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: Wednesday April 12th 2017

Canon Michael McDonald.

OBITUARY
Noted Mayo Priest
The death occurred at the Parochial House, Newport, Mayo, of Very Rev. Michael Canon McDonald, P.P., V.F., after a prolonged illness.
Born at Roundfort, Hollymount, in 1866, he was educated at St. Jarlath's College. Tuam. and Maynooth. He was ordained in 1893 and his first mission was the Aran Islands. He afterwards served at Belclare, Tuam, and Irishtown, Dunmore, as well as Claremorris. He was transferred from there to Westport close on 40 years ago. While Administrator there he was mainly responsible for the revival of the Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage and the erection of the church on the summit.
In August, 1910, he was appointed P.P. of Newport, where he erected the beautiful parish church. He attended the Eucharistic Congress in Chicago in 1926.

Irish Independent 1905-current, Saturday, May 04, 1940; Page: 8

FUNERAL OF VERY REV CANON MCDONALD.
Most Rev. Dr. Walsh, Archbishop of Tuam, presided, and there were over 100 priests present, at the Solemn Requiem Mass celebrated in Newport Church for the late Very Rev. Canon MacDonald, P.P., V.F.
The spacious church, was packed, people coming from all over the archdiocese, particularly from Westport, where deceased had spent 10 years as Administrator, to be present at the last tribute to an esteemed figure. Business was suspended in the town during the Requiem and funeral.
The celebrant of the Mass was Rev. M. McDonnell, C.C., Louisburgh; deacon, Rev. J. Walsh, C.C., Newport; subdeacon, Rev. V. Barnicle, A.M., and master of ceremonies, Rev. E. O'Malley, C.C., Mulranny. Very Rev. M. J. Canon MacHugh. P.P., V.F., Claremorris, was assistant at the throne. The chanters were: Rev. M. Malone, C.C., Claremorris; Rev. T. Gibbons, St. Jarlath's College, Tuam; and Rev. A. Colgan, C.C.

ARCHBISHOP'S TRIBUTE.
Speaking after the Mass his Grace the Archbishop said:
The death of Canon MacDonald means for me the loss of a dear friend. He was my Parish Priest here, and for many years I enjoyed his friendship. I feel his death very much and it is with very deep regret I have to ask your prayers this morning, and to express on your behalf and for myself our deep sympathy with the relatives of the Canon.
Ordained in 1893 he ministered for a short time in different parishes. Appointed to Westport in 1900, he remained there as Adm., until 1910 and gave proof of the organising ability, the cultured taste and the love of God's house which distinguished his whole career as a Priest. He it was who in conjunction with the late Archbishop, Dr. Healy, revived the pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick; he got the Oratory built on the summit and made it possible for pilgrims to assist at Mass in the one spot where we can say with certainty St. Patrick stood. As you know, the Saint spent the Lent of 440 on the Reek, and sent his nephew to Rome to greet the new Pope Leo I. and to receive confirmation of his Irish Mission. In 1910 Canon McDonald left Westport to take charge of this important parish: ever since he has been here amongst you an able administrator, a kindly friend, a model of priestly virtue. This splendid Church built under his supervision is the outstanding monument to his zeal and good taste. It is one of the best examples we have of Hiberno-Romanesque architecture and has won the unstinted praise not merely of the ordinary visitor but of many architects who have come to study its novel features.
But the Canon's influence extends beyond the confines of this parish. He was a valued member of the Cathedral Chapter and possessed the confidence and respect both of our late Archbishop and of his predecessor, Dr. Healy. As a member of the Diocesan Building Committee he rendered signal service to the Diocese. If you have lost an excellent P.P. the Diocese must deplore the passing of one whose loyalty and devotion to duty were a source of edification and an inspiration to all.
Those who knew the Canon intimately will, have special reason for mourning. He was a very sincere friend, cultured and hospitable, and he went to every length to help anyone in distress. His literary taste was very choice and sound, as one can see from the hymns he has written. Though never a strong man he always worked hard: and all his labours were directed to the glory of the Master. He was a man of deep piety, a member of the Apostolic Union of Priests from the day of his Ordination. It was his deep sense of religion that enabled him to bear his long illness with such marvellous resignation.
Now that he has gone from amongst us, I feel certain, my dear people, that you will not forget him. No matter how religious or how saintly a man is, he needs our prayers when he appears before the judgement seat. Christ Himself has said, " I will search Jerusalem with lamps."
Many people too easily forget the obligations and difficulties that face every Priest. If God bestows special graces on any one, he expects a corresponding return: you remember the man in the Gospel who was condemned, because he buried the talents he had received instead of making use of them. Now as God bestows on every Priest the most sublime privilege it is possible for a man to receive, at the judgment He will exact a very severe account. I would remind you then, my dear brethren, it is very proper and charitable to offer your prayers for the Priests who labour amongst you. Pray that God may give them grace to reach the highest ideals of Priestly sanctity, and do not forget them in death.
I will not plead with you for the good Canon who is gone, because I know you valued his worth and you will not forget him. In the days and years to come when you visit this Church, which is his monument, you will utter a fervent prayer for the excellent Pastor who was a shining light and a tower of strength here for 31 years. When all the members of the family gather home every night, keep up the family Rosary: recite it with the knowledge that you are keeping alive one of the very best of our Irish customs and that at the same time you are carrying out one of the late Canon's special wishes. In this way his death will be a perpetual sermon which will help to keep your thoughts fixed on the eternal home until God calls you to Himself. I pray that then our present sorrow will be turned into joy and that every one of us will then take our places with him on the right hand of God.
The interment took place in the Church grounds. Most Rev. Dr. Walsh officiated at the graveside.
The chief mourners were:Mrs. Joyce (sister); Mrs. Sheehan, Miss Kathleen Joyce, Miss G. Joyce, Mr. Francis Joyce and Mrs. Joyce, Mr. Michael Joyce and Mrs. Joyce, Mr. Walter Joyce and Mr. Patrick J. Joyce, of Castlelucas, Ballyglass; Messrs. James, Michael, Robert, Gerard and Augustine McDonnell, Castlebar; Messrs. Patrick, Michael, James and Misses Kathleen and Rita McDonnell, Roundfort (nephews and nieces); Mr. Myles and Mrs. McDonnell, Mr. Peter and Mrs. McDonnell, Mr. Ulick and Mrs. McDonnell, Dr. and Mrs. Sheehan, Dr. and Mrs. Lee, Messrs. Bernard and Patrick Lee, Mr. James and Mrs. Lee, Mr. Thomas and Mrs. O'Flaherty, Dr. and Mrs. Casey (cousins.)

Tuam Herald 1837-current, Saturday, May 11, 1940; Page: 2