Obituary Notice
This obituary notice has been digitally processed from a scanned archival document. Some words may be imperfectly rendered.
Fr. AIDAN Byrne (1894-1935) FATHER AIDAN OF THE: VII. DOLOURS, y Obituary notice. - It is 9 sad duty to chronicle the tragically sudden death of »....-Father Aidan, one_of our Herne Bay Community, which took. place. on Tuesday August 6th. About 5-30 in the afternoon he went for ~~ a a bathe in his usual good spirits, and nevef returned, - .For many years the deceased Priest had been subject to seizures or fits which came upon him without notice of any kind. Whilet these lasted, he was entirely unconscious and, upon recovery, had no recollection of what had occurred. "It, appears that one of these attacks, of an unusually sevére type,’ came upon him whilst swimming, and he immediately sank, never to rise again, ° - To a Religious who, a short time before had spoken to him of the possibility of drowning and sudden death, Father Aidan replied "I am always prepared for that." This remark must be the consolation of those who mourn the death of one cut off in the very prime of life. Father Aidan - Joseph Patrick Byrne in the world - was born — in Dublin in March 23rd. 1894. Very carly in life he felt called to the ecclesiastical state, and entered Clonliffe College to study for the priesthood, and his life as a seminarian was a model to his companions. After a few years at Clonliffe he resolved to become a Passionist, and went to our nontiate. He was professed 1 on December 1st.191%, and his course as a Student revealed the fact ‘ that he was of more than average ability. After ordination he was a member of the community in various retreats:- Harborne, Broadway, Glasgow, and St. Joseph's, Highgate. During the years at Highgate he was chaplain to St. Aloysius’ College, where he endeared himself to Brothers and boys alike, as an exemplary and attentive chaplain. But the seizures to which we have referred above became more frequent and alarming, with the result that he had to be dispansed from nearly all forms of active work. In September 1932 he was 7 transferred to Herne Bay, where his death, at the emmly age of 41, ,°* has called forth expressions of deep regret from all who knew hime: His body was fortunately recovered shortly after he was drowited, and an inquest was held at the Council Chambers on the following day. Dr. Hamerton certified that death was due to suffo-~ cation by drowning, brought about by an epeliptic seizure; and the jury returned a verdict accordingly; and axpressed their sympathy q with .the. deceased's’ family, and the Community. A Solemn Mass of Requeim was Sung on Friday. Morning by the = -* 4 Very Rev.Fr.Brendan C. P.Provincial, Frs. Urban and Bernardine being * Deacon and Sub Deacon. The Funeral to Eddington Cemeteyy took place immediately afterwards. Fr, Richard C.P. represonted the Provincial of the Irish Province, and a large and sympathetic gathering saw’ this comparatively young and virtuous Priest laid to rest. j “ * L “RR. IT. Bae { - a e ' ( wg : + ' f woe en dale,
Source: Obituary Notices, Provincial Archive, St Joseph's Province. Passionist Congregation.