Second Bishop of Bathurst.

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Australian Dictionary of Biography entry:https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/byrne-joseph-patrick-3134

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Bathurst, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 10 November 1866, p 706, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115451513:

(From our own Correspondent.) His Lordship Dr. Quinn left here on Saturday morning for the metropolis, on urgent business. Before his departure, however, he made the following appointments:—Father O'Connell, senior priest at the Cathedral; assisted by the Rev. J.P. Byrne; [...] The rev. gentlemen above mentioned will leave during the week for their respective destinations. [...]

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"Death of the Right Rev. Dr. Byrne", Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 19 January 1901, p 18, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article111085268:

Death of the Right Rev. Dr. Byrne
History of His Life and Spiritual Administration.
The Funeral Obsequies.

In last week's issue we chronicled the presentation to his Lordship the Right Rev Dr. Byrne, by his beloved people of the Bathurst Diocese, under sad fears and circumstances. Since then these sad fears have been realized. The revered Bishop, whose life was "A life crown'd with bliss complete Ever prepared to meet" the mandate of heaven — "Faithful servant arise" has been taken to his eternal home. The beloved and venerated Bishop passed peacefully away shortly after midnight on Saturday, January 12th. His last hours were exquisitely calm and peaceful. The pulsations of the meek, brave, noble heart were stilled without one ping of pain as though he were only in a placid sleep. In his last moments he was surrounded by his loving priests, the Very Rev. J. Dunne, V.G., the Rev. Fathers J. O'Dowd, J. Byrne, J. Kelly, D. O'Kennedy, E.J. Flanagan, S.H. McGee, two of the Sisters of Mercy, and the household staff. Very early on Saturday morning the bells of SS. Michael and John's tolled the death knell; that dreadful knell which announced to the faithful of Bathurst that the gentle spirit of their dear Bishop was gone from them for evermore. His mission on earth faithfully fulfilled, he quitted this land of exile for ever. All his devoted flock feel that an unseen hand has snatched from them all that they held dear. Never was one more universally beloved and esteemed than the departed father and pastor.

“No minstrel strain it needs to tell of all the varied worth;
No eulogy can fitly paint the form that's passed from earth.”

His premature death has cast a deep gloom over the city, and its effects are felt by all classes and creeds. It will be many a day ere the gloom passes away from his own faithful flock. His whole life was one long thought for his people— the poor and suffering. By his gentle dignity he had endeared himself to all who ever met him. As a father, guide, and pastor he was idolized by his people; as a citizen he was profoundly respected—nay, even loved. Throughout his long illness, he had been tended by loving hands, the Rev. S. McGee being constantly with him. Nothing to ease and cheer him was left undone, and during the last days the Sisters of Mercy ministered to his wants. On Sunday night Dr. Murray made reference to the saintly life of the late Bishop. He said that he was intended for the priesthood from a very early age, and had been carefully brought up and trained in his childhood by a pious, good mother, whom he knew very well.

The Last Moments of Dr. Byrne.

On Monday Iast Dr. Byrne was annointed, according to the beautiful rite of ceremonial laid down by the Roman ritual for a Bishop receiving the Last Sacraments, with all the detail appertaining. The Bishop being in a reclining position, vested in his robes and rochet and stole, and surrounded by as many priests as were available. The Bishop was annointed by Dr. Murray, of Maitland. Monday was a trying day, but afterwards his Lordship rallied and brightened up considerably and seemed better. On Friday, however, the weather being hot and oppressive, he took a serious turn, and at 5 o'clock in the afternoon received the last blessing from Dr. Murray and clergy who began the prayer for the agonizing. He again rallied at about six o'clock, but a few minutes after half-past twelve he passed away without the least struggle into a
“death-like sleep,
A gentle wafting to Eternal life.”

Nothing in his life became him like his leaving it; he died as one who had been studied in his death: “To throw away the dearest thing he owned as 'twere a careless trifle”. All through his illness his mind was wonderfully clear and active, and he was always able to transact the most weighty concerns of the diocese. Even up to the last his nobility and unselfishness asserted itself. Whilst dying he was engaged on the Diocesan report to the Propaganda, so as to save his successor the trouble. We are happy to say that his Lordship did not suffer any pain during his illness, except occasional passing spasms of short duration just a couple of hours before his death. The noble hero was laid out in his pontifical robes, according to the ceremonial of the usual obsequies. On Saturday the Sisters of Mercy draped the cathedral in mourning. It being still the festive season, the altars were not draped until after Mass on Sunday. The Bathurst people knew and loved their Bishop as the people in no other part of his vast diocese did.

His Lordship's Last Wish

that he might die and sleep his last, long sleep in the midst of those whom he loved so well, was granted unto him. By his own wish, he will be laid to rest in the cemetery. For the present, his remains will rest in the family vault of the Hon. John Meagher until such time as a Mortuary Chapel, towards the erection of which his Lordship has left a considerable sum of money, is ready to receive the hallowed remains.

