CONSECRATION OF BISHOP LENIHAN.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 272, 16 November 1896, Page 3

CONSECRATION OF BISHOP LENIHAN.

AN IN POSING CEREMONY,

The consecration ot the Right Rev. Georgo Michael Lenihan, D. D'„ to the Catholic Bishopric of Auckland, took place yeatorday ab St. Patrick's Cathedral. The consecration ot v Bishop ia usually a mosbim" portuut and interesting function, bub there wera several reasons which rendered this consecration ono of unusual interest. This was the first consecration of a Bishop in Auckland according to tho rite of the Holy Roman Church, and bhe iirsb instance here of tho Catholic Bishop being choseu by the priests of the Diocese. In addition to theso raa_ona, tbe new Bishop had won the bighgsb esteem and raspecb, not only of his own people, bub also of largo numbers of obber denominations, who have admired his liberaliby of thought, his deop earnostnesß, and his profound bearing. As was expected, there wae an immense congregation present, bhe Cathedral being packed to the doors. Tho ceremony throughout was a mosb impressive nnd imposing one, and will be long remembered by those who witnessed it.

THE DECORATIONS,

The decorations had been made on a Bcale of magnificence quite commensurate with the. importance of the function. Ab the front entrance to bhe church a large fivesided wooden arch had boon erected and tastefully hung with ferns, the face of bhe front side of the arch boaring tbe words, * ad multos cumo,. " (many years of happiness). In the interior tho bwo principal sides wore prettily hung with festoons, and'the face of the arch above bhe altar ond boro two large medallions, encircled in flowers, and giving the names of tho four past bishops of the dioceae, Bishops Pompallier, Croke, Steins and Luck. In the centre hung a shield bearing the name of Bishop Lenihan, tho fifth bishop. A number of festoons tastefully grouped and bhe words " Eccc Sacerdos Magnus " completed the decorations of this part of bhe building. Ab the choir end tho words " Gloria in Excelsis Jjco " wore conspicuous in white letters on a crimson ground, and in obber parts of tbe building hung festoons, very prettily gob up and arranged. Tho decorations had been carried out by several commibtees, working with one general committee, of which the Hon. J. A. Tola was Chairman, Mr W. Tole, Vice-Chairman, Mr P. Brophy Treasuror, and Mr M. J. Sbeehun Secretary.

THE PROCESSION

At 10 o'clock tho Biabop-olecb, together with tho Consecrating Prelate, bhe Right Roy. Dr. Grimes, Bi.iiop of Christchurch, and tbo aasiatanb Bishops, the Righb Roy. Dr. Gallagher, Titular Bishop of Andra«-a. nnd Coadjutor Bishop of Goulburn, N.S.W., and the Right Rev. Dr. Verdon, Bishop of Dunedin, entered the church, preceded by the Rev. Father Mulviboo. one of the Cathedral prioats, and followed by Monsignors McDonald (Howick) and Paul (Onehunga), ' Revs. Fathers O'Hara (Otahuhu), Purton, 0.5.8, (Pon.onby), Luck, 0.5.8. (Kihikihi), Amanddleni (Hamilton), Gregory (Newton), Kehoe (Purnoll), Mulvihill (Sb. Patrick's), Lannuzel (Opobiki), Ohl<-en (Tone*), Cummings, S.MV.G. (Christchurch), Aubrey, S. M. Provincial (Sydney), Hackott (Pneroa), M, Egan (Coromandel), McMillan (Pukekohe), Ginaty, S.M. (Christchurch), Kirk (\Vanganui), Smythe (Hastings), Grogan, S.M. (Napier), McGrath (llawera). Golden (Patea), McKenna (New Plymouth), Buckley (Sb. Patrick's), and four Maori missionaries. As tho clergy onterod tho choir sang Stein's " Ecce Sacerdos Magnus-' ("Behold the lii«h Priest").

