Death has again laid a heavy hand upon us. For the second time has it taken from our midst one who, by the power of his physical and moral energies, seemed destined to fill a large sphere of usefulness.
Fr. Paul came to Ampleforth as a very small boy in the year 1877. At first he was delicate and frail, but was afterwards known for his manliness and success in every athletic sport. When quite young he won a place for himself in the College Eleven. Many of the younger generation will recall the keenness and energy which he used to throw into the game.
In the year 1886 he went to Douai and made for himself there a wide circle of friends. He always spoke of Douai with affectionate regard, and cherished the warmest feelings of friendship for all there.
He returned to Ampleforth in the year 1888. Many of us found a change in him. He was still a king in the sporting field, but he was much more thoughtful and studious than in former days. We could notice growing in him that spirit of piety and devotion which increased so much in succeeding years and became the characteristic of his Religious life. He entered the novitiate at Belmont in August 1889. In his new life the natural religiousness of his simple nature found a congenial environment. His religious life was full of deep earnestness; he was a model of Religious observance.
But God tried his servant, sending him much ill health. At the end of his novitiate a change became an absolute necessity. To his great grief his simple Profession was delayed for this reason. He eventually took his simple Vows in the summer of 1891. His superiors then recalled him to Ampleforth, and a new kind of life opened for him. He threw himself with zeal into his duties, performing them all with a devotion and self sacrifice which proved the purity of intention which guided his life. He was a successful teacher and a strict disciplinarian. As a prefect he held the reputation for great impartiality and love of rule. Thus for five years did this good religious live, respected by those under his charge, trusted by his superiors and held in love and esteem by his brethren.
In the year 1896 the first shadow of consumption fell over him. His natural strength however enabled him to pull himself out of the decline. But at the commencement of this year the enemy returned, and no effort could relax the grip of this deadly foe. He bore his lot with resignation and patience. His one fear was lest he should be too weak to receive the dignity of the priesthood. He used to say that he would not mind what happened if only he could say one Mass. He received the crowning glory of his life on the 7th of February 1897. On the following day he said his first Mass with the greatest fervour, but with great effort. After this he seemed to fade quickly. It was determined to send him to South Africa as this seemed to be the only hope left.
He sailed on the 7th of May from Southampton. The voyage at first seemed to do him good. But this proved to be but the dying flicker of the lamp of life. When he landed in South Africa it was clear that he had but a short time to live. He accepted his lot with humble resignation to the will of God. His thoughts were constantly turned to his monastic home and his words were full of love for his brethren who waited with anxious add prayerful hearts for news of him. The sad message came at last. On the [22nd] of June 1897, Fr. Paul passed away deeply regretted by us all.
May he rest in peace!
Alfred Paul PENTONY 22 Jun 1897 1869 19 Nov born at Waterloo, Liverpool 1889 3 Sep Clothed 1894 29 Jun Solemn Vows 1897 7 Feb Priest 1897 22 Jun died at Ceres, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa