Obituary Notice
This obituary notice has been digitally processed from a scanned archival document. Some words may be imperfectly rendered.
Br. Henry McGrath (1864-1935) Brother Renry (McGrath), C.P. We regret to announce the death of Brother Henry (McGrath), C.P., which took place in Dublin after an illness of some months’ duration on Wednesday, March 6th. Known in the world as Honry William McGrath, the deceased Passionist was born at ‘Sheerness, Kent, on June 24th, 1864. Whilst living in London, he became acquainted with ‘the work of the Passionist Congregation at St. Joseph’s, Highgate, and at the age of twenty-four he entered the novitiate at St. Saviour’s Retreat, Broadway, Worcs., where he made his profession on February 16th, 1889. The greater part of his religious life was spent at St. Anne’s Retreat, Sutton, where for many long years he performed the duties of questor, in ‘tthe course of which he became a well-known and welcome figure in the many great centres of Catholic life throughout the industrial areas of Lancashire. For the last ten years of his life, he performed the duties of sacristan at Holy Cross Retreat, Ardoyne, Belfast. . A gentle, kindly soul. Brother Henry always seemed to be the actual realisation of the ideal -Passionist lay brother. Always sparing and deliberate in his speech, he appeared to weigh every word before it was uttered, with the result that when he did speak, his words were always practical and to the point. To him, actions always meant more than words, and his many kindly and unobtrusive acts, his thoughtfulness for the needs of his brethren, his anxiety to forestall their wishes and to supply their wants, wore traits in the character of Brother Henry that will long be remembered. His gentléness and charity were almost proverbial, and it can justly be said that in the whole course of his long Passionist life of nearly fifty years he was never heard to utter a word of complaint, or to say anything which might hurt the feelings of the most sensitive. During his last illness, his patience and resignation were both admirable and edifying. With the realisation that the inevitable end could not long be delayed, came an added spiritual strength which enabled him to overcome both the physical pain and the mental anxiety which were the natural result of his painful malady. Thus, spending his days in prayer and patience, he awaited the coming of that Lord, whoso faithful servant he had been for well-nigh half s eentury. Nor can we have any doubt but that he now enjoys the reward promised to those who are faithful stewards. Solemn Requiom Mass was celebrated at St. Paul’s Retreat, Mount Argus, by V. Rev. Fr. Sebastian, C.P., Provincial, subsequent to which the interment took place in the adjoining monastic cemetery. R. 1 P.
Source: Obituary Notices, Provincial Archive, St Joseph's Province. Passionist Congregation.