His Birth and Education.

Bishop Byrne was born in Dublin, 18th June, 1843, and was first educated at Harcourt-st. School. He was for a time under the control of the late Bishop Quinn. Bishop Byrne subsequently went to the seminary, at Rouen. France, being ordained priest in March, 1865. Bishop Quinn had been Consecrated Bishop of Bathurst the previous year, and Father Byrne volunteered to accompany him to Australia.

Arrival in Australia.

He arrived in Sydney in October, 1866, his companions in travel being the Bishop of Maitland, Dr. Murray, the late Bishop of Bathurst (Dr. Quinn), and several priests who are still in the Bathurst Diocese. Fr Byrne remained in the Bathurst Diocese until 1869. The Bishop of Maitland having intimated that he wanted additional assistance in his diocese, Father Byrne, with the consent of his Bishop, went over to him, remaining there until 1873. During a portion of this time he acted as Vicar-General in the absence of Dr. Murray in Europe. After his return to Bathurst he acted in the same capacity during the absence of the late Bishop Quinn on his first visit to Europe. From that time until the death of Bishop Quinn he continued to act as Administrator in the Bathurst Cathedral. In 1885, he became Administrator of the Diocese and in August of the same year, was Consecrated Bishop of Bathurst by the Right Rev. Dr. Murray. For nearly 16 years he has therefore been administering as Bishop.

His High Ideal of the Sacred Priesthood.

Charitable to all men, courteous and respectful to all classes—to the poorest conspicuously—Dr. Byrne had one dominant feeling, displayed in deeds throughout his career. This was a high ideal of the sacred priesthood and a lavishness of good offices towards his brethren of the clergy, particularly to any who were in difficulties.

His Sympathy for Every Irish Movement.

One thing ought to be mentioned to his Lordship's honour. This was his noble devotedness and practical effort in every movement for the benefit of the Irish people. His pulpit was always free to every Irish priest who came to collect for the construction of a church or the alleviation of distress in Ireland. He gave his adhesion to all movements that made for the freedom and nationhood of Ireland, and to no meeting in favour of his native land did he deny his services.

His Lordship Was Ever at the Service of his People.

He did what no other Bishop in Australia has done for his people. After celebrating Holy Mass week days and Sundays alike, he sat in his confessional awaiting his penitent children. No matter how weary and tired, with his vast duties during the day, at night, in the depth of the piercing chill of winter, or the oppressive heat of summer, he remained in the narrow confines of the confessional, listening to the old, old story of man's weakness and frailty until all hours; when he might have been taking his well-earned rest. His own pleasure and comfort were always subservient to that of his people. He allowed them the benefit of a Mission or Retreat every year. He was

The Best Friend the Poor of Bathurst Ever Had.

No one ever appealed to him in vain. In short, his brief but gloriously well-spent life was one gigantic sacrifice of self, for the spiritual and temporal welfare of his loved people. It must now be edifying and consoling to Dr. Murray and his own dear priests to witness the bitter sorrow of the people. It is natural that the great loss felt by all should relieve itself in tears. But, alas! His own gentle teaching has taught us that tears and sorrow avail those whom God has called to render an account—nothing.

The Sorrow of Priests and People

alike is truly catholic and deeply religious. On Sunday morning the whole parish must have approached the altar rails. The Children of Mary in their blue cloaks, the Guilds and Hibernians in their regalia. Such a dense crowd of communicants is rarely ever seen on one morning. All went to offer Holy Mass and Communion for the eternal welfare of their dear Bishop. At the 11 o'clock Mass the choir sang without the organ.

Solemn Ceremonies at the Cathedral.

The Very Rev J. Dunne, V.G., afterwards ascended the pulpit, and instead of the usual sermon, in a voice tremulous with emotion, recited the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. The organist then struck the mournful chords of the Dead March in Saul, and many of the people burst into tears afresh. On Sunday afternoon the first of the last sad solemn scenes was enacted—the scene most calculated as yet to help to bring home fully to all the grave, irreparable loss they had sustained. Realization of a deep grief is hard. A sensitive, emotional people can bear a great deal when there is some conception of the sorrow beforehand. During the past week most fervent prayers were said for him who was in the shadow of death. At 3 p m. the Bishop's mortal remains were removed from the presbytery to the cathedral. The sorrowful procession was led by Rev. S. McGee, followed by the acolytes, the clergy, the Right Rev Dr. Murray, the Revs. J. Byrne and J. Dunne, V.G., and Revs. E. Geil, J. O'Dowd, and T. Lawless. And then the beautifully-polished cedar coffin with its massive silver mountings, containing all that was left of the illustrious prelate. The casket was borne by three members each of the Guilds and Hibernians, the remainder of each society and the Children of Mary forming a guard through the church grounds, from the presbytery to the cathedral doors. To witness the sorrowful scene

