The theme of Macartan's life
could be journey and travel.
From the time of his birth in
Belfast on 22nd February 1922
until his death in Mount Argus on
17th September 2003 he seemed to be on the move. His
Baptismal certificate registers his name as Alphonsus
Patrick though he was known to his family always as
Augustine (Gussie).

While still a child Macartan and his family moved from
Belfast to Castlereagh in Co. Roscommon. His father was
a member of the mounted Royal Irish Constabulary.
At the age of 14 years he returned to the North, to
Wheatfield as a postulant for 3 years. He made his
novitiate in The Graan in the year 1939-1940 when he
made his profession as a Passionist. This was followed
by 6 years study in Mount Argus. He was ordained
on 21st December 1946.

His first appointment was as Director of Postulants in
Wheatfield from 1947 till 1950 when he was made Director
of Students in Collooney for another 3 years. A further 3
years as Rector of Drum Mohr in Scotland followed. From
1957 until 1972 he was very active in the mission and
retreats apostolates. These brought him as far afield as
Australia, 1957 - 1962, Collooney 1962-63 and New Zealand
1963-66.On his way to New Zealand he took the
opportunity to visit and give missions at the United States
Air Force Bases in Italy, Turkey, Greece and the Isle of
Crete.

He returned to Ireland in 1966 and resumed his missions in
Ardoyne for 2 years. Then once again he was travelling,
this time to Johannesburg, South Africa where he gave
missions from 1968-1972. He was appointed chaplain to the
Johannesburg General Hospital and continued this worthy
work for nine years. He was to remain a hospital chaplain
for many more years serving in both England and Ireland,
first in the Central Middlesex Hospital in London and then
in the Orthopaedic Hospital, Clontarf, Dublin, and
Peamount Hospital, Newcastle, Dublin.

In the last years of his life he ministered for a time in the
United States. Finally he returned home and served as a
curate in the Pro-Cathedral Dublin and Holy Rosary
Church, Harold's Cross, neighbouring Mount Argus. Only
ill health, at the age of 80 forced him to step down and
accept retirement. Like his brother Fr Clarence (Joe), who
had a very different personality, he was zealous for the
service of the Lord and was impatient with too much time
on his hands. During his final illness he made heroic
efforts to attend community prayers and Mass. At
community meetings he was always forthright and
challenging, always supporting orthodoxy and tradition.
He claimed to be very happy in Mount Argus and was sad
at any foreboding discussion of its future.

In Africa - Bishop Boyle, Fr. Vivian C.P., Archbishop
Fitzgerald, Fr. Macartan C.P. and Fr. Valentine C.P. -
Gaborone in the late 1960s.

His funeral was attended by both Religious and Diocesan
priests and members of his family, his sister Maureen Daly,
sister-in-law, Maureen and nephews and nieces. He was
interred with his brother Fr Clarence C.P. in the
community cemetery. R.I.P