DEATH OF FATHER HEGARTY, C.SS.R.

New Zealand Tablet, 14 April 1921, Page 22

DEATH OF FATHER HEGARTY, C.SS.R.

A WELL-KNOWN' REDEMPTORIST ™ ' - ■ MISSIONER. •. ■ f The announcement will be read with unfeigned regret throughout New Zealand of the death of Father Hegarty, C.SS.R. His death occurred on April 6 last, at the Redemptorist Monastery, Clonard, Belfast, Ireland, and his peaceful end, in his 79th year, was just such a one as he and his religious brethren expected. Father Hegarty was born in the North of Ireland on December 17, 1842, and after a successful collegiate course entered the Redemptorist Order, was professed a religions on March 19,- 1864, and* ordained priest October 1, 1868. For years lie conducted missions, with untiring zeal, in Ireland, England, and Scotland, until 1882, when he was sent to Australia with Fathers •Vaughan, O’Farrell, and Halson, to found a home, and begin the work of missions and retreats under the Southern Cross. In the many missions which the Redemptorist Fathers conducted all over Australia and New Zealand, Father Hegarty took, no small share of the labors, and his, eloquence in the pulpit and his gentle advice and words of encouragement in the confessional effected many conversions among a people in whom worldly considerations had almost obliterated the traces of early religious training. Fired with the spirit of self-sacrifice and the desire of bringing the consolations of our holy religion to the Sheep and Lambs of the Good Shepherd, Father Hegarty left Australia for the Philippine Islands, where he devoted part of his missionary life, working earnestly for the salvation of souls. He returned/to Ireland, where on October 1, 1919, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Father Hegarty was indeed a link with the past. Of the Redemptorist Order, in our times, he was a most active member, and his career of over 50 years was one of the most strenuous and • ■ self-sacrificing character. His whole heart was given to the work of saving souls. Innumerable must have been - the souls he gained for God, innumerable the poor sinners he 5 reclaimed : and reconciled with, their Maker. The announcement of Father Hegarty’s death has. aroused the deepest sorrow Vamongst the Redemptorists in, New = Zealand, - and ‘ this: sorrow will be shared doubtless by man in the Dominion. Death truly comes with muffled feet and silent tread.

“Leaves have their time to fall, '■ And flowers to wither at the North Wind’s breath, “ And stars to set—-but ah' ! Thou hast ; all seasons for thy r own, oh • Death.” I*