Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

DEATH of FATHER GRIFFIN

News of the untimely death of Rev. Father C. J. Griffin, of Brewarinna, cast a deep shadow of sorrow over the whole of the West and particulariy over the towns and district of Brewarrina and Carinda, which have been the scene of Father Griffin's ministry during the past six years (says the Brewarrina 'Times '). The late pastor was very popular with all classes and creeds. Born at Balranald, he was possessed of those characteristics which constitute a good Australian, and the ideal type of Bush Priest, whose religion is not circumscribed by mere doctrinal inhibitions, but is something attractive to all men of whatever creed, an all-embracing Christian charity and good fellowship. Since returning from the war, Father Griffin has been afflicted with a duodenal ulcer, this painful affliction affected the heart to such an extent as to cause his untimely death. His brother died early this year from the effects of a similar complaint and on Thursday last a sister, Mrs A. E. Eberhard, of Penshurst Street, Willoughby, passed over the Great Divide.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the surviving member of the family. She is Sister Mary Evangelist of the Broken Hill Community, and now of Mt. Baker, South Australia. On Wednesday morning last at St. Patrick's Church, Brewarrina, a solemn Office was recited and Requiem Mass said for the repose of the soul of the late beloved padre. The church was crowded, the congregation including visitors from Carinda and Angledool. In the church, the scene was one of dignified and impressive solemnity. In the sanctuary was placed the raised catafalque, surmounted by chalice, stole, and biretia, symbolic of the high calling of the departed son of the church; and surrounded by tall flickering candles which gave reflection in tiny crosses of light in the burnished gold of the chalice. The muffed tolling of the church bell was wafted gently overall, adding the last sombre note to a scene profoundly stirring, yet unfathomably consoling. Solemn Office was followed by High Mass, the celebrants being Very Rev Dean J. J. Hughes, V.F. (Cobar)assisted by Very Rev Monsignor .J.Moran, V.G., (Nyngan) and Rev Father B. Timmins (Brewarrina), Deacon and Sub-Deacon, respectively, and Rev. Father G. O'Connor(Bourke) Master of Ceremonies.

Father Griflin was the first Australian priest lo be ordained for the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese. His ordination took place in December1898, his first mission being as assistant priest at Nyngan. From there he went to Cobar, and later to Broken Hill. Ten years he spent in the Lismore Diocese, returning to Wilcannia-Forbes after the consecration of the present Bishop, the Right Rev.Dr. Heydon. When the war broke out he volunteered for service as a Chaplain, and was subsequently sent overseas with the A.L.H. in Palestine. It was there that he contracted the illness which was to cause his death. Since returning from the war, his health gradually declined and his illness necessitated frequent absence from the parish. Requiem Mass at Narromine. A solemn Requiem Mass and Office will be celebrated in the Catholic Church, Narromine at 10.30 on Wednesday, November 14 for the repose of the soul of Father Griffin. Bishop Heydon and about twenty priests will be present.

Narromine News and Trangie Advocate Wednesday 07 November 1928 page 10