelings of deep faith and loving piety, he received the Last Sacraments and at three o’clock on the afternoon of the following day. the twenty-fourth anniversary of his religious profession, he peacefully passed away. Surrounded by a large number of priests, both secular and regular, and a host of sympathisers, the interment took place on Wednesday, February 25th, in the cemetery attached to our Retreat, Mount Argus. It was fitting that Fr. William’s last resting place, and the scene of his future resurrection, should be the Church and Retreat he loved so dearly and where most of his priestly work was accomplished. He is gone from amongst us for ever, but his arduous labours in the Congregation, his unobtrusive piety, his amiable disposition and his unfailing charity will long be remembered by his many friends and admirers. May the truly saintly soul of this humble son of St. Paul of the Cross rest in peace, Gerald of the Sacred Heart, Rector, St. Gabriel’s Retreat, Enniskillen.