Priest Recalls Masses He Said at Aunt's Elba Island Home
Thursday, August 18, 2005 FEATURE Southern Cross, Page 3 Priest recalls Masses he said at aunt’s Elba Island Home he late Monsignor Thomas J. Brennan had photos taken when he ven- Ttured to Elba Island in the summer of 1924 to say Mass. The young priest recorded the date on the back of one of the photographs: June 20, 1924. Brennan also recorded dates of the second and third Masses he cele- brated at the lighthouse keeper’s home on the island on June 21 and July 3. Father Brennan’s Henry Martus, 53, retains his rank, memories of being listed as “ordinance sergeant”, these Masses while his son, George, 19 years, is said early in his identified as “assistant light keeper”. long and fruitful Martus’ wife, Rosanna, 52, is keep- career revealed ing house and daughters Rosanna J., the regard he felt 21; Mary, 14, and Florence, 12, for his Uncle “reside in the home.” Rita H. DeLorme George, keeper The demographics of the Martus of the Elba household changed considerably in Island light, and his Aunt, Flo- the decade following the 1880 cen- rence—George’s sister—who spent sus. By 1890, John Martus had died, courtesy of the Diocesan Archives. Photo most of her life on the lonely is- and the two older Martus daughters Father Thomas J. Brennan prepares for Mass on Elba Island in 1924. land. Brennan would go on to labor had married. Only the widowed those who sailed the seas came to and in turn each vessel, from the successfully in the missions of Rosanna Martus, son George, and expect her salute.
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