Obituary Notice
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~~ Fr. Henry Ward (1874-1931) et ‘DEATH OF REV. FATHER HENRY (WARD); CG, P. Zt, wae with feelings of profound regret, that the news of Fr. Henry's Death was received. by the various communities of . &t. Patrick's Province; as also by the members of the Province of 8t. Jodééph in which he had spent many years of his Priestly life, After an iliness of more, than a year's duration, the sad event ocoutHed on Sunday aorning, August, 16th, 1931, at St. Paul's Retreat, Mount Argus, Dublin, where he had been for some time recuperating after a serious illness, When the disease, that necessiated his removal to hospital to undergo a very complicated operation manifested it~ self, he was sent from Holy Crosse, Ardoyne, to a Dublin Nursing home,..and though nothing was left undone on the part of medical soience to effect a cure, yet while they proved ineffectual to #tay the malady, his life was prolonged for some considerable time, Born in Dublin, 1674, he made hie religious profession at St. Saviour's, Broadway, Worcestershire, England, and after reading a distinguished course in 5t. Paul's, Mount Argus, he was ordained in 1898 by the late Most Rev. Lr. Walsh, Archbishop of Dublin, Many years of his Priestly life were spent in Glasgow, where his devotion to the poor, and his care of the sick were unremitting, His was a heart that beat in sympathy with the miseries ani trials of others, and he could not look an unmoved, on the poverty stricken, or the sorrow laden without being moved “to charitable works and kindly rords of encouragement to all who
‘Page 8 needed hie ministrations. fe was later tranéferred to High Gate, London, and subsequently to St. Mary's, Harborne, Sir~ mingham; but the remaining years of his life were passed at Holy Croan, Ardoyne, Belfast, where he showed the same hon for Priestly work, manifesting on every ocoasion great care of the siok and suffering, and unremitting attention to the confessional in which he spent many long and patient hours. of more than average ability he was ef a gentle and retiring disposition, Yet his sermons vere always attractive, devot-~ “fonal and convincing. In the direction of Souls he was pru- dent, patient and painstaking, and the large number of clients who conaulted him, proved how his efforts as a Spiritual Guide were approoiated, and productive ar good fruit. | But whilst engaged in the varied and active dutics of the Sacred Ministry, to which obedience called him., Fr. Henry ever realized the chief end for which he entered the Congregation and laboured with all the energy of his great Soul ‘tor his own salvation, His love for the regular observance, his charity towards all, his spirit of obedience, his desire for solitude and recollection, characterized hia asva true Son Of St. Paul of the Gross. - The end crowne the work, and the time oame for the labourer to receive his reward. He was not deceived as regards the uncertainty of life, for his brethren could easily see that he was daily making careful preparatdon: for the final ordeal, Despite his infirmities héreoited the Divine Office avery day
Page 3. with more than usual devotion and had the special privilege of being able to celebrate Holy Mass until a few days before his Geath, Although he must have suffered much physical pain, he was a model of patience, and not & single aura epcaped his lips. When the last Sacraments were administered, his fervour and resignation were mont edifying to his brethren, gathered around his bedside, and before he calmly passed away muragred that “his only disappointment was, that he did not die the previous day 'The Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady'". | After solemn Requiem Mass on Tuesday the 18th August, at which many Prieste of the Dhocese, and a large congregation were present, his mortal remains were laid to reat in the quiet little gemetery of Mount Argusy beside his departed brethren, who. Like him, had fought the good fight, kept the faith, and persevered to the end. "May his Soul rest in peace." home ff (4, froigoks Mee tte?
Source: Obituary Notices, Provincial Archive, St Joseph's Province. Passionist Congregation.