Letter 4-To his uncle.(1)

J. X. P.
Blessed Paul's Retreat,
Harold's Cross, Dublin.
10th February,1959.

Dear Uncle,
From your letter I have learnt of the sudden death of my beloved brother, John Peter, who was so good, kind and loving to our family.(2) His death must have caused you all great sorrow. Yet I am happy to hear from you that he led a most exemplary life, and that the parish priest and the curate agree with you on this. Let us thus console each other and let us realise that it is the will of God, and that he died as one predestined, having been strengthened by the last sacraments.(3) I announced my brother's death in our church here in Dublin and asked the people to pray for him. I told them he was a brother of mine, so the Irish people prayed for the repose of his soul, as did my religious community. I said a Mass for his soul and will say many more for him; I will also pray for him every day while offering Holy Mass. I am glad to hear that my other brothers and sisters are well. Give them my wholehearted good wishes. Best wishes also to my reverend brother, the curate; also to the parish priest and curate of Munstergeleen, and all my family and friends. Thanks be to God, I am in good health and am happy here in Ireland.

Your loving nephew,
Fr. Charles of St. Andrew, Passionist.

Letter 4-Notes

1. Summ., p. 330, L. 9.
2. John Peter died on 24th January, 1859.
3. For'Charles, death is to be understood as part of God's loving plan; he is strengthened in his sorrow by the realisation that death, although unexpected, did not meet his brother unprepared.