Obituaries Australia

We have to record with deep regret the death of the Rev. Thomas Francis Macarthy. This estimable ecclesiastic was professed at an early period in the venerable order of the Capuchins, of the institute of St. Francis. Having completed his course of theological studies in Rome, he returned to Ireland and in Cork, Kilkenny, and Dublin, laboured most zealously and effectively, to bring souls to the practice of a holy life. He was the beloved friend and disciple of the illustrious Father Mathew, whose consent to his departure for these shores was at first reluctantly given. The ardent desire, however, which the Rev. Mr. Macarthy expressed to devote himself without reserve to the salvation of souls, far from friends—from home and country—obtained not his consent only, but his warmest admiration. The lamented deceased accompanied his Grace the Archbishop on his return to Sydney. During the voyage his amiable gentility, his piety and virtue, endeared him to all, but especially to his ecclesiastical superior—by whom his loss is most severely felt. He returned some months since from Norfolk Island, in a delicate state of health, and was placed at Windsor. The most sanguine hopes were entertained of his perfect recovery; these, alas ! were too soon dissipated by the symptoms of fatal decline. The severity of long protracted sickness was endured with the greatest patience, and in the presence of his dear friend and confessor, Mr. Coffey, and the Sisters of Charity, retaining his senses and self-possession to the last, he calmly resigned his pure soul into the hands of his Creator about 1 p. m. on Wednesday, the 26th ultimo.

A solemn Dirge and Mass were celebrated on Friday, the 28th, at which the Rev. clergy of Sydney, Liverpool, Windsor, and Campbelltown assisted. The Archbishop presided at the office, and performed the funeral service. Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Mr. Coffey. The procession to the grave was conducted with the greatest decorum. The large crowd attending seemed to be duly impressed with the solemnity of the occasion which had brought them together; and it may be hoped that few retired without some desire of preparing by a virtuous life, for that happiness which it is our comfort to believe a merciful God has bestowed on that zealous minister, who left all things for his sake. The Rev. Thomas Macarthy was in the 42nd year of his age.