gems of literature. He had a special love for great English poets. Over many years he developed the genius of the poet. Most of his writings
are found in his two published books: Christ of the Andes and Other Poems and Charm of the Lake Region.
Father John J. MacDonald died May 21, 1931. He was buried in Michigan. The eulogy was preached by Rt. Rev. James O’Reilly, Bishop of Fargo who said of him: “Father MacDonald’s lips were so formed that he could never utter an uncharitable word about anyone.” He dwelt at length on his loyalty to his bishop, his forgetfulness of self and especially his thirty-three years of priestly devotion to his people in Michigan.
Father John J. MacDonald will long be remembered in the Diocese of Fargo. Let us hope his memory will be kept green in the land of his birth.
Reverend J. Augustine MacDonald — 1860-1915
Reverend J. Augustine MacDonald was born at Orwell North, December 4, 1860. He was the eldest son of the late Charles and Isabelle MacDonald. His education began in a country school. At thirteen years of age, while playing with his companions, he received a severe injury from a fall which confined him to his bed for almost three years. After his restoration to health, he attended the Uigg Grammer School from which he matriculated into Prince of Wales College in 1880. He obtained his teacher’s license at the completion of one year, and for eight years he taught in the public schools of P.E.I. He kept up his studies and in 1889 was appointed to the teaching staff at St. Dunstan’s College. In September, 1892 he entered Laval Seminary, Quebec. On May 17, 1895 he was ordained to the priesthood by Most Rev. L. N. Begin, Archbishop of Quebec. Shortly afterwards he was appointed by Bishop MacDonald of Charlottetown to the position of Vice-Rector of St. Dunstan’s College and Prefect of Studies.
In April, 1898 in response to an urgent call from Bishop Shanley of Fargo, North Dakota, he left P.E.I. for the mission field of North Dakota. His parish consisted of six counties equal in size to the whole of P.E.I. He organized classes everywhere, taught cathechism at every mission and strove to bring the ministry of his priesthood to all his scattered flock as often as possible. He built nine churches throughout the parish and after twelve years what was a most primitive condition of Faith and practice had grown into well-instructed people and well-organized congrega- tions with suitable places of worship. This was to the credit of Father Augustine MacDonald’s unflagging labour.
In time his health gave out. He was obliged to spend many months on the Pacific Coast to regain his strength. Again and again he tried to
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