Obituary Notice
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Fr. FINIAN Connell (1881-1951) J. xX. PP. St. Anne's Retreat, Sutton, ST. HELENS... Lancs. 10th October 1951. FATHER FINIAN OF THE MOTHER OF GOD. The death, late on the night of the 24th April 1951, after a long illness borne with exemplary patience, of Father Finian of the Mother of God, brought to a peaceful close a life in which a deep humility, allied to an unfailing charity, had endeared him to all with whom he came in contact, but especially to the ‘Gommunity of St. Anne's Retreat, vhere he pf had passed the last years of his life. a Peter Connell, as he was known in the world, was the eighth child of a large family of seven boys and four girls, two of whom became missionary nuns. He was born on the 7th November 1881, At Delvin, Co. Westmeath, Dire, and went to school at the age of five years. Never of robust health, he yet made satisfactory - progress at the hands of a good schoolmistress, who gave him his first rudiments of English, writing and arithmetic. At the age of twelve, he was transferred to a larger school, and there prepared for & com- mereial career. In due course, he went to business in Dublin, where by hard work and good conduct he so won the esteem of his employers that he was invited by them to teke charge of one of their Branch Houses. Peter, however, had by now, for some time, been contemplat- ing devoting his life to the service of God in religion, and with this end in view had been taking private lessons in Latin. Faced now, rather unexpectedly, with the generous offer of his employers, he experienced an interior conflict, which nevertheless was of short duration. Grace triumphed over the bright prospect of a successful business career, and, somewnat to the surprise of his employers, he tactfully daclined their offer. He succeeded in obtaining the eonsent of his parents, who, though good and pious, were at first ; opposed to his entering religion; and after studying for a short time in Waterford, where he completed his philosophical course, he \ received the call to & more perfect life, and was eccepted as a cleric by the Provincial of the then Mnglo-Hibernian Frovince of the . Passionists, entering the Novitiate in July 1916. The following year, he was duly professed, and after a course of studies shortened by those he had already undergone, he was ordained on September the 18th 1920. In the course of over thirty years in the priest- hood whieh followed, Father Finian worked fruitfully and well in the parishes attached to our Retreats in London, Sutton, Carmarthen and Broadway. He was elected Rector of St. Saviour's Retreat Broadway by the Provincial Chapter held in 1941; and re-elected Rector there, by the following Chapter of 1944. His Superiorship in Broadway was marked by a gentleness and simplicity which won the 1.
hearts of all; and he was well loved not only by the Community, but also by the people of the parish, whose interests he had always at. heart, and for whom he worked unsparingly. In spite of his frail health, he led the way for both Novices and the Professed in the _ keeping of the full Observance, never exempting himself from any of - the Community exercises except for matters of serious necessity. This good example had its effect, with the consequence that during the six years that Father Finian was Rector of the Novitiats House at Broadway, the Fassionist life there flourished in all its vigour, led by one whose simple piety and warmhearted charity were an ' inspiration to all. . It may, however, be said without fear of contra- diction that Father Finian's greatest work was that done so unobtrusively, and yet so thoroughly and well, at Ammanford, at that time one of Tie outlying districts of our parish in Carmarthen, but today a separate perish with ifs own secular parish priest. He was absolutely unsparing of self, in his spiritual ministrations to the scattered members of his flock; with the result that he succeeded not only in keeping alive the flame of the Iaith there, but even in causing it to burn more strongly. The people of Ammanford still speak of him in affectionate terms as the founder of their parish, although if is now many years since he worked in that locality; and it will be long before they forget one whose frail strength was so often spent in their behalf. Father Finian's health began to fail a few years ago, when first he suffered from a stroke. Recovering from this but partially, he remained for some time a semi-invalid, confined for the most part to his room, but able to visit the Choir, the refectory and the recreation room. He gaid Holy Mass as long as he had the strength to do so; but subsequent relapses left him weaker than ever; and for about six months before the end, he was able to say Mass only occasionally, and with the aid of & priest. The final stroke came about ten days before his death. An Alexian Brother, Brother Bartholomew, was brought into the Retreat to nurse him, as the doctor had advised that 1t would be dangerous to try and move the patient to hospital. In spite, however, of Bro. | Bartholomew's gentle and efficient nursing, Father Finian never recovered consciousness; although it wag difficult at times to judge whether or not he responded to the prayers whispered into his ear from time to time. Father Rector gnointed him soon after the stroke had oceurred; and when the doctor and nursing brother announced that the end was near, the Community was summoned to the patient's cell, and the prayers for the dying recited. He lingered on a short time ixomgexlonger, and finally, at about 11.350 p.m., in the presence of Several members of the Community, who were reciting the rosary, he passed away, a look of peacefulness and rest upon his face. Well, indeed, may the words of Holy Scripture be applied to him "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. From “henceforth now, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their "labours: for their works follow them." Apoe.ZIV.13. May he rest in peace! COLMAN OF THE SACRED HEART 2. Rector.
Source: Obituary Notices, Provincial Archive, St Joseph's Province. Passionist Congregation.