Putnam patriot., 1927-05-27

Pastors Request.
 Rev. Charles F Bedard, for nearly fifteen years pastor of St. Mary's church, died Wednesday afternoon at 2.30 o'clock The tolIing of the bell in the steeple of the church made known to his parishiners and to the i citizens of Putnam that death had claimed the priest and the man wto has done SO much for his parish and bis city.
 Father Bedard had been in poor health for about a year and had rrow.i gradually worse in spite of his physi- eians efforts. Several weeks ago he went Co St. Nincents hospital, Wor- eester. for observation and treatment Co which he failed Co respond When he learned that nothing could be done for him at the hospital he expressed desire Co return 10 Putnam to pass his last days among his people. Fr RuHtfirr went to Worcester and brought him back Co St Mary's recfo- " where he had heen for some time in comatose state with the end draw ing nearer.
 While Father Richards death was nni unexpected. when the bell Ia tbe helfry of the church began tolling s7 strokes the death knell was follow cd by a pause and n sadness felt throughout the elty at the loss ef a man who was well known ta all as q dpvuut pastor. tireless worker. and an excellent citizen.
 Body to Lie in State
 l. was announced at the Thufsday morning masses that Father Richards body would be brought into the church after the in3O o'clock ass Sunday morning to lie in state until the fu- neral and mass Monday morning at f030 o'clock The body will re- main in the church for a time after the mass when it will be taken to Sherbrooke, Canada. and there plae- ed in the crypt of the Cathedral. People are urgently requested not to send flowers This was a request of Fr Bedard.
 Sorrow for the passing of F'r. Bed ard will be felt beyond Putnam. He was one of the outstanding prelates tf the Roman Catholic church in Con necticut and his labors in this state since 1895 have been most fruitful. Wherever he has held pastorate he has left the people of his parish en- riched by his untiring efforts
 Although he expended a great deal Of his energy in building up The nhys- ical side of hia parishes he found am- pie time to minister to the spiritual needs of his people They sought him out in trouble and his counsel
 and advice were freely given He labored among the well-fb-do and among the poor He minlsiered to thc sick and those in despair. He brought 10 them q renewed hone for he future. intoxicating q christian fortitude that gave those east down renewed courage.
 He took am interest in the civic affairs of the city and through his ministratiOns such organizations as the Red Cross and such institutions as the Day kimball Hospital hene- fitted. He took pride in the fact that SO many young men of his parisf took part in the World War
 Err Bedard was pleasant man to meet. He always wore smile and had q cheery word for his aeauain- '-H-s , sa Gas .e- whole life was wrapped up in his church and his parish and he was never SO happy as when working t0 an end that would benefit his people.
 IL was one of Fr Richards greHt- est regrets that he could not be spar cd Co carry out some further plans he had in mind Co improve the parish property. Had he not labored go hard for his people possibly he might have been spared for many more yeas for he was just passing the middle age. But he could never have been content Co be idle
 Among the more important things ! he leaves Co his people as n heritag as well as a memorial to himself. are . greatly beautifed church. with its inc new organ. fine parochial school ! buildings, substantial and well ap- pointed reetory, and beautiful co- mctery. These, and more remain as tribute to his untiring energy. his insight into the future needs of the parish. and his wisdom of choice and selection. His earthly labors are over. brought Co an end all too soon. He leaves behind sorrowing people. uplifted and inspired by his labois among them and for them.
 Rev. Charles F. BedArd
 Rev. Charles F. Bedard was born in Slarey, Canada. August 2. 1869. one of l4 children born to Mir. and Mrs. Charles F. Bedard The family in Canada dates back 900 years He finished his education In Laval Uni versity and was ordained Co the priesthood by Bishop Larocque at Sherhrooke. Canada. Fr Hedard was