The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1905-01-10
TOUCHING
TRIBUTE
Paid to the Late Father oconnor in
Article in the Church Calendar on
First Anniversary of His Death


A touching tribute is paid to the late
REV. Father o'Conrser, rector Of tne
Churcn of the Immaculate Conception
and Vicar General of tine Wheeling do
eese OF the Catholic church, in the fol-
flowing ortiels taken from tine current
tissue of Tn Church Calendar of West
Virginia
Friday. December 10, wa. the first
anniversary of the death of our former
beloved and much lamented pastor, Rt
Rev. Mgr o'Conner At 0 a. m. SOL
emn high mass of requiem was cele-
brated for the repose of his soul. Our
pastor, Rev. j. A. Reynolds, was cele-
brant, rev. Father Gormley deacon, and
Rev Father Schooner sub-deacon. Rev.
RsynAis preached and the eulogy was
a grand and worthy tribute TO the ven
Grated pastor. 1t seems useless, even
foolish to sound and resound the
praises of one so well and favorably
known. but his sad death severed ties
| of teniercst affection that mad endured
through the long years of mis- pastor
ate here, and his anniversaries will ever
awaken past sorrow, for mis- memory
| is embalmed in the hearts of his
people, For some time is was known
that he was i'll and suffering. This was
lb1arable, but when une fact was made
known that he was going east to UNI
dergo surgical operation every neart
| in Clarksburg beat in tenderest sympa-
| tiny with him, for he was nonorad ami
loved by all. regardless of creed ami
color. Over the awful result that fol-
lowed and mis- Homecoming it is best
to draw n veil, for the seasons have
patsed-winter with its glorious robe
of snow, spring with its budding beauty,
and long glad summer days and the
golden autumn with its garnered har-
vest, each mas coma and gone. and
second Christmas morning the venera.
lbla, the sanity and familiar form of
our dear old pastor has been missed
from the sanctuary. We feel confident
that God mas said to him what wasy
said of MIN once by the head of the
churches on earth. This is little story.
that was carried to us from across the
sea by Archbishop Kahn. A few years
ago the Archbishop and Father o'Con-
ner were abroad together, and while
IN the Eternal City they with number
of other priests had an audience WITH
Pope Leo. After entering the reception
nall, all eager to speak to our molly
father and receive his blessing. pressed
forward, placing our beloved pastor
somewhat in the background, but not
unnoticed, for hardly mad the Archbishop
been presented to our holy father tnan
the latter, with an admiring glance.
asked, who is the modest looking man
IN the rear!' The Archbishop tninginr
Father o'Conner was by his side. was
somewhat surprised to see to whom he
referred and proudly answered. INV
companion from America, Rt. Rev. Mgr.
IOConner." The sovereign pontifr wais-
tpered, ''Wh will have MIN 90 IN higher"
We pray such was the notice taken Of
aim by Our Heavenly Father, in whose
sesice he mad labored so long and we'll.
After the requiem mass the divine trib.
ute to ais memory. beautiful wreath
OF immortelles sent by a relative in
Washington, d. G.. was placed on his
Snow-clai grave in Holy Cross cemetery
where his remains and those of ri. Rev.
Mgr. Sullivan arr resting side by side,
One bright memory; others may pass
Back into the shadows forever.
But 1t, bright and true to the last.
Sheds light that will fade away
never.
Shine on, shine always. thou star Of our
days,
And wnen deaths starless night gath
ers DER us,
Beam brighter than ever down on our
gaze,
And light the dark valley before us.