Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

DEATH OF FATHER J. PLORMEL.

The death of the Very Rev. Father Julien Plormel, at the mater Misericordie Hospital, Rockhampton, shortly before two o'clock yesterday afternoon, cast a gloom over the Roman Catholic community, and the sorrow felt by members of the church for a priest who was revered throughout the diocese of Rockhampton, in which he ministered for many years, was, without doubt, shared by every parish, particularly in those in which he had discharged his priestly duties, as well as by many who did not hold the same religious views. To many personal friends and others it was well known that Father Plormel had not for the last twelve months enjoyed the best of health, and especially for the last two months. Towards the end of January he came to Rockhampton for medical treatment, entering the Mater Hospital, but early in February he left the institution for Emu Park, where he spent a short holiday, and then returned to Rockhampton, staying a week or so at the Bishop's house. Father Plormel was, however, obliged to again enter the Hospital. He was in a precarious condition a few days before his death. He became unconscious at about four o'clock on Monday afternoon, and though his death was expected almost at any time, he lingered for nearly twenty-four hours.

Father Plormel was born at Saint Jeanla Poterie, Brittany, France, in April 1864. He began his elementary education under the tuition of Des Freres des Ecoles Cretiennes, Redon. In 1872 he entered the Petit Seminaire of Sainte Arms d'Auray, where he studied humanities. In 1881, when seventeen, years of age, he entered the Grand Seminaire of Vannes, where he remained for twelve months. On the 6th of October, 1882, he left France for Australia. He landed at Rockhampton on the 2nd of December in the same year. After spending two months with his uncle, the Rev. Father P. M. Bucas, at Charters Towers, he left for South Australia, where he concluded his theological studies under the Jesuit Fathers at Seven Hills. On the 17th of March, 1886, he returned to Rockhampton and went on to Charters Towers, where he spent some months. Not having then attained canonical age, his ordination was postponed until February, 1887. As a priest he had been stationed in several parts of the diocese of Rockhampton, notably at Rockhampton, Barcaldine, Winton, Mackay, and Clermont. He was a member of the Diocesan Council and of the Trust Corporation of the diocese.

After the war broke out in 1914 Father Plormel, who had an intense love for his native land, was anxious to take up permanent work as a chaplain with the Australian Expeditionary Forces in France, and, as a chaplain attached to the Australian forces, for which he had the highest admiration, he served about three years, returning after the cessation of hostilities. Throughout the whole of his service as a military chaplain his health was good despite the strenuous nature of his work.

The deceased priest was exceptionally broadminded and charitable and most humorous and entertaining. He was beloved by his own people and respected by everybody. On several occasions very tangible evidence has been given of his popularity by all classes and creeds.​