Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Rev. William O'Dwyer, who died at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Newcastle, N.S.W., on Monday, March 10. He had been 51 years in the priesthood and for 20 years had been parish priest at St. Brendan's, Flemington. His body was brought to Melbourne for burial. In St. Brendan's on Wednesday night, the men of St. Vincent de Paul Society recited the Rosary for Father O'Dwyer, and the men of the Holy Name Society maintained an all-night vigil in the church before the coffin.

Robust in mind and body, Fr. O'Dwyer gave of his best at West Melbourne and elsewhere. He was full of zeal and energy and was beloved by the people, to whose interests he was wholly devoted. He had no thought of himself, but for those committed to his charge. His gift of common sense made him understand human nature and the foibles, failings and eccentricities of priests and people. A very humble man he had a great esteem for authority, although he knew how to assert his own authority. His common sense was a helpful factor in his life. Sham, insincerity and ostentation never made any impression upon him, and these things he could scarcely tolerate. It was his sterling and upright qualities and his desire for straight dealings that gave him a great influence with men especially. He was always ready to do the right thing, no matter whether he pleased or displeased people. Today, Fr. O'Dwyer is gratefully remembered in West Melbourne, Kilmore and Gordon, and every where he went he was loved and respected. The men, young and old, with whom he had such influence will hold him in very grateful remembrance. May the Master whom he served so well have mercy upon his soul and upon the sou Is of all the faithful departed.