PETER ALCANTARA, BROTHER (Frederick McLaughlin)
(Died May 22, 1870) "This good Brother worked at St. Mary's for some time and afterwards at St. Joseph's Academy, South Bend. He had charge of the college stable at the time of his death. he was a true and faithful religious. He died in our infirmary, aged 58."
-- Granger Memo. 1870
"Died at Notre Dame, May 22, Brother Peter of Alcantara after a long illness (consumption) borne with a most edifying patience and resignation, carrying with him the universal esteem and heartfelt regret of the Community."
-- Ave Maria, 6. p. 366 1870.
Brother Peter of Alcantara is the one who now calls upon for the assistance he may need, and which we sweetly bound ourselves to offer each other in turn as Divine Providence may summon us to rest from our labors. He passed to his eternal reward a few moments ago, strengthened by the precious helps of Holy Church, Sweet, indeed, and most consoling, must be to a dying religious the assurance that as soon as he shall have breathed his last, hundreds of fervent friends will fall on their knees and approach the Holy Table, entreating the Divine Master to grant His faithful servant the reward He has promised to those who, for His sake, have left friends... father and mother, brothers and sisters, lands and all, and denied themselves, to take up His cross and follow Him!
"Such was literally the case with the good Brother whose cold remains are now awaiting the last sacred rites of religion. Although scarcely known during his long career in the Community, except by his unswerving fidelity and devotedness, he now carries with him to the tomb the universal regret of all our Religious, none of whom I may confidently say, he ever dis-edified by a willful transgression of his vows. His path was in the humblest walks; he never commanded or aspired to command anyone; he had come to sanctify himself in obedience; he brings to God's judgments no responsibilities but those of his own deeds. Happy soul! He will answer but for himself.
"In vain do I look over his long, simple, and useful association with us for a deliberate cause of displeasure to me or any of his superiors. I find none. What a rich eulogy for a departed soul! Surely such a one will find mercy before the tribunal of the Supreme Judge. While we pray for him, let us profit by his example."
-- Circular Letter, Sorin. May 22, 1871.