ADDRESS TO THE REV. FATHER LONERGAN, LATE PASTOR OF THE THAMES.

Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1499, 30 November 1874, Page 2

ADDRESS TO THE REV. FATHER LONERGAN, LATE PASTOR OF THE THAMES.

Thk following flattering testimonial was presented to the Key. Father Loaergar? late pastor of the Thames, on Monday last, at the residence of B. McDonald, Esq , ParnenV Father Lonergan. it will be remembered, was on his way to Europe in March last, when he acceded to a request of the Vicar-General to fill the post held by Father Norris at the date of his death, until he could be relieved. In his turn tha Rev. Father Locergaa ha 3 been relieved by the Rev. Father Chastanion, and the said Father Lonergan was a passenger by the Mikado. The address was a beautifully - illuminated scroll, the handiwork of a Thames resident:— "Dear Father Lonergan,—The appointment of the Rev. Father Uhastanion by his Lordship Bishop Croke having terminated poor temporary labours, which you so readily took up an you, delaying your journey to Europe, at tho request of the Vicar-Ganeral, Mr Hennelly and myself have been deputed by the principal Catholics of the Thames to present you with a short address, signed by 300 of your congregation, expressive of their respect and esteem for you.—l have &c, Thomas W. Gudgeon-.—Rev Father Lonergan. Dear Sir, —We the undersigned, on behalf of 300 Catholics, resident on this goldfield, anxious to acknowledge our many obligations for the zeal you have ever shewn in the cause of religion, and the piety it has been your earnest desire to instil into us during our short stay in this errantry, cannot allow you to depart without conveyiug to you our grateful thanks for your kind ministrations while amongst us ; and the assurance of our prayers that every blessing both spiritual and temporal, may be showered upon you. Wishing you a prosperous voyage and safe return to the old country, and the friends you left so long ago to preach the truths of Catholicity at the antipodes,— We remain, yours, &c, Tnomas Wayfch Gudpeon, D. G. McDonnell, John Hennelly, P. N. Donnelly, William Foughy, and John Gillies. Thames, New Zealand, November 16, 1874." Reply: —"My dear Friends, — I am iudeed pleased and grateful for the kind and affectionate address you have presented me with this morning. It is well known to you all that I never by word or deed courted your approval in what 1 considered my most sacred duty, but I am conscious of having said hard things, and preached the strict laws of God to the best of my ability, without fear, favour, or affection, and therefore endeavoured, in the spirit of our holy religion, to aid and assist you in the road to heaven. I have had special and convincing pi-oofs, from time to time, that my unworthy labours were not entirely in vain—that some good and true souls understood and appreciated, loved and venerated, aided and assisted me. I did not, however, suspect that SO many Catholics at the Thames entertained such feeling towards me, —that I was so deeply respected by even other denominations in so short a time. May I request of you, gentlemen, to convey to all my friends at the Thames my most Bincere thanks and best good wishes, and that in return for all the gratitude I received at their and your hands and hearts, I promise, as a priest, never to forget you at the altar of God.—l am, &c, Thomas A. L®nergan. Feast of St. Clement, November 23, 1874."