Peter Martin, arrived at Fremantle on 11 June 1920 per ship San Rossore from Italy, destination Franciscan Church, Waverley.
NAA: K269, 11 JUN 1920 SAN ROSSORE Page 2 of 2.

---

Personal, Moree Gwydir Examiner and General Advertiser, 28 August 1922, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article111855163:

The Rev. Father Martin is at present on a visit here for treatment at the bore baths. The rev. gentleman was in Jerusalem when the British soldiers entered that city during the war.

---

Father Martin Farewelled. Paddington Parishioners' Tributes, The Catholic Press, Sydney, 27 August 1936, p 39, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146394039:

The departure of Rev. Father Peter Martin, O.F.M., even though it be only for a comparatively brief visit to Europe, will be keenly felt by the parishioners of Paddington, who have grown to love and revere their genial and zealous pastor. Since his arrival in Australia about 16 years ago, Father Martin has been attached to the various Franciscan parishes in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, but the greater part of this period—12 years—he spent at various times in the parish of St. Francis of Assisi, Paddington, the last three years as Superior.

Not only is Father Martin esteemed by the parishioners of Paddington for his solicitude in caring for the less fortunate members of his flock, but his outstanding ability in the administration of parochial affairs has compelled the admiration of everyone. The erection of fine schools in Paddington, just before the "depression," cast its dark shadow over the community, left a big burden of debt to be faced, but due to the courageous and persistent efforts of Father Martin during his three years in charge, the total indebtedness was reduced by over £5000—from over £11,000 to £6000—and this after providing for heavy interest charges, and the decoration and renovation of the church and grounds.

An Interesting Career
Father Martin has had an interesting career. Born at Leerdam, Holland, in 1886, of Belgian parentage, he was educated at the Franciscan College at Yeudraay. Desiring to devote his life to the service of God, he entered the Franciscan Order in Belgium, and did his novitiate course at Thielte. He was professed in 1905, and ordained in 1910 at St. Trond, Belgium. Afterwards he was sent to Louvain for a postgraduate course of theology, and later to Palestine, where he followed courses in Scripture and the Semetic languages at the famous school of Father La Grange, O.P., in Jerusalem.

A versatile linguist, Father Martin speaks fluently English, French, Dutch, German, Flemish, Italian, Arabic, and various Semetic languages. During the Great War he found this knowledge very useful, for he was then in Jerusalem, as one of the Franciscans who care for the Holy Places, and came in contact with troops from various countries. He was also able to act as interpreter between the Europeans and the Arabs. About this time Father Martin was stricken with a severe illness, and his life was despaired of. Amongst those who were most solicitous for his welfare was Lord Allenby, who was in command of the British troops in Palestine, and whose headquarters were at a Franciscan Convent in Jerusalem.

After the war, Father Martin came to Australia.

Great Gathering of Well-wishers
There was a large and enthusiastic gathering of Paddington parishioners, as well as many friends from other districts, in the Paddington Town Hall last Thursday night, 20th inst., to bid a fond farewell to the popular Father Martin. Amongst those present were [...]

Proceedings opened with an enjoyable musical programme, to which the following artists contributed: The choir, under the baton of Mr. P. Ferrali; Misses R. O'Brien, M. Donovan, K. Dancey, J. Brownlee, K. Stollery, and Mr. B. Ferrali. Mrs. Hooper and Mr. R. Roberts were the accompanists.

The Mayor's Remarks
"To see this hall taxed to its capacity is, indeed, a tribute to the popularity of Father Martin," said Alderman Whelan, who also expressed the hope that the departing priest would enjoy to the full his well-earned holiday, a great part of which would surely be spent in visiting familiar scenes in Belgium. The beauty of this fair country had been sadly marred during the years of the Great War, remarked the Mayor, and, unfortunately, many changes had come about, with the result that some of those places that Father Martin knew in his youth would now be unrecognisably altered, or obliterated altogether.

A Remarkable Coincidence
Dr. James Hughes paid a tribute to the great work of the Franciscan Fathers. About the year 1917-18, there was in Palestine, he said, a young Australian officer who became acquainted with Father Martin, and subsequently their acquaintance ripened into a warm friendship. The young officer was his brother, remarked Dr. Hughes, and it seemed a remarkable coincidence that Father Martin should later be stationed within half a mile of his own home. The guest of honour had come amongst them as a stranger in a strange land, and he was departing as a very dear friend. Father Martin had endeared himself to one and all. (Applause.)

Dr. V. Goldrick referred to the common sense and sound judgment always portrayed by Father Martin. Never had he failed his people in any capacity, said Dr. Goldrick, and, therefore, had earned their lasting gratitude. The manner in which he had overcome the difficulties in the "depression" years, was, indeed, creditable.