The Cathedral

was packed to its limits by a concourse of people of all creeds. The emotion experienced by all was deep and unutterable, many bursting into tears. With religious awe the sad procession passed slowly down the principal aisle. The only sound to be heard was the blended voices of the clergy in a sublime requiem of supplication to Heaven for their deeply-loved Father and guide. The coffin was reverently placed upon the catafalque, which was erected immediately in front of the High Marble Altar, outside the communion rails. It was covered with a black velvet pall. At the head was hung a beautiful silver crucifix, and his coat of arms adorned the foot. On the coffin his mitre and crozier were placed. On either side, six tall wax candles were kept constantly burning, whilst the precious remains reposed in presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

His Lordship Dr. Murray then ascended the pulpit, and once more the Glorious Mysteries were wafted to heaven for his welfare. Thus, this affecting one in the last solemn scenes was appropriately closed by the public recital of that devotion so faithfully practised and ardently taught by the departed Bishop. The Guilds, sodalities, and associations all arranged so that during the time the corpse should lay in state at no time should it be left alone. Independent of the continual prayers of the clergy and the good Sisters of Mercy, the laity was always represented by some members of the different societies. Thus they exemplified their faith in prayer, and made an eloquent beginning in the only form of gratitude which will now avail him anything. A consoling thought is that this is the highest, most noble, and acceptable gratitude they can offer for him who laboured so long and unceasingly for their spiritual and temporal well being.

“Voice! Voice!
Thrilling voice,
Whilst we are weeping,
Silence thou'rt keeping
In Death's icy gloom.
Thou in whose tow'ring mind
Noblest thought lay enshrin'd,
Art now cold and lifeless, afar in the tomb!
Like some wild, baseless dream
Doth the dread fiat seem,
Which over our senses hath cast a dark void.
Why hath the spoiler sought
One with such rare gifts fraught
As life seldom offers, or death e’er destroyed?”

On Sunday night the vast cathedral was again thronged with mourners. The Rev. S.H. McGee, who was deeply affected, said the Rosary with the people, after which his Lordship Dr. Murray addressed a thrilling sermon, having for his text “Have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me, you at least, my friends, for the hand of the Lord hath touched me.” On Monday morning the Masses were all largely attended. The 7 o’clock Mass was crowded with attendants and communicants, and throughout the day a diligent watch was kept by his flock.

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Fr T.J. Linane, From Abel to Zundolovich, Vol. 2: Biographies of Priests on the Australian Scene up to 1900, 1980, pp 6-7:

Byrne, Joseph Patrick, Most Rev., Irish
Sad Farewell to His Bathurst Flock...
There is a good account of this second Bishop of Bathurst, 1885-1901, in the Australian Dictionary of Biography, Vol. 3, 1851-1880, page 321, contributed by Very Rev. C. Duffy, Archivist, St. Mary's, Sydney. Some references give the place of birth as County Tipperary, but we accept the Duffy version that he was born in Dublin on 18.6.1843, the child of Patrick and Maria. Having studied at St. Laurence O'Toole's Seminary in Dublin, no doubt there was an early link with Matthew Quinn, a teacher there before appointment as first Bishop of Bathurst. Byrne went to Rouen to complete his studies, being ordained in 1865. He offered his services to Quinn, arriving with him on the 'Empress' on 21.10.1866. Monsignor Duffy rightly describes the future Administrator and Vicar General as a "competent and loyal colleague". Bishop Murray of Maitland, was to acknowledge Byrne's competence when he requested Quinn to have his services as Administrator in Maitland from 1868 to 1874. Returning to Bathurst he was given appointments as Administrator at the Cathedral, Vicar General, and President of St. Charles' Seminary which Quinn had established in 1875. At Quinn's death the mantle of episcopacy fell on the shoulders of the "loyal colleague" who, while preferring not to be burdened, set about the task of making the service of priests, religious and laity a little less harsh than it was in the Quinn regime. None the less Byrne continued the plans and principles set by his predecessor. One such principle was to keep the mystic, Julien Tenison-Woods at arms length in dealings with the incipient diocesan Order of the Sisters of St. Joseph. During the Byrne regime debts were cleared and churches built at Gulgong, Coonamble, and elsewhere. The Brigidine Sisters and Patrician Brothers were introduced to the Diocese. More noteworthy was the introduction of the Vincentian Fathers to teach at St. Stanislaus' College in 1888. The latter was to become a valuable adjunct to Catholicity in the Diocese - providing religious vocations and students who were to make their mark in professional life. The sad end of Byrne's life is commented on by Monsignor Duffy: "... his death had a special poignancy. Late in 1900 when devoted priests began to organise a testimonial for him, it became clear that he would not live until the appointed date, so it was changed to 6 January 1901. Knowing that this would be his final meeting with his flock, the bishop took the opportunity to say his farewell in a moving address. He died on 12 January from cancer". Burial took place in the Mortuary Chapel in the Bathurst Cemetery. The age was 57.
(Footprints, Vol. 1, No. 11)
Ref.: As quoted above.