Obituary Notice
This obituary notice has been digitally processed from a scanned archival document. Some words may be imperfectly rendered.
Fr. DAVID Parsons (1923-1957) Father David of the Immaculate Conception. In the shadow of St. Anne's Church, Sutton, St. Helen's, in whose sanctuary he had received the priesthood only nine years earlier, Father David of the Immaculate Conception was laid to rest on Saturday, l2th October, 1957. Only nine years of priesthood, but then Father David's whole life fell far short of the Psalmist's reckoning for he was born in Sutton to Michael and Mary Parsons on August 18th, 1923, and two days later at the Baptismal Font was given the name of James. No doubt much oan be accomplished in nine years and examples aro not wanting of those who in 2 short space fulfilled a long time. They gave themselves unsparingly to their tasks, they burned with zeal and completed thoir work swiftly, brilliantly and with signal success. Alas, these things cannot be said of Father David, for health and onergy. wero not God's special gifts to him. On the contrary, ill health, growing weakness, long periods of inactivity, hopo aroused and hope deferred wero the weapons given to him with which to fight the good fight and the patience, cheerful- hess and resignation with which he accepted them are now his legacy to his brethren. He received his primary education in the schools of his native parish, and his companions of those days still recall memories of the quiet, pious, devoted youth | whom they were sure would one day be a priest. It was not, therefore, unexpected when, in 1936, he entered St. Gabriel's Preparatory School, Blythe Hall, Ormskirk, as a Passionate Postulant, where his character and conduct were of the same but finer texture as in his schoolboy days in Sutton. His headmaster, still happily with us, testifies that hoe was "a delightful companion, a devoted and diligent student". In due courso he went to the Novitiate at Broadway, Worcestershire, and on the 27th Ostober, 1941, James Parsons was clothed in the Passionate habit and became Confrater David of the Immaculate Conception. After his profession a year later, he was transferred to St. Paul's Retreat, Ilkloy, to commence his immediate studios for the priesthood and after a period there and later in St. Non's Retreat, South Wales, he returned to Sutton. Through all this time ill health was taking toll of his strength, and at times his studies were inter— rupted, his struggle to continue was tense, and by the time he returned to Sutton he was a sick man and his dootors recommended his removal to Eocleston Sanatorium for rest and treatment. “thin its grim, grey walls he continued his studies, and from the Samatorium he came for his ordination on 4th June, 1948. After a brief period to the Sanatorium he returned and in such surroundings, save for short periods, Father David was destined to pass the rest of his days. Now and then a flicker of hope brought a measure of joy. A slight improvement would be registered, for a time it would be maintained and then the deadly tubercular virus would strike again and hope gave way to disappointment.
raed -~2Qe- Only those who have witnessed or experienced the ordeal will realise how distressing and depressing life in such circumstances can be,.and it would scarcely be surprising if the patient lost heart and hope; not so Father David. He struggled on, his calmmess never abandoned him, his hopes still sustained him, his ambition supported him for he had as yet to exercise the ministry of his priesthood. Only now and then had he been able to say Mass and he wanted so much to labour in the confessional to feed the faithful with the Bread of Life, to preach the Good Tidings to the people, to sooth and strengthen the dying on their way to eternity. - These hopes and visions buoyod him up, and in the latter part of 1955 1% looked as if they would be realised. Te was discharged from the Samatorium and came to Horne Bay, where for months he went from strength to strength, from achievemont to achievement. At first he was able to say Massy but once a week and after some months he was able to do so almost daily. It was a special joy for him when he officiated at Benediction. But his malady only slumbered and a relapse in May, 1956 obliged him to return to the Sanatorium where he underwent further treatment and finally an operation. In July, 1957 the doctors were satisfied with his condition, and in September he was discharged with reasonable hope that the improvement in his condition would he permanent. Before returning to Herne Bay he was given permission to go to Sutton for rest and change, and to visit his family, and in his native parish, death, which had so often threatened but never-struck, was awaiting him. The Asian 'flu' was raging in the north of England and Father David fell a victim to it within a week of his arrival. He was taken to the Providence Hospital, Sts; Helen's, but the unceasing care of doctors and nursing staff provyd unavailing, and in the early hours of 10th October Father David died, in the 35th year of his age, the 15th of his profession and the 10th of his priesthood. His untimely and unexpected death same as a great shock to the Province and aroused the- profound sympathy of the people of Sutton. It was not, therefore, surprising that both Province and Parish were fully represented when on Saturday, the 12th October, Very Reverend Father Patrick, Provencial, assisted by Father Killian and Father Hugh, sang his requiem, and the Very Reverend Father Jerome, Rector of St. Anne's said the prayers at the graveside. Father David died not. having accomplished the work which at times seemed possible, not having tasted of the fruits of the work of the sacred ministry. His con- tribution to the active life of the Province can soon be told, but whenever patience, cheerfulness, and the willing acceptance of the Gross are valued, these things will be told as a memory of him, and in their remembrance the Province of St. Joseph will be the richer. May he rest in peace. phe Ue ae
Source: Obituary Notices, Provincial Archive, St Joseph's Province. Passionist Congregation.