Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

THE Archdiocese has suffered a heavy loss by the death on Sunday morning, January 18, of the Rev. Michael Ignatius O'Brien, who was associated with the parish of Armadale since its erection in 1922. He had been in ailing health for several months, and his death came suddenly. He was aged 55. A native of Albury (N.S.W.), Fr.O'Brien came with his parents later to Geelong, where he was educated at St. Mary's School and the Central College, Skene-street, Newtown. He had a distinguished college course. His theological studies took place at St. Patrick's College, Manly, where he was ordained, to the priesthood in 1909 by the late Cardinal Moran. He served as an assistant priest at Daylesford, the Church of St. Francis, St. Patricks Cathedral, Yarraville, East St Kilda and Geelong, and in all these places he displayed priestly zeal and a devoted interest in all parish requirements. When the parish of Armadale was formed in 1922 he was appointed to the pastorate, and he held this position up to the time of his death. The parish made great head way under his inspiring leadership, and the beautiful Church of Our Lady of Lourdes at Armadale was erected under his personal direction. By his parishioners he was held in affectionate regard, and throughout the parish there is deep sorrow at his death.
FRUITFUL SERVICE
Fr O'Brien gave most devoted and fruitful service to the Archdiocese during his 32 years of priesthood. During the Great War he was a chaplain with the AIF in England and Europe, and he was highly popular with officers and men. He was also an invaluable helper in connection with the Catholic Broadcast Hour,which is now a most illuminating feature of radio life. A few years ago Fr O'Brien revisited Europe, and he celebrated his sacerdotal silver jubilee on November 30, 1934. His Grace the Archbishop and 120 regular and diocesan priests were present at the Solemn Office and Requiem Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Armadale, on Tuesday morning. In the large congregation were members of religious teaching Orders, Children of Mary, pupils of the parish schools,representatives of the Catholic War Veterans' Association and parish sodalities, and a number of residents of Geelong, where Fr. O'Brien s relatives are held in high regard. The chief mourners were the brothers and sisters of Fr. O'Brien.

REV. M. I. O'BRIEN

After a long illness Rev M I O'Brien, parish priest at Armadale and former chaplain of the AIF died yesterday; He was 55. Born at Albury, he lived later at Geelong where he received his early education. He completed his theological studies al St Patrick's College, Manly, where he was ordained into the priesthood hi 1909. He served as assistant priest at Daylesford, the Church of St Francis Lonsdale st, St Patrick's Cathedral Yarraville East St Kilda and Geelong. Solemn office and requiem Mass win be celebrated at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Armadale at 10 30 am tomorrow. The funeral arrangements for which are in the hands of A Allison will take place at Geelong on Wednesday, after Mass at 10 30 am at St Mary's Church Geelong.