REQUIEM MASS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9692, 21 June 1917, Page 3

REQUIEM MASS

FOR LATE CHAPLAIN-CAPTAIN J. J. M'MENAMIN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY AT THE BASILICA. At 9,30 o’clock yesterday morning a large concourse of people of various creeds assembled at the Basilica, Hill street, when a Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated by His Grace Archbishop O’Shea for the repose of the soul ot the lato Captain-Chaplain J. J. MeMenamin, who was killed on active service in France a couple of weeks ago. Among those who assisted at the Mass were: Deacon, the Rev. Father J. O’Connor, S.M.; sub-deacon, the Rev. P. Quealy; assistant priest, the Very Rev. T. McKenna; Master of Ceremonies, the Rev. D. Hurley, S.M. The clergy present included the Right Rev. Monsignor J. McKenna, V.G., Dean J. Holley, Rev. Dr D. Kennedy, the Rev. Fathers McManus, Travers, Doolaghty, F. Cullen, Maillard, Mahoney, Venning, Devoy. Campbell, Kimholl, McDonald, Gondringer, A. Cullen, J. Cullen, Ryan, Outtrim, Schaefer, Forrestal. Guinano, Alangan, O’Sullivan, P. J . Smyth, Dignan, Bowden, O’Boirne, ChaplamGaptains Dore, Connolly, Mmoguc and O’Flynn. , .. „ There were also m attendance Mrs McMenamin, mother of the deceased padre, and memfbrs of the family, the Hon. G- IV. Russell, and tho Mayor (Mr J. P. Luke). The military authorities were represented by Surgeon-Colonel Purdy, representing tho Medical Service; Major Sleeman, representing tile c-om-mandant; Captain Hill, Provost Marshal- Captain Cross, representing tho Adjutant-General; Captain Gibbs, w>. presenting Colonel Hump; Major A. A. Corrigan, Wellington district; Colonel J. D. Purdy, and Lieutenant for unavoidable absence were received from Sir James Mien, Acting-Premier, and Surgeon-General Henderson. Tho front seats were occupied oy fully a hundred members of the Forces. Many people travelled Horn Petone and the Hutt to pay jbem last respects to the memory ° r dec _®f® ed Tlio Camp Commandant gave leave to men at Trentham Camp desiring to be present. ColMass was sung by St. Patrick s v/oi lego Choir, under the conductorship ot Father Schaefer. Mr G. 0 Mecghau presided at the organ. , , P The occasional sermon was preached by the Rev. Father Gilbert, S.M., M A., St. Patnok s College, who took as his text—“Be mindful, ° of thy servants, who are gone before us with the sign of faith and in the sleep of peace. (Canon of the Mass.) The Rev. Father spoke m eloquent language ot the h°nrow of-tho war. Ho referred to the office ot a Oldest who on the battlefield assumed a two-fold character in the eyes Of Am Catholic brethren, Although no fighter, no militarist,. ho ' shared the risks and alarms of war and was one with the heroes of tho fight Father MoMen amin was one of the first priests to offer his services on the outbreak of war He had a hand struggle in Me from childhood, striving through youth and early manhood to take the place of a father disabled by accident hearing a character of sterling worth, firm determination and straightforwardness. Comparatively late in life he began the long years of patient study for the priesthood, wherein he showed the same faithfulness as before. As a priest Tie showed unflagging zeal in his task and when the call came the man was ready. In camp, on hoard ship, the quiet, unobtrusive padre> was.soon beloved and respected by both officers and men. Always he was Greatheart on the journey. From Gallipoli he wrote to one of his friends: 1 love this work, though the horror of it is too appalling. But with God’s help I intend'to see it through After a few months’ rest in his native land to recuperate his health he returned to England, but ho was again lured to the front by the love of the soldier s soul. He was with the boys, of New Zealand, ministering to their needs daily, at the risk of his life. He had many miraculous escapes from deatn. Their hearts went out to tho sorrowing parents and family. To his brotherofficers Father McMenamin s death brought keen regret, for as one ot them said. “Ho was, a brave soldier, a true man and a Christian gentleman. They were all the poorer for his death. He had proved again that the children of New Zealand are worthy of the traditions of their forefathers. At the conclusion of the Mass the blessing of the catafalque was performed by His Grace Archbishop O Shea.