THE LATE MR. FITZPATRICK.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IX, Issue 456, 6 January 1882, Page 7

THE LATE MR. FITZPATRICK.

(Sydney Express, Dec. 24.) Dr. Coletti celebrated a Requiem Mass, and afterwards read the burial service at the grave of the above deceased gentleman in the cemetery, Petersham, on last Thursday. The reason why this had not been done on the day of the funeral will be unlerstood from the following correspondence : — "Villa Maria, December 14, 1881. " Dear Dr. Coletti, — Is there any truth in the rumour, which has just reached me, that the late Mr. M. Fitzpatrick visited you Eom© fourteen days ago and approached the tribunal of penance, and asked for the sacraments and indulgences of the present Jubilee? To you alone am I able to apply for official and reliable information respecting this matter. " Believe me, yours sincerely, "J. F. Shbhidan, V.G." '■ P.S. — I had better say at once that, if what rumour says you know to be true, you will be good enough to do what is necessary under the painful circumstances of the case. "J. F. 8." " Petersham, December 15, 1881. " Dear Vicar-General, — I received your letter of the 14th inst., and in reply to it I have to tell you that what rumour says is quita correct : that the late Mr. M. Fitzpatrick did come to me about three weeks ago and approached the holy tribunal of penance, and petitioned for the sacraments of the Church and the indulgence of the present Jubilee ; and I should have acted upon it and been present and read the service at the grave but for the interference of some over-zealous, though no doubt conscientious persons. " Yours faithfully, " V. Coletti, D.D. " P.S. — In compliance with your directions, I will at once set about making arrangements for doing what may be considered necessary. V. C. " The Very Rev. Dean Sheridan, V.G." It will be seen from the above that immediately it became known to the Vicar-General that the late Mr. Fitzpatrick had, some ebort time before his death, petitioned for the rites and sacraments of the Church, he, actuated by the same spirit of charity which has always been the great characteristic of God's Church, directed the above services to be performed, and we are sure the Catholic community will be rejoiced to hear such good news regarding one who had so long, and so creditably, held such a prominent position in this country.