Obituary Notice
This obituary notice has been digitally processed from a scanned archival document. Some words may be imperfectly rendered.
Fr. RAYMUND Saunders (1876-1954) . REV. FATHER RAYMOND SAUNDERS, 0.P. Father Raymond died on Dec. 16th 1954 at St.Gabriel'ts Retreat, Blythe Hall, Ormskirk, after a very long illness. He was born in Kirkdale, Liverpool, and attended St.John"s elementary school before proceeding to the Jesuit College of St.Francis Xavier. At both schools he and the late Father George were the closest of friends. He went to the Novitiate at Broadway in 1896, and was ordained in 1904. During the first Yorld War Father Raymond volunteered as a chaplain, and in this capacity travelled far. After the war he resumed normal duties as a Passionist, and besides giving retreats he taught at Broadway and later at Ilkley. Last year he undervent a serious operation, from which he never fully recovered. In February last he had the great happiness of celebrating his Golden Jubilse in the priesthood. He was then staying at St.Joseph's, Highgate, resting after his operation, and to the edification of all with great effort rose from his sick bed and celebrated Holy ijass. It was a happy coincidence for him that he could celebrate this Jubilee Hass on the same altar on which néevdffered his first itass fifty years before. Last Jvne Father Raymond was transferred to Blythe Hall. For the first three months or so after his arrival he said iiass almost cach morning. But his condition continued to worsen. Eventually ho was confined to his room; leaving it only occasionally to come down to say Mass. Harly in December he was anointed and received Holy Viaticum. From then on the fathers watched with him during the night. The night before he diced Father insisted on sitting in an arm-chair instead of lying down. About 8.30 aem. the priest who had been watching wit> him went to say Hass. Shortly afterwards Father Superior wont to the room and found Fr.Raymond dead in his chair. The community and pnostulants were told immediately and prayers were said for the repose of his soul. Solemn Requiem liass was sung on Saturday 18th by Fatler Provincial, assisted by Frs. Bernard and Harold. The funeral took place at St.Anne's, Sutton.
Source: Obituary Notices, Provincial Archive, St Joseph's Province. Passionist Congregation.