Mount Argus – St. Paul’s – Death of Father Damien Lavan, C.P. – With feelings of deep sorrow we announce the death of Father Damien Lavan, C.P., which occurred on 21st October at the early age of 26 years. Father Damien was born at Kilmore, Co. Roscommon on 3rd May, 1892, and on the completion of his classical and philosophical studies entered the Passionist Novitiate at Blessed Gabriel’s Retreat, Enniskillen, where he made his profession on 14th September, 1915.
During his student days constitutional delicacy set in, and he was ordained at All Hallows College, Dublin, in June 1917 by Most Rev. Dr. Cohalan, Bishop of Cork. Father Damien possessed intellectual gifts; of a superior’ order, was a brilliant and successful student, and gave promise of achieving great work for the salvation of souls, had God willed to spare him. He was a model religious, gentle and retiring in disposition, and beloved by the members of the Communities in which he lived. His death was not unexpected, as the disease from which he suffered gained the mastery over him day by day, neither medical skill nor change of climate checked its ravages, and, fortified by the Last Sacraments, he awaited the end with calm resignation to the Divine Will as befitted a faithful son of St. Paul of the Cross, and a follower in the footsteps of Blessed Gabriel.
Though his life was a brief one, yet in that short space Father Damien, by his love of the Sacred Passion, cultivation of religious perfection, inspiring example to those around him and spirit of unswerving piety, grew in holiness and in the love of God and won for himself an exceeding great reward. The obsequies took place at Mount Argus on 23rd October.
(Cross, Vol. IX, 1918-19: p. 196.)