Obituary Notice
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Fr. EUGENE Nevin (1868-1957) OBITUARY NOTICE OF FR. EUGENE (NEVIN) OF THE MOTHER OF GOD On Deeember 20th, 1957, for the secon time within a few months, death visited St. Pat~ rick's Province. This time 1t brought merciful release to Fr. Eugene of the Mother of God. Known in the world as Thomas Nevin, Fr. Bugene was born at Ballinak{il1, Co. Galway on April 2nd 1868, a few months before the Passionists gained possession of Holy Cross Retreat, Ardoyne, belfast. Uy his death, a familiar firure has passed from amonpst us. As long as we have been In the Congregation, and that includes all, from the youngest professed to the latest Golden Jubilarian, Fr. Eugene has been there, for he had the rare privilege of cele- brating just a little over two years ago, the Diamond Jubilee of his Ordination. From his earlicst years it was his constant ambition to be a priest, but even two years after he had left the National School he could see no prospect of ever achieving this ambit- fon. It happened that his elder sister was a Novice in the Cross and Passion Novitiate, Bolton, Lancashire, and in 1888 the young Thomas Nevin, accompanied by his Mother and another sister, went to visit her there. Gn their return to Ireland, they spent a few days in Dublin and young Tom calle: at Mount Argus twice to visit Fr. Casimtr (McKenna), a relative by marr~ fage. He gives his own account of this visit. "The Rector, Fr. Richard Foy received me very graciously; conductol me around the Monastery, and lastly into the Choir, remarking pleasantly: ‘Here is where you will have your ecstasies'", Some weeks after this visit he made up his mind to become a Passionist. He applied for admission and to his delight he wu accepted as a Novice, end, after spending a short time by way of preparation at St. Dro.cants Colloge, Loughren, Seminary for the Diocese of Clon- fert, he entered the Fesstonist Yovitiate at St. Seviour's, Broadwey, Worcestershire. He made his Religious Profession or April 2nd 1290, his vows being received by Fre Richard Foy, then Master of Novices. With the companions of hi: tlovitinte, Istdore (Whelehen} and Athanasius (Ryan) he pro- ceeded to Mount Argus to pursu2 his philosophical and theological studies. Here he had the happiness and privilege of residing 4n the seme Retreat with Fr. Charles (Houben), profiting
OLITU;RY NOTICE OF FR. EUGENE PAGE 2, by his example; frequently serving his Mass and receiving his blessing. Other Passionists whose memory we venerate resided in Mount Argus at that time : Fath- ers Dominic (O'Ne111)3 Fernando (Saavedra); Salvian (Nardoeci); Pius (Devine); Sebastian (Keens); Norbert (McGettigan) and Francis (Kelly). We record these names in order to indicate what a link with the past we have lost and to underline the advantages which surrounded the early Passionistic training of Fr. Eugene during the formative years of his Studentship. That these advantages were not wasted was very evident in the years to come. He was raised to the Priesthood on September 22nd 1895 at St. Monica's, Spettisbury, Dorset by Right Rev. Dr. Graham, Auxilfary to Most Rev. Dr. Vaughan, Bishop of Plymouth. Four years later we find the Chronicler of Mount Argus recording the appointment of Fr. Eugene as Vicar of this Retreat as a popular choice. He was first Rector of the Novitiate House, 8t. Gabriel's Retreat, Enniskillen (1908) and was later elected Rector of Holy Cross Retreat, Ardoyne, Belfast. Those who were acquainted with Fr. Eugene will readily agree that there was nothing mawkish about his spirituality. It was founded upon deep-rooted and solid principle. His whole life was regulated by strict adherence to principle,a fact which gained for him the’ highest esteem wherever he went and in whatever circles he moved. His judgments were con- scientiously formed and as consclantiously followed to their logical conclusion whether such might prove pleasant or unpleasant to himself. His obvious sincereity and his natural stralght-forwardness gave him the faculty of forming lasting friendships. This was very evident as he lay in his last illness when the surviving friends of the earlfer days of his priestly life called regularly to see him, while the telephone was kept busy with solicitous enquiries about his condition. He was much beloved as a Confessor and, indeed, he regularly took his turn in the Con- fessional until shortly before his death. His devotion to the Holy Mass, however, was ex~ tremely edifying. He celebrated his last Mass on November 3rd and even when the cancerous sore on his jaw was frightening to behold he went morning after morning to the altar to offer the Holy Sacrifice. His !Indomitable will-power kept him on his feet. 1t was distress-
OBITUARY NOTICE OF FRe EUGENE PAGE 3. ing, indeed, to see the poor old man coming to meals with the Community, but it was truly ad- mirable to witness the uncomplaining fortitude with which he bore his terrible affliction. When he was finally forced to remain in bed he calmly awaited death with the confidence of one who had served His Master well and who trusted in His Infinite Mercy. He placed him self with utter and child-like reliance under the maternal protection of Mary, and those who listened to his references to Our Blessed Lady in his speech on the day of his Diamond Jubilee were touched beyond words. After the extreme agonics he had suffered for months, death came peacefully t» him on the afternoon of Friday, December 20th in the 90th year of his age. He was, at the time, the oldest Passionist Priest in the entire congregation. It will not be out of place here to record a simple incident which occurred when his re- mains were lying. in the room “n which he died. Groups of small children were crowding into the room, mainly perhaps out of curiosity and it was thought expedient to exclude children. A little seven year old boy isked at the door to see the dead Priest and when told that child- ren were not to be admittec, he said in dismay: "But I'l] have to sec him. Me and him was great friends". It was 2 paasure of the greatness of soul of Fr. Eugene that he could enjoy the resp2cet and confidence of the men who moulded the destinies of modern Ireland and at the same time be regarded as 3 friend by a seven year old boy. His 1{fe upon earth «2s long but he has left to the Passionists of St. Patrick's Province a rich spiritual legacy. We pray that Fr. Eugene, through the merits of the Cross, may have his reward in Heaven; ac while the Holy Ghost has said : "Weep for the dead for his light hath failed", the same /:ly Spirit has added :"Weep but Little for he is at rest". (Ecclesiasticus XXII, 12411) Bernard of the Sacred Heart. (Rector).
Source: Obituary Notices, Provincial Archive, St Joseph's Province. Passionist Congregation.