Obituary Notice
This obituary notice has been digitally processed from a scanned archival document. Some words may be imperfectly rendered.
Alexis Boyd 1897 - 197] OBITUARY OF REV. FR. ALEXIS BOYD, C.P. On Sunday, August 22nd, 1971, at 6 a.m. Fr. Alexis Boyd, C.P. died in the County Hospital, Enniskillen. This stark statement of death, which is the full stop of every man's life, is not sufficient for a Passionist of the calibre of Fr. Alexis, for his passing is a break with the old-time Passionist way of life. This, some may regret, others applaud. Be that as it may - certainly all must agree that the death of Fr. Alexis quenched the burning spirit of a true and loyal Passionist, Francis Boyd was born in Scotstown, Co. Monaghan on November 25th, 1897. Upon entering the Passionist Congregation, he received the religious name of Alexis, and was ordained on December 23rd, 1922. During his 49 years as a Passionist priest, he proved himself in many and varied offices throughout the Province of St. Patrick. As a young priest, he was appointed Vice-Master of Novices. Some time later, he was placed in charge of the postulants in Wheatfield House, Belfast. With Fr. Michael Palmer, C.P., (still happily with us), as Director of the Juniorate, both men left their mark on many a future Passionist! In 1931, Fr. Alexis, was chosen as the first Rector of the newly established Retreat of St. Mary's, Musselburgh, Scotland. At the Chapter held in 1932, he was elected Rector of St. Gabriel's Retreat, Enniskillen - a position which he held with distinction until 1938. During these six years he instigated major improvements at the Graan - land and livestock were acquired, a new electric lighting system was installed, an up-to-date byre was erected, the latest milk separator bought, and a new house built for the Steward. All these achievements of Fr. Alexis may seem of little consequence to some of our modern Passionists, but in those far-off days, they were the daring innovations of a pragmatic and far-seeing man. The greatest monument in his building record was the addition of the third story to the Graan in 1936, at the cost of £8,600. In 1938, Fr. Alexis returned to the ranks, only to be recalled to office in 1956 as Rector of Holy Cross Retreat, Ardoyne, Belfast, which position he held until 1959. It was as a missioner and a retreat master that the late Fr. Alexis really excelled. Gifted by Almighty God with a pleasing, though albeit bucolic personality, he enjoyed robust health, and possessed a strong voice which was typically "Co. Monaghan" in its accent and intonation. As a confessor, he had no equal. In the confessional, he was Christ-like - understanding, patient, encouraging, and above all, forgiving. For this truly distinguishing Passionist Work of Mercy, he will long be remembered by numberless religious and laity, male and female, up and down the length and breadth of Ireland, Scotland and England. While stationed in St. Joseph's Retreat, Cloonamahon, Fr. Alexis, suffered a stroke in 1965. When he had sufficiently recovered, he was changed "de familia" to the Graan. Slowly but surely he disimproved, despite the fact that every care and medical attention was given to him, both in the Retreat and in the County Hospital, Enniskillen, to which he was moved in April, 1971. Throughout the last six long agonising years of his life, Fr. Alexis was uncomplaining, and practised what he had so often preached - the Sacred Passion of Our Blessed Lord. Death came as, a merciful release. During the last week of his life, he suffered intensely, and finally, on Sunday, August 22nd, 1971, in the prayerful presence of his brothers and sisters and Fr. Celestine Butterly, C.P. who was then Vicar of the Graan, this great Passionist gave his soul into God's Merciful Hands. His funeral Mass was concelebrated by 22 priests - the principal celebrant being Very Rev. Fr. Valentine, Provincial. The Bishop of Clogher, Most Rev. Doctor Patrick Mulligan presided, and imparted the last absolutions at the graveside. A very large representative number of the diocesan clergy was in attendance, as were many Passionists from both provinces. Botswana was represented by Very Rev. Fr. Germanus McGrInder, Vicar General. Also present at the obsequies were members of the Presentation Brothers and Sisters of Mercy, Enniskillen. Fr. Alexis Boyd was laid to rest in the community cemetery adjoining the Graan. May his soul and the souls of all our dead brethren rest in peace. Amen.
Source: Obituary Notices, Provincial Archive, St Joseph's Province. Passionist Congregation.