Obituary Notice
This obituary notice has been digitally processed from a scanned archival document. Some words may be imperfectly rendered.
Fr. Eugene Martorelli (1810-1888) PATHSK BSUGENS MARTORELLI Fr.Sugene of S.Anthony (Martorelli) was born on Sth. March 1210 and professed in 1825. As a student Ven.Dominic was his Lector and Director and it was he whom Ven.Dominic appointed to cdrrect him when he became too verbose in class He would say: "Brother Dominic, you would do well to be silent" and immediately Fr.Dominic would cease to speak. He was "gentle and unassuming" and so shy in his early years that, though he was the most brilliant student in his class, the prospect of examinations made him ill. As a resuit his examinations were conducted informally while walking with the examiners in the garden of SS.John and Paul's. He never completely lost this shyness and to the end of his life dis- liked- any publicity or notoriety, though as a Superior he could be strong and determined when necessary. After ordaina- tion he was appointed Lector of Theology at 5S5.John & Paul's He was sent to England as VISITATON GENExAL in 1850 and was appointed President of the First Provincial Chapter of our Province, which was held at St.Wilfrid's, Cotton Hall, on 26th August, 1851. At this Chapter he was elected the first can- onical Provincial of S.Joseph's Province, his Consultors being Fathers Ignatius Spencer and Seraphin Giammaria. Fr.iugene was Provincial again from 1866 - 187° and from 1875 - 1878. In all, he was in office for 30 yesrs, mostly in the Provinvial Curia, and resided most of his life in Highgate. He was not a popular preacher or noted Missioner, but he was good at retreat work. It was under him that Manning made his retreat at Highgate for Consecration, and in after years he was often consulted by the Cardinal. Previously, Cardinal Wiseman had appointed him mxaminer of the Ordinandi and Censor of Books for the Archdiocese of Westminster. He continuea to teach theology at The Hyde and “ighgate even as Provincial. He was closely associated with the foundation of many of our early.retreats and during his times as Provinciel Ardoyne and Harborne were acquired. He was the first Superior of St. Momgo's - with Fr.Michsel Drysdale as Vicar and Fathers Columban O'Grady and Anselm Lomax as the first comnunity. Fr,Bugene was a model Passionist, full of the true spirit of the Congregation and most zealous for the Regular Observ- ance. But so kind was his disposition, even as Superior, that he was loved by all and spoken about even years after his death as "dear Fr, ugene.” He died on ®2lst.April, 1888, at Highgate where he is buried.
Source: Obituary Notices, Provincial Archive, St Joseph's Province. Passionist Congregation.