Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1916-12-21
CiAuR1r-

Death Of Rev. Jos A. 0ormsn, ). ].
when the sad news that Father
German was dead. flashed over the
wires last Thursday night, his many
friends in Leonardtown, ST. Johns
parish, and throughout tho county,
could hardly believe H. They knew
he was ~, but only week before he
had been apparently as active and
vigorous as ever; how could one who
looked so robust come SO quickly to
the portal Of death But he was not
strong, though his appearance was
such as 70 make most people think so;
be was not we'll, nor had he been well
for months, perhaps years but be had
tho art Of hiding his own Ills and
troubles while being such master In
soothing and healing the troubles and
sorrows Of others.
At Georgetown Hospital, whither he
was taken Dec. by the advice Of his
physicians here, they decided almost
Immediately that surgical operation
alone could relieve his malady; but In
his exhausted condition after years OF
extraordinary labor and activity ho
never could have survived an opera
ton. Doctors Vaughan and Gwy mn
had charge OF his case, and they said
II was a great pity 70 see such life
ebb and wanc with no natural remedy
available 70 save 1t. On the othce
hand, those who attended him all
through those sad days declared that
his cheerinlness grew ut every moment,
He felt that now at last Il was
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me-
His mirth, therefore, took on the char
actor OF happy expectation. just one
little tinge OF regret-thal he could not
longer work for his Lord and Master
and be OF help TO those in need; but
his predominant emotion was JOY and
peace. He con6ded to one. that he did
not know II would be so sweet 70 die;
to another. that he would surely be
happy when DO could see Gods Bless
ed Mother, too in heaven; others he
exhorted to do all the good they pos
sibly could for the time was short And
IL was worth the while.
Some Of these favored witnesses OF
his passing declared that in all the
experience Of nearly thirty years at
the side Of the dying, they had never
seen death like Father Germans.
Surely his own lifelong devotion 70
the sick and suffering was nov reward
ed by Him Who sees all and Who
takes as done TO Himself the least
kindness that Is shown TO His own af-
Fiction. Father Germans brethren In
the priesthood and the faithful to
whom he ministored-for example, in
st. Johns Parish for the last three
raborious years could tell much
about his self-sacrihcing love for the
sick and dying; but only God knew
what ii cost him, and the suffering and
hardships Of that life which he was
so careful to conceal from others.
AS the end drew near, tho light seem
cd TO grow and those who helped him
by any little kindness we're rewarded by
his wcll-known word OF gratitude;
"God love you'll This imperfect
sketch will gain much by the following
lines, which were among his favorite
ones and which have deep meaning
now that they never had before;
The busy world goes on aud on,
cannot heed 1t now;
Thy sacred hand Is laid upon
| Ny aching, throbbing brow
Life's toll will soon be past, and then,
! From all Its sorrows free,
How sweet to think that | shall spend
| Eternity with Thee, dear Lord,
Eternity with Thee