The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1888-07-28

eminentlY distinguished by his remark
able talent, and won high honors in hi
philosophical and theological studies
He was ordained priest in 1860. Tn,
first twelve years Of his sacerdotal min
! istry were spent in the diocese Of
Cloyne. He labored with indefatiga-
bic zeal in the several missions entrust
ed to his care, being animated by that
ardent zeal for souls which actuated and
controlled his entire life. This earnest
zeal inspired him with the desire of de.
voting himself to the work of the di-
vine ministry in wider sphere Of use
fulness. Ee sought and obtained from
his Bishop permission to emigrate to
this country. The exeat for which he
applied was granted by Bishop Keane
with extreme reluctance, and was &C.
companied with highly eulogistic testi-
monials.
Father Riordan, on his arrival here
in 1872, was received into the diocese of
Brooklyn and was assigned by Bishop
Loughlin to the church of Our Lady of
Mercy, Debevoise street. During the
nine years which he spent OH Long
Island his zeal and ability we're univer-
sally recognized. In 1884 he was in
vited by Bishop O'Connor to Omaha
and appointed Vicar General of that
diocese. which was then q Vicariate-
Apostolic. The arduous nature Of the
missionary labor which devolyed upon
him in that position, together with the
rigorous severity OF The climate, seri
ously impaired his constitution, ana
after two years he found himself CON-
PEELED to return to the Eastern States.
He was cordially received by Bishop
Wigger and affiliated to the diocese Of
Newark, where he was appointed chap
lain and spiritual director OF the Sisters
Of Charity, at their mother house, near
Madison, N. j. During Eve years re-
sidence in that locality his health,
which had been almost completely
shattered, was considerably recnpera-
TED; but the germs of the disease, which
he had contracted in the West, had
taken root in his system. and gradually
developed into the condition Of Of suf-
fering and sickness which resulted in
death.
Father Riordan was a man of splen-
did ability and extraordinary attain
lnents. Animated by an Unsuitable
thirst for knowledge, he was through
out his entire life an indefatjgable
student. He collected q very large and
valuable library, and made excellent
use Of his choice selection OF books.
His COURSE of reading was not couhned
merely to professional subjects. 1t en-
braced in its sphere almost every branch
OF science and literature, secular as we'll
as ecclesiastical. He studied theology
profoundly, and perfected himself in all
it's branches. lie had great love and
intimate knowledge of Sacred Scripture
and Of exegetics. HIS was infinitely
conyersant with Church history and his
accurate knowledge OF secular history
in general, and of Irish history in par
ticular, was simply astonishing. His
memory was wonaerfu lilly retentive.
Whatever he had once heard Or read he
seemed never to forget. He possessed
marvellous store of rare and recondite
erudition, and the rich fund Of infor-
nation which he had gathered from all
sources was &c less varied than extern
siye. He had travelled much, was
close observer, and WAS familiar with
all the principal scenes of interest in
Europe and America.
AS might he expected from one whose
mind was 50 replete with knowledge,
Father Riordan was most entertaining
as conversationallst, and most success
full as lecturer. His preaching was
earnest and full Of JUNCTION, frequently
eloquent, and always impressive. His
life was in all respect most exemplary,
being that of pure, holy, devoted and
jealous priest. AS such his memory
will be long gratefully cherished, and
his name will be held in perpetual
benediction bv those whose spiritual
welfare he so efectually promoted.
By those who enjoyed the privilege OF
his intimate acquaintance, Father
Riordan always will be RENE mbered
with tender regret and undylng affec~
ton. His personal character was most
lovable. He was the truest, sincerest,
most faithful of friends. Most unself-
ish, disinterested, and self-sacrificing,
he was unwearied in well doing, and
ever ready to advance the inJererts of
others without q thought of his own.
Narmhearted and generous in his
nature: his kindness and charity toward
all were unbounded. The recipients of
his secret benefactions are numberless,
and countless blessings from those to
,r,ho,,, -, limo of n God ho oyton6aa q