New Britain herald., 1929-04-22
,f Port Leopold. Belgium, surviy
Interest in Welfare work

of Port Leopold. Belgium, survive him.
 Interest in Welfare work
 He was actively interested in all forms of welfare work and was a contributor to charity. One of the matters uppermost in his mind was the relief of the poor and needy.
 Father Coppens was of a jovial dis position and his ever ready smile won him a legion of friends. AL though deeply devoted to minister ing to the religious needs of his flock, he did not believe that a grave face was a true badge of his calling and his disposition reflected the sunshine to be found in life rather than the shadows.
 Before illness overlook him, Father Coppcns made it a daily practice to walk from his parochial residence up through the business center. During this constitutional he often stopped and talked with friends and with strangers who ad- mired his personality. He was great ly affected at the death of Cardinal Mercier his former mentor. whom he admired with intensity. The door Of his residence was always open 10 visitors whether they called for advice or for an informal social chat.
 Fourth Degree, K. Of C.
 He was member of Bishop Tier ney assembly. Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. and that so- ciety will hold a meeting tonight at o'clock. at which action on his death will be taken
 Body to Lie in state
 The body will be taken to the church tomorrow afternoon at 1 o'clock. It will be accompanied by priests from this city and neigh bor- ing places. The French society of St. Anne will meet and offer prayer at 4:3o o'clock tomorrow and the Ger man society of St Anne will meet for prayer at 5;3o o'clock. The Chil- dren of Mary society will offer pray CT at the church at 6:3O o'clock. Priests will chant the prayer of the dead at o'clock tomorrow eve- ming and members Of St. Peters and St. Jeans societies will take part in a watch service during the night.
 Four Masses.
 High masses will be celebra ted Monday morning at o'clock and at the same hour on Tuesday and We'd nesday mornings. The requiem mass lo @L children.
 Rt. Rev. Bishop John J. Milan will celebrate pontifical high mass at the church Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock. It is expected that priests from all parts Of the state will be present to take part in the celebra- tion of the mass or to assist at the services.
 Pays High Tribute
 Philip c. Bardeck. trustee and one Of the most prominent German members Of the congregation. paid a high triute to Father Coppens in the following statement:
 The parishioners Of St. Peters parish feel a deep loss in the death of Father Coppens, who through his 2S years as guardian of the parish has proven 10 be as the good shep- herd of Biblical times.
 The people of the parish are not alone in their grief. the city of New Britain has lost a man who had en- ioyed the love and esteem of all"
 The following statement was made by Claude J. LerouX;
 In the passing of Father Coppcns, the French Catholics Of New Brit ain have lost a real. true, sincere friend and counselor. whose place in the hearts of his practitioners will be very hard to fill.
 Man of the type of Father Cop pens are rare indeed. Associated with him for approximately 2S years. as a member of his parish, serving on committees connected with the welfare Of the church. il has been my happy privilege to know him for what he really was. His wise counsel in times of stress, his kindly mnistrations particularly in behalf Of those in need or trou bic; his never failing concern not only for the spiritual but also the material welfare Of all of his flock. have left an indelble imprint upon all with whom he came in con- tact. Modest, unassumlng devoted. energetic. he was the ideal priest.
 Words are inadequate to express the esteem and love that all had for him and he for them. His loss is ire para ble. He has gone to his re- ward. so well earned. but his spirit, his personality. his heart will for ever be entwined with those he loved and worked for. The city of New Britain has lost a good citizen ever devoted 10 the welfare Of his adopted country and community: St Peters church has lost his guiding hand; his flock has lost it's kindly. loving shepherd. May his soul rest ln peace
 St Peters society will hold a meeting at 7;30 o'clock tonight a' which time action on the death 0. Father Coppens will be taken. This meeting will be held at the parish house.
 St. Jean's society will hold a meeting at the same time at the so- Cietv hall on Church street and tc- tion on the death will be taken.