OBITUARY

New Zealand Tablet, 27 November 1913, Page 51

OBITUARY

REV. FATHER J. WILLIAMS, AUCKLAND. (From, an occasional correspondent.) It is with, the most sincere regret I have to record the death of Rev. Father Williams, of the Auckland diocese, who for seven years past had labored zealously for the salvation of souls in New Zealand. The deceased was a brother of Rev. Michael Williams, of Sedgley, Dudley, and now of the Birmingham diocese. Father Williams was born in Wicklow, Ireland, and pursued his ecclesiastical studies at St. Patrick’s College, Thurles, which he entered in the year 1894. During his college course, which was marked by brilliant literary achievements, he won the affection and esteem of every' student and priest with whom he came in contact. He was a fellow-student of Rev. Fathers Furlong, Tormey, Ormond, Carran, and Forde. Whilst at college he made his mark as an athlete. He was ordained priest at the Ursuline College, Thurles, by Archbishop Fennelly, on the Feast of the Assumption, August 15, 1906. Shortly afterwards he left for New Zealand, and on arriving here he labored zealously, first at Ponsonby, where he acted as assistant, and afterwards in Waihi, where he was curate to the Right Rev. Mgr. Brodie. He was recalled from Waihi to Auckland on account of failing health, and sent to St. Benedict’s parish, where for many years he worked with zeal and earnestness, under Right Rev. Mgr. Gillan. At St. Benedict’s' he particularly endeared himself to the children, for whom he incessantly labored, and who, up to his death, though Father Williams had been removed from this field of labor for years, looked upon him as a near and dear friend. To the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Benedict’s Catholic Club, as well as to every confraternity existing, Father Williams endeared himself. On the death of Bishop Lenihan, who was making arrangements for a division of parishes, Father Williams was appointed to the Waiuku district by Monsignor Gillan, V.G., who was then Ordinary of the diocese. At Waiuku he did splendid work, and during his short term there succeeded in erecting a fine presbytery, and in accomplishing an immense amount of parish work. In February, 1911, his Lordship Bishop Cleary, in consideration of the tact and general capability for parish work shown by Father Williams, promoted him to the extensive parish of Taumarunui. Here Father Williams was idolised by the people of all creeds and classes for his kindly disposition, generosity, and true apostolic zeal. He labored in this parish until seven weeks ago, when his infirmities compelled him to give up work. He then thought a rest in the Mater Misericordise Hospital would restore him to health, but his medical attendants felt that there was little hope of his recovery. Last week he seemed to become weaker and weaker, until the dread climax came on Sunday night. Father Williams received the sacred rites of Holy Church at the hands of Rev. Father Creagh, C.SS.R., and Rev. Father Forde, who gave him the last blessing a few minutes before he died. Exposition of the Most Holy Sacrament was kept up all day on Sunday by the people of St. Benedict’s. Their earnest request was one of petition to Almighty God to spare Father Williams to the diocese, but Divine Providence had ordained otherwise, and at half past 10 o’clock on Sunday night he passed peacefully away, whilst Rev. Fathers Creagh, C.SS.R., Forde, and Carran recited the prayers for the dying, to which Father Williams responded till he breathed his last. Mass was celebrated in the chapel of the Mater Misericordise Hospital by Rev. Fathers Carran and Forde. At 12 o’clock the remains were removed to St. Benedict’s Church, where they were placed in front of the high altar, and throughout the day the Rosary was incessantly recited by the Sisters and children of St. Benedict’s Schools. At 7.30 a solemn Requiem service was held, and the panegyric was preached by Rev. Father Creagh, C.SS.R. Here again the people gave evidence of their faith and devotion., The church was crowded, and the people showed

by their demeanor that they had lost a. friend. Rev. Father Creagh, C.SS.R., took his text from the Apoc. x., 10-13 : ‘ Blessed. are the dead, who die in the Lord.’ He pointed out how our Lord by His death on the Cross had taken the sting out of death. The Christian, and, above all, the apostolic and priestly idea of death was, as we learn from our Lord Himself in His last discourse to His Apostles, a going home to the Father—the longed-for union with Christ, to be dissolved and to be with Christ. The faithful priest could always say, like St. Paul To live is Christ and to die is gain.’ Father Williams was a faithful priest. The priestly virtues shone in him, especially untiring zeal and unbounded charity. God rewarded him for these virtues by peace and happiness in death, the foretaste of the peace and happiness of heaven. He concluded by exhorting the people to pray for his soul, lest any human frailty of the past might prevent him from the immediate enjoyment of God, On Tuesday morning Masses were celebrated from early morning till 10 o’clock, when the Solemn Requiem was sung by Rev. Father Forde, by whom also the last Absolutions were given. Rev. Father Brennan acted as deacon, Rev. Father McLaughlin subdeacon, and Right Rev. Mgr. Gillan master of ceremonies. After the Mass Monsignor Gillan referred in touching and affectionate terms to the noble and priestly character now gone to receive his reward. The panegyric during Mass was preached by Rev. Father Brennanthe long-cherished friend of Father, Williams.

From St. Benedict’s Church the funeral left for Panmure Cemetery, where the last sad rites were performed and the Absolutions over the grave given by Mgr. Gillan.R.l.P.