THE LATE MR. EDWARD O’CONNOR

New Zealand Tablet, 3 August 1911, Page 1472

THE LATE MR. EDWARD O’CONNOR

THE OBSEQUIES (From our Christchurch correspondent-.) A Solemn Requiem Mass for the repose of the late Mr. Edward O’Connor was celebrated in the Cathedral on last Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock, in the presence of a very large congregation. Very Rev. Father Price, Adm., was celebrant, Rev. Father Graham, S.M., deacon, Rev. Father Drohan, M.S.H., subdeacon, and Rev. Father Hoare, S.M., master of ceremonies. Among others of the clergy present were Rev. Fathers Richards (Hawarden), Hyland (Rangiora), Daull, S.M.A. (Lyttelton), Diguan, S.M. (St. Mary’s), J. O’Connor (Napier), McDonnell and Hanrahan (Cathedral). The sanctuary was draped in mourning, and as the coffin was borne into the Cathedral the organist (Mr. A. W. Bunz) played Chopin’s ‘ Funeral march.’ The music of the Mass in Gregorian plain chant was sung by the choir, assisted by several of the clergy. Prior to giving the Absolution at the coffin the Very Rev. Father Price, Adm., in eloquent and feeling words referred in the following terms to the deceased. It is our sad duty to-day to consign to their last resting-place what remains to us of the late Edward O’Connor. I have said what remains to us, because, whilst his body lies here for a few moments in our respectful care, his soul is already before the throne of God—in the presence of his Creator, his Redeemer, and his Judge. We have here his earthly remains, that have been sanctified by a long and virtuous life—a body which was-anointed with holy oil at his Baptism and again when he was admitted to the privileges of Christian manhood in the Sacrament of Confirmation, and yet again a third time, when the shadow of death was upon him. There are occasions when even the expressions of sympathy are an intrusion. There is a feeling of sorrow so very deep that even out of pity one had better leave condolence alone. I experience this feeling to-day on witnessing a widow and bereaved children gathered around the corpse of a faithful husband and devoted father. Their grief appears too sacred, too intimate, and mental, to be disturbed. And yet for the sake of the many friends of the family assembled here this morning, I feel I must give utterance to a few words of sympathy, were it only as a last tribute of respect to one who commanded it so deservedly during life. Born in Shantalla, parish of Rahoon, Galway, in 1845, Edward O’Connor came out to New Zealand in 1864, and since his arrival in Christchurch has been closely identified with Church work. Prior to the advent of the Sisters of the Mission, he taught a mixed school of boys and girls, assisted by a lady teacher. Later on, when the boys’ school was built, he was the one recognised master, and he retained the position of headmaster until the arrival of the Marist Brothers, when he retired from teaching Among the good works founded by Edward O’Connor was the St. Vincent de Paul Society, an organisation that has been productive of such admirable results. Up to the time of his death he acted as church secretary, and only Bishop and priests know the amount of work he accomplished. It is impossible to estimate the variety of transactions, the cares, and responsibilities that that office imposed on him, and which he crowded into his busy life. This is a very simple record, and it is before you all — a record of forty-seven years of faithful service, of devotedness, and generosity Which can scarcely be surpassed. That earthly life ’ is now ended -his career is finished. With pale hands clasped upon his breast he lies in the tranquil sleep of death. The heart has ceased to beat, the voice is hushed, and we shall never meet the well-known figure again until we stand before the Judgment Seat of God. His spirit’s outward tabernacle, itself no longer the same, is all that is left to our senses; in a few moments that, too, will be laid in the ground. In this solemn moment, ■when the sense of his passing is strong upon ns, when Nature, God’s minister, with gentle and mournful touch, begins to blot his features out, when the outward vesture of his immortal spirit rests for a few

silent and. pleading moments before the altar of God, let us ask ourselves what has become of him after death. For good or for evil the real man never dies. His personality persists, his soul lives on, his consciousness is not interrupted; he carries as a vesture the merits and the evil of his life: God grant that after a faithful life crowded with good works, he was received on the threshold of Eternity with that gracious invitation, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.’ Yet we know that that which to our dim-sighted vision is pure, in the light of God’s countenance may show some dross and alloy, demanding purification ere the soul can see the face of God in His Heavenly home. He may then be in need of prayers. He has already seen his God. His judgment is over ; his,reward is at hand, though he may be in the realm of Purgatory. The power is in our hands to help him, to help his soul through the merits of the Most Precious Blood, and thus by our prayers bring speedy relief to him whom we have known and loved and esteemed in life. And now, farewell for a time, dear farewell. Rest peacefully in the cool bosom of the earth. Your memory shall ever be dear to us, and may God, Who conducted thee safely during life, until thy trembling steps stood upon the verge of the grave, now lead thee still further into the realms of perpetual light and bliss. As the coffin was borne from the Cathedral the organist played the Dead March from ‘ Saul.’ The funeral was very largely attended, including representatives from many distant districts. The burial service at the graveside in the Linwood Cemetery was conducted by the Very Rev. Father Price, Adm., most of the clergy previously mentioned being in attendance. Old pupils of deceased at the Catholic boys’ school were pall-bearers. —R.l.P.