The Irish standard., 1892-09-03
FATHER BYRNE'S PROMOTION

It was with profound regret that the
members of the Church of the lmmac
ulate Conception heard last Sunday from
the lips of their beloved pastor that he
was going to leave them, having beer
called by Archbishop Ireland to higher
aud more arduons sphere, namely, the
Presidency of st. Thomas Seminary
Merriam Park. The unexpected an
nouncement took the congregation by
surprise and brought sorrow and diemay
to the hearts of young and old, who have
esteemed and loved Father Byrne for his
many amiable qualities since he became
their pastor two anda half years ago. In
preaching his farewell sermon he spoke
SO pathetically that many were moved
to tears, and it was by supreme effort
he controlled his emotions when bidding
an affectionate adieu to his flock. Father
J. G. Byrne is native of this state and
the first Minnesotan, in fact, who was
raised to the dignity OF the priesthood.
He was born on November %, 1853.
After a brilliant course of studies at the
Propaganda College in Rome he was or
dained priest in that city on February II,
1883. On his return to the United
States he became assistant priest at the
Immaculate Conception and remained in
that capacity until August rs, 1884, when
he became Archbishop Ireland's secre-
tary on the elevation Of that distinguished
prelate to the See OF st. Paul. Suhse-
quently he was appointed one OF the Oil
rectors of the diocese, and on the depart
ure OF Bishop McGolrick for Duluth he
was made pastor Of the Immaculate Con
ception parish in this city. During the
retreat OF the same year he was elected
consultor by the clergy of the diocese,
and later on, notwithstanding his short
term on the mission, he was made an IT.
removable rector. Father Byrne's pas
torate, though of only a short duration,
has been characterized by mildness,
order, good judgment, and thorough
ecclesiastical spirit. He was Jealous for
the beauty of Gods house and for the
grandeur of the solemn ceremonies, and
during his passionate his church was
beautifed in appearance and the services
of the church were brought we'll nigh to
perfection. Besides paying off the mort
gage on the church he expended still
larger sum in improvements and repairs,
and thus demonstrated his ability as
inancier who had no superior among his
clerical brethren in this diocese. He had
won the absolute confidence and esteem
of his ownspeople who priced him highly,
and the non Catholics with whom he
came in contact entertained for him the
highest regard On account of his So
cial qualities and scholarly attainments.
The movement fora still greater organi-
zation Of the parish which he had in con-
temptation has been arrested by the
sudden call of his superior. Although
no obligation was upon him to take up
other work, still the wish OF the Arch
bishop, who knows his eminent fitness
for the position of President of st.
Thomas Seminary, was acquiesced in by
Fir. Byrne as oheezfully rs if the call were
a peremptory order. FIR. Byrne will bring
to the college q wealth OF classical lore
and thorough love Of discipline and
ecclesiastical decorum which will find
there fuller scope than in the field OF
parochial work. The Irish STANDARD
predicts for him a brilliant and success
full career ia his new sphere OF useful
ness. and joins heartily in the general
regret expressed by Catholics and Prot
estants alike on his, removal from this
city. Rev. Father Mcintyre, the eff
Gent assistant pastor, IS at present in
charge Of the parish.
4.
4 The Hon. Edward 2. G. Marjoribanks,
q - nj. 4 4 IL