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| REV. W. M. O'BRIEN DIED SUDDENLY OF PNEUMONIA THIS MORNING |
| It is with great sadness that the people of this city heard this
morning of the death of Rev. William M. O'Brien of Winchester, at the
parochial residence of St. Michael's church.
He came to this city night before last and was stricken with that dread disease, pneumonia. The deceased clergyman was for twelve years a beloved curate at St. Patrick's church officiating as second curate, with his cousin, Rev. William O'Brien, now of St. Michael's church, first curate. He came to this city in 1876, and after twelve years of service he was appointed pastor of St. Mary's church in Winchester. He had been in failing health for the past few years, and last summer was obliged to take a trip to Ireland for his health. Upon returning he again went to his charge at Winchester and for a time his health improved. Rev. Fr. O'Brien was 42 years of age. Rev. Fr. O'Brien was born in Nenagh, County of Tipperary, Ireland. He was the son of Michael and Bridget O'Brien. His mother's maiden name was Gleason, a relative of Fr. Gleason of St. Patrick's church. Prepatory studies were taken at Killaloe Diocesan seminary in Ennis, County Clare. When he young theological student finished his studies there, he went to St. Patrick's Ecclesiastical seminary at Thulles [Thurles], County Tipperary, to complete his preparation for the priesthood. He was 24 years of age, when, on Pentecost Sunday, June 29, 1876, he was ordained to the priesthood. The deceased clergyman will be sincerely mourned all over the city. "Little Father William" was the endearing term of his friends, for thus they distinguished him from his cousin, the pastor of St. Michael's church. He used to move in and out among the people of St. Patrick's parish; a loving word and firm, cordial hand grasp for all. The young men of the parish loved him as a brother, for he took an interest in them and knew so well how to counsel them in his broader field of duty. He was beloved in his own parish, and to the people there the shock of his death will be widely felt. The Catholic people of this city, and the hundreds of Rev. O'Brien's friends, who were of different religious beliefs, seriously mourn the calling away from his life work of a beloved father and pastor. Up till noon no arrangements in regard to services and burial had been given out. |
| AT REST Impressive Services at the Funeral of Fr. O'Brien |
| With a service due the exalted office he held in life, the
remains of Rev. Fr. William M. O'Brien, the beloved pastor of St.
Mary's church at Winchester, and for twelve years the equally beloved
curate of St. Patrick's church, were consigned to their last resting
place.
It was a solemn service which a great many Lowell people attended at St. Mary's church this morning, going down on the 8:50 a.m. train under care of Mr. O'Donnell. At the church a solemn high mass of requiem was celebrated and the edifice was filled with sorrowing parishioners. The celebrant was Rev. William O'Brien of St. Michael's church; the deacon, Rev. John Gilday; sub-deacon, Rev. Daniel J. Gleason of St. Patrick's, and Rev. John J. Shaw of North Chelmsford, master of ceremonies. Over 100 priests were seated within the sanctuary rail and throughout the service. The bearers were Messrs. Patrick Holland, Charles Worrell, James Fitzgerald, Michael Ryan, Patrick Dowd, Francis J. O'Hare, William Daley and George R. Brine. After the celebration of the mass the funeral cortege was formed and it was of great length. The internment was in Calvary cemetery, Winchester, and to Mother Earth the earthly remains of Fr. O'Brien were committed amid the tears of those who surrounded the grave. The eulogy over Rev. Fr. O'Brien was pronounced by Rev. James Gilday of Woburn, and was a touching and eloquent tribute to the dead priest. The many Lowell people who paid their last sad respects to Rev. Fr. O'Brien will long remember the sad and impressive services of today. |
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