The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-06-22
NOTED CATHOLIC
 PRIEST IS DEAD
REV. WILLIAM NIAHER, DID,, REC TOR OF H'S,NORWALK,
 DID NOT SURVIVE OPERATION
Resigned to Inevitable
Distinguished Clergyman Just Before End Embraced His Aged Mother and His Last Words Were 'I Am Glad to Go Home''-Was Eloquent Preacher.

| fIeV. LIT. W1illdn Maner or SOulIl
 Norwalk. one of the intellectual lights
 of the Catholic church in the diocese of
 Hartford, has passed to his reward.
 His death, occurring last evening,
 comes as a great shock to the people | of Bridgeport, by whom the talented
 priest was most affectiontely revered. | Though never stationed in this city, he
 was universally known here, and his ! words of deep piety and burning elo- quence made their lasting imprint on the hearts of Catholics in every Bridge port parish.
 mer mentioned the serious illness of Dr. Maher and that was the first inti- | nation his friends in this city had that an operation had been performed in
 which the left leg was amputated in hopes of staying the progress of the disease, diabetes, from which he had suffered for some time. With re- markable fortitude had the distin- his attending physicians, including his cousin, Dr. John F. Luby, of New Ha- ven, were encouraged by the vitality he displayed.
 But the change that came Saturday caused alarm and even the priest him. self felt that the end was not far dis tant, he remarked, with perfect resignation, to his niece, Miss Nellie Maher, who had given him most un- remitting care during his sickness, 'I am glad to go Eome-''
 Mrs. Ellen Maher, mother of the dead priest, herself in feeble health, left her home in New Haven yester- day, accompanied by her son, Richard J. Maher, also of New Haven. and both were at the bedside when Dr. Maher breathed his last. The consoling part of the aged mothers visit to the dy ing priest was the fact that he was able to recognize her before death closed his eyes.
 Dr. Maher was 4S years of age, hay ing been born in Saybrook, this State, in 1861. After showing unusual bril- 1iancy in the schools of his native town he went to St. Charles College, Ellicott City, Md, and throughout his course he was a leader in his studies, grad uating with high honors in 1880. On account of his exceptional learning he was sent to the American College at Rome, spending seven years in the completion of his studies for the priest hood. His high mark of excellence distinguished his eriIire course and he was chosen to teach one year after his graduation at the Roman College.
 His was a peculiar greatness among for his intellectual supremacy, he bore his honors most meekly and was al- ways kind and considerate of the weaknesses and frailties of others. He was looked up to as a leader by req son of his accomplishments, yet there was nothing domineerfng about him. At the time of his ordination he was
  the priesthood imposed upon him.
 Soon after his return to America Dr. Maher was placed in charge of the church in Branford in the absence on sick leave of Rev. Father Martin. But Bishop McMahon, who was a keen ob- server, had noticed the unusual traits of piety and learning possessed by the young ecclesiastic and deciding that logical requirements were needed at Hartford, the bishop appointed him to the important post of chancellor of the diocese, and for five years he con- tinued to perform the trying duties of the bishops private secretary.
 His first real pastorate was in Mill ford, where he remained about six years, and thence he went to the rec Norwalk, where he practically died in the harness. For a long time he had not been in good health, yet he bore his sufferings with meekness and pa tience, and when the end came he was perfectly resigned. Early in life he had manifested vocation for the priesthood and he allowed nothing to swerve- him from the purpose which God had marked out for him. When | the final summons came he was also ready to obey the call
 For years pr. Maher was in a class | by himself as a. pulpit orator in this | State. It was not alone his matchless | oratory but the deep piety which | sprarg with ringing eloquence from the heart, that caused the distinguish | ed young clergyman to be so greatly | beloved throughout the diocese. He | was always the pious, jealous priest, | anxious for the salvation of souls, yet | he was equally at home in the pulpit | or on the roStrum, and Protestants as well as Catholics were won by his | learned disputations.
 Bridgeport mourns with the whole | State in the death of Dr. Maher, for it is not likely that he was more uni beloved in any city of the dio- ceSe than here- He was a frequent visitor and some of his Staunchest friends were found among the clergy and laity of this city. His demise leaves a regret that only the comfort of his future happiness can assuage.
 The funeral of pr. Maher will be held at 10 a. m. Friday at St. Joseph's church, which edifice he himself was in building. Final ar for the burial have not yet been made, but priests are expected from all over the State to attend the services, and the interment will probably be made in the courtyard I of St. Josephs church. Rev. Walter J. Shanley of Danbury will deliver the eulogy Chancellor Father John Mur- ray of Hartford, representing the dio- cese was expected to arrive in South Norwalk this afternoon to take charge of the funeral.