Clergy

Father Richard Placid Rea:

FUNERAL OF FATHER REA.

Impressive Ceremony at St. Marys.

INTERNMENT AT COVENTRY CEMETERY.

What is believed to be the first burial of Benedictine priest Coventry since the Reformation took place to-day when the remains of the Rev. Dom Richard Placid Rea, O. S. B., rector of St. Mary's R.C. Church, were laid rest at the Coventry Cemetery. The deceased priest during his years of study and the thirty-seven years' service in the City of Coventry had gained the greatest respect from all sections of the community and his popularity was reflected in the large attendance of friends, members of the congregation, and non-Catholics this morning which resulted in the church - which stands as an enduring monument to the work of Father Placid Rea - being filled long before the commencement of the service. At ten o'clock the office of the Dead was recited by some of deceased's brethren, and at eleven o'clock the procession entered the church for a solemn Mass de Requiem. The Abbot of Downside (the Right Rev. E. C. Butler) was the celebrant, assisted by Fathers Caffrey and Beech. The Deacon of Mass was the Rev. L. S. Emery, priest-in-charge of the Mission at Foleshill, whilst the sub-deacon was the Rev. J. H. Bamford, of Leamington. The deceased's Benedictine brethren were in the Sanctuary and secular clergy were to seated each side of the coffin, which was placed at the front of the church. The head of the dead priest was towards the high altar, which with the pulpit was draped in black, and candles were burning around the body. Amongst the clergy present were the following Benedictine Fathers: Fathers Bernard and companion, Erdington Abbey; P. W. Fossato, Stratford-on- Avon; S. B. Finch, Whitehaven; T. W. Pearson, Liverpool; H. M. Caffrey, St. Osburg's; A. Desimpel, St. Osburg's; Paul McCabe Wootton Wawen. Franciscan Fathers: F. Leo and F. Gregory, Olton. Members of the Institute Charity, Rugby: The Very Rev. A. Emery and Father F. Potter. Clergy from the district: Canon Wm. Barry, Leamington; Fathers B. B. Grafton, Baddesley Clinton; P. Holden, Colwich; A. Hoffler, Southam; W. J. Murphy, Warwick; W. Hand, Princethorpe; W. Dobell, Avon Dassett; L. Emery, Foleshill; H. W. Mackey, Downside; and A. J. Beech, Coventry. Father Eugene Truyens, chaplain to the Belgian refugees at Whitley Abbey, was among the congregation. During the service the singing was particularly noticeable. The music was all Plain Song dating from the tenth century, and was sung in Coventry for the first time in its entirely for probably over three hundred years. The choir were assisted by Father Mackey and other clergy and two cantors, monks from the Erdington Monastery. After the offering of Mass for the soul of the Departed, the Absolutions were given by the Abbot, the choir singing the "Libera." The Abbot proceeded to sprinkle the remains with holy water, and receiving the censer incensed the body. The coffin was then borne by eight bearers who were members of Father Rea's congregation : Messrs. F. Underwood, A. J. Tew, C. Hewitt, E. V. Newbold E. Griffin, M. Burke, T. J. Jackson, and D. Douthwaite. The sisters from the various local convents attended and were in waiting at the entrance to church. The procession was formed and proceeded to the Cemetery by way of Lower Ford Street, Vecqueray Street, and Gulson Road. The Thurifer, cross-bearer, and acolytes headed the procession and were followed the women's and men's guilds of St. Agnes, St. Monica, and the St. Vincent de Paul Brotherhood. Then came the regular and secular clergy, followed the Abbot and assistants in carriages. After the coffin, which was of unpolished Warwickshire oak, surmounted by a brass crucifix and bearing the inscription: "The Rev. Dom Richard Placid Rea. Born July 20, 1851. Died January 10, 1915. R.1.P.," came some relatives and the bulk of the congregation of St. Mary's, and as the deceased rector had for ten years worked at St. many old friends from that district attended. Amongst those present were Mrs. Woollcombe- Adams, Dr. A. St. Lawrence Burke, Messrs. C. C. Charsley, J. A. Rudd, R. J. Halpin, H. Hopkins, J. Hands, W. Gunter, F. W. Humberstone, B. J. Green, T Smallwood, E. Griffin, A. W. Trotman (leader of the choir), and C. Leeson (organist). The interment took place in the middle walk of the old cemetery, the grave being situated close to the grave of Lady Gwendoline Petre. After prayers the priest sprinkled with holy water and incensed the grave, and during the singing of the Canticle, "Blessed the Lord God of Israel," the body was slowly and reverently lowered into the grave. The funeral arrangements were carried out Messrs. Maton and Sons.

Father McCabe's Address.

An impressive address was delivered at the Church by Father Paul McCabe-a life-long friend of Father Rea-whose voice was frequently shaken by emotion as he alluded to the virtues and works the deceased Rector. The preacher spoke from the words "Every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he who humbleth himself shall be exalted. All who know of the virtue humility exceedingly admire it," he said. "But very few practise it". The world does not understand it. The world does not know humility. In walking through a beautiful city one is entranced by the lofty and graceful buildings. The architectural structure of some, the chaste lines of others, and the firm strength of still others, must win our admiration. Who gives a thought to their foundation, hidden from view, upon which they must all stand if they are of any real worth? Or, in the country, when one looked, for instance, at the gnarled oak tree throwing out its massive branches and defying the storm or offering shelter with majestic splendour, from the rain or the sun of the heavens. Who pauses consider that the source of all this strength and beauty lies deep down in the soil below? We do not say that everything of beauty rests on deep and solid foundations. Alas, it not so. But know that everything of firm and lasting good well and deeply founded. The world is apt to judge by what meets the eye only; it cares little for aught else. No man with the virtue of humility is at all understood. A truly humble man is rashly and wrongly judged. The virtues that spring from his humility are unrecognised. His meekness, his slowliness of spirit, his seeking of the last place - these are put down to want of spirit, idleness, and a general love of ease. His geniality, his affability, his general character are dissociated from any idea of humility. "I would say that humility and charity - its natural growth - were the promptings of Father Placid Rae's life. But who better than you, his spiritual children, know this? Father Placid was born in the city of Liverpool, the cradle of so many priests, on July 20, 1851. At an early age he proceeded to our famous Abbey at Downside. His gentle and unobtrusive spirit won for him favour with his companions, and through in sport and in study he excelled he created no unhealthy rivalry. He matriculated honours in the London University, and, hearkening inward call he entered Belmont. He there developed and strengthened the virtues of his younger days, and was a bright example to all by his humility and charity. Then he returned to Downside as monk and professor. The seedlings planted in him in his early Downside days broke into flower, and secured him the respect and love of the students and his brethren. After some years of strenuous and successful labour he was sent on missionary work - the complement of the monastic work of the English Benedictine Monk. In the year 1879, Coventry - so dear to us Benedictines - claimed him and held on to him; and only to-day does Coventry part with him.