Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

DEATH OF FR. McGRATH.
A GREAT LOSS TO THE ARCHDIOCESE.
The announcement of the death of Rev. D.F. McGrath after a serious operation at Nhill (Victoria), came as, a great shock to Catholics generally. It was known that Father McGrath's health had not been good since the terrible time he endured while serving as chaplain with the A.I.F. at Gallipoli, but no one would have believed that his end was so near. It appears that he had been suffering from the malady which caused his death for many years, and no doubt the shell shock and other terrible experiences he went through at Gallipoli accentuated it.
It was hoped, however, that his trip to Ireland about, a year ago would bring about an improvement. Apparently, however, the disease grew worse, and some weeks ago he went to Nhill to consult Dr. Ryan, a leading surgeon to Victoria. As a result he underwent an operation of a dangerous character at Nhill last week, but did not long survive, dying at the early age of forty-eight.
The late Father McGrath was born in Tipperary, Ireland. He was educated at St. Patrick's College, Thurles. After being ordained at the Cathedral at Thurles in June, 1899, he arrived in Adelaide in October of the same year. He had been about eighteen years parish priest of Narracoorte, and before going there ministered at St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral for three years. He also spent ten months as curate in Kadina. Father McGrath, as already stated, served as chaplain in the A.I.F. in the early part of the war, going through the terrible experiences of Gallipoli. He suffered from shell shock, and had to return home invalided, being succeeded by Father Murphy, of Yorketown, who took part in his obsequies at the Cathedral on Monday, and who was wounded at Gallipoli. Father McGrath was an ideal chaplain and was beloved by both officers and men.
THE OBSEQUIES.
The body of the deceased priest arrived by train from Nhill on Saturday. The remains were conveyed, to St. Francis Cathedral, where they were placed within the sanctuary for the Requiem Mass and Office on Monday morning. The affection and respect in which Father McGrath was held was shown not only by the large number who met-the train conveying his remains, but by the crowded congregation on Monday Morning. His"Grace the Archbishop presided and gave the Absolution. The assistants to the throne -were:—Monsignor P.Hurley, V.G., and Monsignor M.Hourigan;, celebrant, Rev. R.. P.Denny; deacon, Rev. J. Murphy; sub: deacon, Rev. D. Sprake; M.C.., Rev. J. A. Gataefneyer.
Before giving the Absolution his Grace briefly addressed the congregation. He asked their prayers for the deceased priest, who, he said, was not an old man. Indeed, he appeared to be young and strong. They all felt the suddenness of his departure. As far as they could judge he had still many years before him in which to give the ripeness and knowledge he had attained for the benefit of, his parishioners. People were apt to forget that it was God who was judge of the value of human life. Time was only one factor in the merits achieved by a man, and God knew best whether he had filled the cup in a short time. It was only a few days ago since Father McGrath went to Nhill to be operated on. It was a mystery how he had lived all those years suffering from a serious malady; and those who had lived with and loved him never heard him complain. His sudden departure was a great shock, but they must trust everything to God, Who knew best. They hoped the deceased Father was now enjoying peace and rest from pain; and that in view of his sufferings his, entry into heaven would not be long delayed. He was sure he would have the prayers of the congregation of the Cathedral, many of whom had known and loved him eighteen years ago, and some of whom had gone before him to welcome him in heaven. He felt sure they would not only offer their prayers for him, but would send their sympathy to his parishioners who had not even the melancholy consolation of gathering together for his obsequies. They would send them their sympathy and join In their prayers for the repose of the soul of Father McGrath. He hoped they would not only pray for him that day, but would continue their prayers. They all hoped his time.in Purgatory would be short, and that if there was anything left of human frailty to atone for God in His Mercy would forgive him on account of his sufferings and patience,and that the many souls he had helped on the rugged paths of life would be there to see his cheery face again.
The funeral procession was then formed outside the Cathedral, the choir singing "The Dead March in"Saul," and proceeded to the Catholic Cemetery, West Terrace, where the remains were interred, the Archbishop reciting the prayers at the grave, and the clergy present, joining in.
No section of the community was more deeply moved than the members of the St. Patrick's Branch (West Terrace) of the Hibernian Society of twenty years ago upon Hearing of his demise. On December 13, 1900 (just twenty-one years ago) Father McGrath, haying been appointed chaplain," was initiated by clearance tram St. Agatha's Branch, Arthurton. During his association with St. Patrick's Branch for three years he worked wisely and well to promote its interests, and that his frank disposition, together with his zeal for their spiritual, interests, endeared him to the members was well proved in the fine attendance at every quarterly Communion in St. Patrick'sChurch. Father McGrath showed his practical interest in the branch by continuing a benefit member to the time of his death. His last letter to the secretary of the, branch, Mr. F.P. Keogh, written a few days before the operation in the Nhill Hospital,indicated his ever buoyant disposition not withstanding the knowledge that an . insidious disease had possessed him. He 'wrote:—'I got ill here(Narracoorte) on November 10. Dr.Pavy ordered me off to hospital, so I .went to" Dr. Ryan, of Nhill, who, after a thorough x-ray examination, discovered a growth in the left kidney.The doctor says I shall be 'hors de combat' till at least Christmas or the New Year. Apart from the said ,trouble, the rest of the body is perfectly sound, and as'an empty house is better than a bad tenant' I hope to be a fitter man." Kindest, regards and best wishes to al the 'members .of 179." At the solemn Requiem Mass and at the
of the branch were in attendance, Messrs. J. C. Healy (past president) and F.; P. Keogh (secretary) .'being among those acting as pallbearers.

Southern Cross Friday 09 December 1921 page 19