DEATH OF VERY REV M. J. KEARNEY, S.M

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 10, 6 July 1894, Page 19

DEATH OF VERY REV M. J. KEARNEY, S.M

(From the Dundalk Democrat.)

The intelligence of the death of the above-named clergyman was received with genuine regret by his numerous friends in Dundalk, Father Kearney wm a son of the late Mr Owen Kearney, leather merchant, Olanbrassil street, Dandalk, and in the early stages of his boyhood formed a resolution to devote himself to the services of God ai a minister of His Church. This pious resolution grew more strong as he advanced in age, and having completed his studies in St Mary's College, Dandalk, and other educational ins itutioas connected with the Marist Fathers, he wae ordained ia France ia 1870. Father Kearney entered on his missionary labours with all the characteristic zeal of an Irish priest. His great abilities, his unostentatious piety, and hii indefatigable zeal attracted the attention and excited the admiration of his ecclesiastical superiors. After a few years on the mission in New Zealand, he was sent to Spitalfields. Here Father Kearney had a wide field for the exeicisa of histaUnts, his charity, and his zsal. It was one of the poorest districts in London, and amongst the poorest of the population were to be found not a few of bis own countrymen. Hie labours for the salvation of souls, and the amelioration of the sufferings of God' 9 poor were crowned with the most gratifying success. Ha was beloved by the pariehiouers of «very grade, but more especially by the poor, who fouad in him a wise counsellor, who consoled them in their affl ctioas, and who was, in innumerable instances, instrumental in relieving their wan s. While he enjoyed the reverential reßpect and affection of the parishionert, he won the esteem and confidence of his own superiors to such an extent that several years ago he was appointed Buperior of the House at Underwood street, London. For some time past bis health began to give way, but few amongst bis friends anticipated that his brilliant and successful career in the vineyard of the Lord would be terminated bo soon. Nothing that medical skill could suggest to conquer the disease, or that tbe tender care and attention of devoted

colleagues could accomplish to secure his comfort, was left undone. Ou Tuesday morning, April 17, fortified by the rights of Holy Church and surrounded by his brother priests he breathed his last, and his soul went f jrth, let us hope, to receive from tbe hands of its Creator the rich rewards of a life spent in promoting the honour and glory of God, securing the salvation of souls, and relieving and comforting the pojr and afflicted. His death is a source of intense;sorrow to the members of his family, and sympathy with them is widespread and sincere. May his soul rest in peace.

The Hast London Advertiser, a Protestant weekly journal, hat the following editorial notice :—: —

By tbe death of Father Kearney, Whitechapel and Mile End New Town, have lost a friend and i counsellor. Seldom has such a seen« been witnesssd as took place on the occasion of his funeral. ladeed, it seemed as if the whole population had with one accord joined in paying a last tribute to the memory of a good man. The character of the neighbourhood ecemad to enhance the importance of the demonstration Here was what might fairly be called an alien population, and yet s? thorough— although unostentatious— b&d been the life work of Father Kearney that the race which is supposed to have tbe least sympa'hy with Roman Catholicism, was deepest in its expression of sorrow. And this fact was exeoaplifisd at the meeting of the Writechapel guarduns, of which the deceased was an honoured member. Here a iesolution of condolence was passed, on the motion of a Church of England clergyman, secondad by a Jd«r, anl carried with the approving sympithy of represantatives of almost every creed in the district. This kin i of proceeding is a striking instance of the new spirit of toleration which prevails to- lay, and of the ready manner in which the public has'en to recognise good works and a faithful eff)rt to help mankind. Father Kearney's life stands as a bright example of what one man can do, even if he has to fight a con. tioual battle against ill-health. Devoted to his Church, he yet found opportunity to use what little spare time he had to making the lot of his fellow-creatures happier and brighter, and the greatest tribute that could be paid him is the siccore regret that has been expressed at nig loss by aliens and strange, no ksa than by friends and colleagues.