New Superior's Wish
Father Piper, who will now be Superior at Paddington, remarked that, now that the cloak of responsibility had fallen on his shoulders, he hoped, with the continued support of the parishioners, to be able to carry on the grand work of Father Martin. It was his greatest wish that when Father Martin returned to Australia, he should find the parish of Paddington just as sound, spiritually and financially, as when he left it.

Dr. Sattery expressed the good wishes of all those friends outside the Paddington parish. He came, he said, to give honour to one to whom honour was due. Father Martin had become a loyal and devoted son of his adopted land, and a staunch supporter and admirer of Australians. Besides being a lover of art, music, and the classics, and a linguist of no mean order, Father Martin had also a sound financial ability, as he had shown by the results he had achieved in this sphere of his activities.

After wishing the departing priest an enjoyable and beneficial holiday, Father McNamara expressed the opinion that, if it was the desire of his Superiors that Father Martin should return to labour in Paddington, the parishioners would show him the same spirit of loyal co-operation as they had shown him in the past.

Great Encouragement to Brothers
Brother McAllen said that his acquaintance with Father Martin began in 1927, when he (the speaker) had first been stationed in Paddington. The guest of honour had always given to the Christian Brothers the greatest encouragement and support. The grand example shown them by Father Martin had inspired several former Paddington students to enter the Franciscan Order—a very pleasing state of affairs. The Franciscans had always done their utmost to help the Christian Brothers, added Brother McAllen, and he expressed gratitude for the practical advice and aid received from Father Wogan during his time at Paddington. The speaker referred to the great sacrifice that Father Martin had made in leaving those near and dear to him in his native country, to labour in strange lands so many years ago. It was only his deserved reward that he should be given the opportunity of revisiting his native land. The boys of the Christian Brothers' School had given Father Martin a travelling rug, which, he hoped, he would accept as a symbol of the warmth of affection in which he was held.

Bros. T. Walsh (H.A.C.B.S.), M. Lynch (I.N.F.), L. Davidson (A.H.C Guild), and W. Murphy (St. Vincent de Paul Society), spoke on behalf of their respective societies.

On behalf of the Children of Mary, church wardens, Altar Society, and choir, Mr. L. A. McCosker extended their best wishes to Father Martin, and expressed their appreciation of the encouragement and assistance he had at all times given them in their work.

Alderman Whelan then presented Father Martin with a cheque.

Father Martin's Response
"It is 16 years since I came to this country, and I do not regret one instant spent here," said Father Martin, who was greeted with prolonged applause.

Just before coming to Australia, he had been in Palestine, where he had completed his service as one of the custodians of the Holy Places, which are under the care of the Franciscans, added Father Martin, and he had had the choice of signing on for another six years, or of returning to his native country. However, the rigorous climate, the snow and the north winds, made that prospect uninviting, especially as he had scarcely recovered from a severe illness, and he had sought the advice of an old Irish priest, Father Dowling, who said that Australia was just the place for him. The idea of coming to Australia appealed to him very much, having heard its praises expounded by a young military officer, Captain Gilbert Hughes, said Father Martin. Father Dowling had supplied the necessary references. The late Father Kennedy, O.F.M., was at that time Commissary Provincial in Australia, and he wrote to me to come at once, he added. "On my arrival I said to myself, 'Here I am, and here to stay.'" (Applause.)

Father Martin spoke of his early association with the well-known Franciscans, Fathers Kennedy, Fitzgerald, Joyce and Lawler. It was Father Joyce who had initiated him into parochial work, he said. "I soon learned that I had come to live amongst the most generous people in the world," stated Father Martin, "and it was from the conduct of the parishioners of Paddington and Woollahra that I have learnt to love and admire the Australian people."

The departing priest spoke gratefully of the unstinted co-operation he had always received from his fellow-Franciscans, from the teaching Sisters and Brothers, and from the members of his flock. His thanks went out to all those responsible for the "warm, Australian send-off," concluded Farther Martin.

Mr. M. O'Sullivan, M.L.A., proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was seconded by Mr. E. J. Ward, M.H.R.

Alderman Whelan responded.

The singing of "Advance, Australia Fair," brought the proceedings to a close. Valuable assistance was given in the hall by Messrs. P. Collins, A. J. Liddy, S. Borden, Day, W. O'Keeffe, M. Gard, and H. McGee.

When the Strathaird sailed on Saturday evening, there was a large gathering of Father Martin's friends at the wharf to bid him "au revoir."

---

T.W. Campbell, The Priests of the Diocese of Armidale: A Necrology, Braddon ACT, 2005:
Martin, F

Date and place of birth unknown. Details of education unknown. Place of study unknown. Date and place of ordination unknown. This entry is made because he is listed in Doody as having worked in the diocese in 1922. No other details are known. Date and place of death unknown. Place of burial unknown.
(Source: Doody)

(Reproduced by permission of Tom Campbell.)