Passionist Missionary Dies at 90

 

Rev Fr Eugene Nevin, CP who has died at the age of 90 at St Paul’s Retreat, Mount Argus, Dublin, was the oldest member of the Passionist Order in these islands and one of the oldest priests in Ireland.

Born in Ballinakill, Co Galway, in 1868, Fr Eugene was professed in 1890 and ordained in Rome in September 1895.  As a missioner he worked not only in Ireland but in many parts of Britain.

In 1909 he was appointed Rector of the newly established foundation at the Graan, Enniskillen.  Later he became Rector of Holy Cross Retreat, Ardoyne, Belfast.  In 1927, at the division of the Anglo-Hibernian Province of the Passionists, he chose to reside in Ireland.

Friend of Pearses

Fr Eugene had an intimate knowledge of the events and personalities of the Easter Week Rising of 1916, to which he gave his strong moral support.  He counted the brothers Pearse, Padraig and Willie, among his friends.  Recently he engaged in lengthy correspondence with the President concerning matters of deep historical interest of which Fr Eugene had personal knowledge.

Among Irish Passionists, Fr Eugene was the last link with Rev Fr Charles of Mount Argus, whom he remembered vividly.  Soon after the official introduction of the cause for beatification of Fr Charles, he was one of the many witnesses called to give testimony with regard to the life and virtues of the Servant of God.

Fr Eugene is survived by a sister, Sister Osmund, CP, Belfast.