Rev. Francis J. Brady, CSV, former assistant treasurer of St. Viator College, died Oct. 6, 1923 at Alexian Brothers Hospital in Chicago, after an extended illness. He was 39.
Fr. Brady was born Jan. 28, 1884 in Ransom, IL. In 1906, at the age of 22, he entered the Viatorian Novitiate at Belmont and Crawford avenues in Chicago. He professed his first vows Jul. 4, 1909.
He taught at St. Viator College in Bourbonnais and at Columbus College in Chamberlain, SD.
Fr. Brady professed his final vows Mar. 13, 1918 and was ordained to priesthood three days later.
Those who knew Fr. Brady loved him for his cheerful spirit, his friendly manner and his modesty.
After his death, the student body formed a lane down both sides of the main driveway at St. Viator College, as the hearse drove the remains to the door of the chapel. They reposed in state until that night, when they were escorted to Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church.
Throughout the night, relays of students comprised an honor guard and knelt at the coffin of their dear friend, praying for the repose of his soul.
A solemn requiem high Mass took place Oct. 9 and was celebrated by the Rev. Walter J. Surprenant, CSV, provincial of the Viatorian Community. The Rev. Francis A. Sheridan, CSV, a close friend of the deceased, preached the eulogy. The faculty choir sang the Mass and members of the faculty also served as pallbearers.
After the funeral, students presented the family of Fr. Brady, with a spiritual bouquet, composed of 1,500 rosaries, 800 communions and 500 stations of the cross.
Fr. Brady was laid to rest in the Viatorian plot at Maternity BVM Cemetery in Bourbonnais.
Taken from an obituary in the 1923 Annuaire – a publication of the Viatorian General Direction, pp. 134-138