Page 49 - Bulletin 13 2009

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In 1918, at the age of 72, he remained a tower of strength to all of those affected by the
great flu epidemic. Ill though he was, on one dark night in Black October he left his bed

at 3 a.m. against doctor’s orders to bring Viaticum to a poor fisherman who was dying
in the dim candlelight of his small cottage in Kalk Bay - such was Father Duignam. He

was also instrumental in turning the St. James Mission School into a hospital, with the

nuns acting as nurses during this great flu epidemic.

He was loved and revered by all his parishioners and was held in utmost respect by the
sisters of the Star of the Sea. In June 1924 a magnificent stained-glass window in the

Church behind the high altar commemorated his fifty years of great service to the
community. It was presented by the members of the congregation as well as by the nuns

and schoolchildren of Star of the Sea. The Mission School, which was his special

passion, presented him with a pair of seven-branch candlesticks. He was their religious
leader, teacher, comforter, guardian, architect, master builder, craftsman and instructor -

a legend in his own lifetime.

On 1 December 1925 he retired from St. James at the age of 79 and was assigned as

chaplain to a small Dominican Convent in Bonnievale where the sisters cared for him.
The day he was leaving he came into the school, a sad, lonely and pathetic old figure -
a sight never to be forgotten - to say good-bye to the children, his silvery locks

flowing down his neck and the tears streaming down his poor old face. He went
round, touched every stone of the building, blessed the children, but could scarcely
speak, and, of course, neither could we, for all, big and small had dissolved into tears.

From the memoirs of Sister Mary Fidelis.

He died in Bonnievale in 1931, aged 85.

The old soldier had unbuckled his sword and laid down his armour for the last time.