Obituaries Australia

The death of the Rev. Father Patrick Fagan, one of the founders of the order of the Passionist Fathers in this State, took place yesterday afternoon at the Lewisham Hospital, at the age of 53 years. Few priests were better known and more highly respected for missionary enterprise than the deceased. He was born in Dublin in July 1860, and, after being ordained, became attached to the Order of the Passionist Fathers. Just 25 years of age he and three other members of the Order came to Australia, and established a branch of the Passionist Fathers at Sydney. They made their headquarters at Marrickville, where they also established a charge, which today is one of the largest of the metropolitan Roman Catholic parishes.

For a number of years Father Fagan was in charge of the Marrickville parish; but when the Boer War broke out, he volunteered for active service, and went to South Africa, remaining at the front until the termination of the war. He then returned to Sydney, and has resided ever since at the Retreat at Marrickville. During the last few years his work chiefly consisted of superintending the mission throughout the State, and in this respect his services were largely sought.

A few weeks ago the Order which he founded in Sydney celebrated its 25th anniversary of settlement at Marrickville, and Father Patrick, the only surviving member of the pioneer group, was warmly congratulated on the splendid work achieved. The Rev. Father, who had been in failing health, a fortnight ago decided to enter the Lewisham Hospital. His condition gradually became worse, and he died yesterday.

A solemn requiem mass will be held this morning at 10 o’clock at St Brigid’s Church, Marrickville. The body will be interred in the mausoleum belonging to the order at Goulburn.