Obituary

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 26, 5 July 1923, Page 31

Obituary

REVEREND PATRICK O’NEILL, WINTON. After a prolonged illness, Father O’Neill, the parish priest of Winton, died, aged sixty years, at his residence on Monday morning. Deceased was a native,,of Co. Cork, and was educated at St. Colnjan’s College, Fermoy, and at St. John’s College, Waterford. Thirty-three ears ago he came to New Zealand after his ordination, his zeal inspiring him to follow the example of the ancient missionaries of Ireland whose watchword was, -Pereyrinari pro Ch risto ! So, as a pilgrim for Christ he came to New Zealand while still a young man, and he has labored like a true follower of his Master for half a life-time under the Southern Cross. . He was for many years Administrator at St. Patrick’s, South Dunedin, and he it was who built the ..existing presbytery. He had a thorough knowledge of architecture, and it stood him in good stead when he went to Winton, " here the line ecclesiastical . buildings that sprang up under his direction will for long be eloquent monuments to his memory. But a monument more lasting and nearer to his heart will be the affection of the people for whom he worked unselfishly and nobly, like a true priest and a true Irish missionary. After the Solemn Requiem Mass, at nine o’clock on Wednesday morning, July 4, the funeral immediately took place, in the presence of a large number of the clergy and of the faithful laity. Amongst those present were Very Rev. Dean Burke, Very Rev. James O’Neill, Revs. James Lynch, D. Buckley, W. McMullen, P. O’Neill, D. O’Neill, James Foley, 13. Kaveney, A. Fenelon, F. Marlow, J. Martin, S. Marlow, and J. Kelly, etc.—R.T.P. - MRS. MARGARET ROONEY, OAMARU. By the death of Airs. Margaret Rooney, wife of Mr. John Rooney, at her home in Eden Street, on Tuesday morning, the 26th ult., the Catholic congregation of Oamaru has lost an esteemed and practical member. The deceased was a native of Co. Cork, Ireland, and came to New Zealand with her parents about 44 years ago. For the past three years her health had been failing, and for two months before her death she had been confined to bed. She bore her illness with a fortitude sustained by a deep Catholic faith. Of a naturally quiet and unassuming disposition she loved her home and family and in these her heart was centered. Her Christian charity, however extended beyond her home, and the Dominican Sisters of Rosary Convent can tell of her practical kindness to them during their pioneering years in Oamaru. Her life was the life of an ideal Catholic helpmate and mother, and brought the reward of a happy and holy death. She died .surrounded by her family and fortified by all the sacred rites of Holy Church. During her illness- she was attended by the local clergy, and on each morning of the last week she had the extraordinary consolation of receiving the Holy 4 laticum from the hands of her own son, Father Ed Rooney, of South Dunedin. Father Rooney celebrated a Requiem Mass on Thursday morning. The large attendance at Mass and again at the graveside testify to the hi Mi esteem in which deceased was held. Father o’Connet 1 assisted by Fathers Jas. Delany and Rooney, read the burial service. The sympathy of a wide circle of friends is extended to Father Rooney and Air. John Rooney and family in the loss of a devoted wife and mother.' May her .soul find everlasting refreshment, light and peace. ■ DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH (From our own correspondent.) rm , " / July 2. Hie appeal 'on behalf of'the Irish Mission to China continues to meet with the keenest sympathy and the generous support of the people of Christchurch diocese, as seen from the more recent results: —Darfield £l3O (including £3O from Coalgate); Methven and Rakaia, £240 • Akaroa, £SO; and Leeston, £llO (including £32 from South bridge). The following Sundays have been fixed for ie appeal in the North Canterbury districts:—July 1 Rangiora; July 7 Oxford; July 15, Kaiapoi and Loburn;’ July 22 and 29, Hawafden and Cheviot respectively: and by the beginning, of August the appeal will be opened in the southern parts of the diocese.