The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-20
FATHER BRENNAN

| COnSiQerate ana kindly, unfa1l1nH.
ly courteous, and above all, unas-
Stunning, - these, In the opinion OF
one who was privileged to enjoy his
close friendship, were the outstand-
ing traits In the personality that
won for Father Brennan the host
of friends who today mourn his
passing. His cultured mind and re-
fined tastes made his companion
ship a delight to those fortunate
enough to know him intimately.
Father Brennan, In any circum-
stance, and on any occasion, knew
always the correct procedure. He
had an unusual sense of the fitness
OF things, and no affair, whether a
religious function in his church, or
an intellectual or civic activity In
the community he loved, ever fell
very far short of perfection, were
Father Brennan charged with its
execution.
His work as navy chaplain gave
him a worldwide experience; he
met, on terms of friendliness, kings,
princes, the high of station in many
lands, but no one ever heard him
boast Of these unusual contacts,
which would have fiattered a small
er man. When pressed to tell of his
experiences In foreign lands, he
would invariably dwell upon the
great privilege of having had a pri-
vate audience with the Holy Father,
an event which the true priest ir
him reckoned the browning honor
that came to him in his navy career
AS a civic leader, he could have
had high place on any executive
board in the city, open to a clergy
man, but his native modesty, the
charming point in his character,
made him content to find his great
est satisfaction In the service of his
own flock, and in the love Of his
children at Saint Margaret's.
AS pastor Of Saint Margaret'a
church for twenty-four years, he
saw class after class Of children pass
through his school, and every child
OF every class knew him to be q
friend who would not fail, be 1t in
the trivial difficulties Of their school
days, which they took to him, con-
fdent Of understanding and sympa-
thy, or In the real trials OF their
later years, wherein they found him
a gentle guide and q wise COUNSEL
lor
The poor Of his parish could tell
many a story OF rent paid, and food
furnished in times of stress with
never an indication from Father
Brennan that he was the source OF
the relief. Truly was his charity Of
the type praised by the Master Who
seeth In secret. When the depres-
sion hit his parish, and the people
could no longer contribute as form
erly TO the church, Father Brennan
could not press them for money. He
himself suffered days and nights oil
financial worry and extreme anxiety
which impaired his health but die
not alter In any degree his attitude
OF tolerance toward his parishioner,
on the point OF financial support
Some censured this stand as over.
indulgent, and condemned him al
mo financier', but Father Brennan
knew not any other way Of dealing
with the people so dear TO him
Gratitude on this point should b.
no small part OF their remembrance
OF him.
Father Brennan has passed 10 hi
reward. HIS memory will live lonl
In the hearts Of thousands whit
knew him to be devoted priest
consecrated TO the things Of heaven
but blessed with Q heart tenderl,
understanding Of the frailities o
mortal existence. and sharing alik'
the tovs and snrrows OF thnse Wit