Page 42 - The Old Ratcliffian 2011

The Old Ratcliffan 2011 | Obituaries Rev Fr Eugene E Monaghan I.C. Old Ratcliffian 1948-1953 27th July 1936-17th January 2011 Gene arrived at Ratcliffe in September served to illustrate his wide talents. 1948 and, like many of us of that He did great work in establishing a era, spent his formative years in an choir with a weekly commitment to the atmosphere of ‘Caritas’, a loving liturgy alongside his teaching of the kindness, a quality which subsequently piano, organ and Religious Education. pervaded his approach to all whom To give members of the choir a he taught and to whom he ministered. corporate identity, he bought a bolt of Like most of us, he did not excel at blue cloth and commissioned his sister, games or what were considered to be Elizabeth, to make twenty ‘cassocks’. manly activities of physical prowess. His talents filtered out to DIY and His absorbing passion was music, a together, we provided the Music Hall medium through which he gave rein to with new lights and a stage. his compulsion Health dictated his move from Ratcliffe to create. in 1985. From then on, he worked In 1953, he entered the Rosminian in parish ministry at Bexhill-on-Sea novitiate and, during the following nine and the parishes in South Wales, Such is the chronology of his life, years, pursued his priestly and musical where his ‘Caritas’ touched all. With but this does not really reflect his studies, graduating in Music and being his broad understanding of pastoral all-engaging personality and the ordained a priest at Dollis Hill, London needs, he continued to create musical impressions he made on all whom he in 1962 – thence joining the staff at arrangements and scores for the liturgy taught and to whom he ministered. I Grace Dieu for one year before moving and catechetics which are all published include here some of the comments to Ratcliffe. His priestly life and musical under the title of With Heart and Voice, made by some of those who knew him. talent complemented and drove each a publishing arm of the Rosminians Patrick Curran (66) writes: “He was other to outstanding effect, completing specifically established to promote and an outstanding teacher of music who a remarkable character. make his compositions available to the was always ready to discuss topics, wider Church. During his time at Ratcliffe, he was both theological and musical, with due for ten years Director of Music, under Sadly, he was diagnosed with colonic respect for, and interest in, the person. which mantle he composed several cancer in 2010 and in July of that year Although endowed with extraordinary attractive works for chorus and moved into the Ursuline convent in talents himself, he was self-effacing orchestra, notable among which were Swansea under the heroic care in his and undemonstrative – a delightful a Festival Te Deum, a Gloria and Vivat last few months of Sister Josephine companion.” Elizabeth. For the latter he convened and her team. On Sunday 16th January Bishop John Arnold (71) comments: and conducted a choir from Our Lady’s 2011, Monseigneur Tom Burns, “His Sixth Form Religious Studies Convent, Grace Dieu and Ratcliffe bishop of Menevia, concelebrated were informal discussions in which he which was recorded and published in an impromptu Mass with Gene who, treated us all with the deference due to 1977 to mark the Silver Jubilee of Her although aware, was unable to speak, emergent adults. I was most impressed Majesty. Incidental scores for plays, and he was released from a long and by his quiet holiness in a gentle wind ensembles and big bands were painful illness in the early hours of manner and example of prayer. among his many achievements and Monday 17th January. Fr Monaghan Memorial – Online - at www.ratcliffe-college.co.uk/foundation-giving. Chapel Organ Restoration Fund For further information, please contact Andrew Yell at Ratcliffe College on 01509 817000 or ayell@ratcliffe.leics. A chapel organ like our Willis organ usually needs a major sch.uk. rebuild every 30 to 40 years. Originally installed in Mount St Bernard’s Abbey in 1937, our organ is now 74 years old and, without any major attention, it has left this magnificent instrument and its 1140 pipes in a diminished state. We need to act now to save this beautiful organ for the enjoyment of students and the wider Ratcliffe community. To restore this instrument to its former glory we need to raise £75,000, thus ensuring it remains at the centre of worship in the College Chapel. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Fr Monaghan to the Chapel Organ Restoration Fund, you can do so in a number of ways: By cheque - payable to the ‘Ratcliffe College Foundation – Organ Fund’ and posted to Ratcliffe College Foundation, Fosse Way, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Leicester, LE7 4SG. 42