THE CEREMONY,

The clergy proceeded to the Altar, where the ceremony of tbo consecration was at onco ontered upon, tho Rev. Father Gillan being master of ceremonies, and the Revs. Father Hackett iPaeroa), and Kirk (Wanganui), deacons of the tbrono. Amongst those also taking part in the ceremony wero the Reve. Father Cummings (Vical Goneral to tho Bishop of Christchurch), Roilly, Smith, MoKeogh and Gregory, and Mousignors McDonald and Paul. The other priests occupied soabe in front of tbo altar, seats on the rigbb being occupied by a number of tho Si.bore of Mercy and Sisters of Sb, Joseph. Having reached tho Altar tho consecrating Bishop was robed in fronb of tlm Bishop's throne by the deacons, and the Bishopelect, on tho obher side of tho High Altar, by tho aßsi. tanb Bishops. Then the former sat ab bhe Altar and bhe Elect, wearing his birebta, was led to him by the assistant Bithops, all making reverence to the consecrator and then sitting down, with tho Bishop elect in tho contre. Tho senior assistant then addressed the consecrating Prelate in Latin (in which language the whole of tha vocal parb of "tho ceremony was conducted) as follows :— *' Mosb Reverend Father, our Holy M obber, the Catholic Church, enjoins you to raise this priest, hero present, to' bhe weighty office of a bishop." Tbe consecrating bishop asked whether they had tbo Apostolic Commiasio.l and requested thab it bo read. When thenotary (the Rev. Dr. Egan) had publicly read the documenb (which was in Latin), tho Biahop-elecb, kneeling boforo the consecrator, recited the following oath of duty and fidelity :—" I, George Michael Lenihan, will bo from this hour henceforward ' faithful and obedient to blessed Peter the Apostle, and to tho Holy Roman Church and bo tbe mosb blessed Father, Pope Loo. ' XUL, and to bis successors canonically chosen. I will assist them to retain and defend against any man wlmtßOvor, the Roman Popedom, without prejudice bo my rank. I will take care to preserve, defend and promote the rights, honours, privileges, and authority of the Holy Roman Church, of tho Pope and of bis successors, as aforesaid. With my whole strength I will observe, and cause to be observed- by others, tho rules of tbo Holy Fathers, tho decrees, ordinances, or dispositions, nnd mandates of the Apostolic See. When callod to a Synod I will corao, unless I bo prevented by a canonical impediment. I will personally visit the Apostolic Soe once every ten yearn, and render an aceounb bo our most blessed Fathor Leo XIII,, and his successors O- aforesaid, of my whole pastoral olfico, .and of everything in any way appertaining to the estate of my Church, to tbe discipline of.the clergy and people, and to the salvation of tho souls entrusted to my caro ; and I will humbly receive, in return, tbe Apostolic mandates, and mosb diligently execute them. Bub if Ibe prevented by a lawful impediment, I will perform all the things a_<.re~._id by a certain messenger, specially authorised for this purpose, v priest of tbo diocese, or by some other secular or regular priesb of tried virtue and piety, well instructed on all tbe above subjects, I will nob sell or give away, or mom-age, enfeoff asiew, or i" any way alienate tbo pos~e_:iiou~ belonging to my table without the leave of the Roman Pontiff. And should I proceed to any alienation of them, I am willing to incur ipso facto tho penalties specified in^the Constitution published on this subject. _ When tbe formulary had been recited bbc Eiscfc was examined concerning bis faith in the Most Holy Trinity, and the various manners and moralß befitting bis episcopal office. As each question was asked the Elect rose to his feeb, replied •' I will," or " I do believe," as tbe case might bo, and re-seabed himself. Tho examination boing finished, the assistant Bishops led tho Bishop-elect to tho Consecrator, before whom he knelt, and whore hand he reverently kissed. Then the Consectft-

tor turned with his ministers towards the Altar and commenced mass in the usual manner. While the Consecrating Bishop was proceeding with the mas Bab the High Altar, the assistant Bishop led the Elect to the side Altar where ho received bhe pectoral cross and was clothed with the tunic, dalmatic chasuble, and maniple, the choir meanwhile singing " Kyrie Eleison." Standing at the aide altai, assisted by the Bishop, be thou read a portion of the Liturgy, after which the Epistle was sung by the Rev. Fabber Hacsefe. The Collect for bhe Bishop (which was road after bhab of the Feasb), and bbc Epistle and Gradual being ended, the Consecrating Prelate, receiving the mitre, took hia aeab before tho Altar. Tbe assisting Bishops led the Elect again from his Altar to the Sonaocrator, and, all being seated, tho Gonsecrator addressed himself bo the Elect. On all rising again, tho Gonsecrator addressed the congregation, after which bhe Bishops and attending clergy knelt. Tho Elect bhon placed himself prosbrabe on the left side of the Gonsecrator, and remained in thab position while the clergy went through the Litanies, the Rev. Fathers Egau and Aubrey leading, and bhe rest of the clergy replying. The Litanies ended, bbc Consecrating Bishop received bhe Book of the Gospels opened, and with tho assistance of tho othor Bishops placed ib on the shoulders and neck of the Elect, In this position ib was held by one of the assistant Bishops until tbeGospels wore given to the Elect later on. Having then engaged in prayer and read a portion of the Preface referring to the ceremonies, the Consecrator kneeling before bhe Altar began the hymn " Veni Creator Spiritus," which waa continued by the choir. After tho first verse the Conaecrabor rose, and sab in front of the Altar, to anoint with bbc Holy Chrism bhe head of tho Elect, who knelt before him. The hymn ondod, the Consocrator rose, and continued the Preface, after which be commenced and tho others continued with him tho Antiphon. Psalm 132, " The Happiness of Brotherly Love and Concord," waa bben siing. The Antiphon being repeabed, the Elect, with hands joined, knelt before the Consecrator, while the latter anointed the hands of tbo Elect with the Holy Chrism in tho form of the Cross, repeating a payer while so doing. Tho hands of the Elecb were then bound up, and bhe Consecrator, laying aside the mitre, stood up and proceeded to bless the Crozier, the. pastoral staff, which is intended to signify that tho power and grace of tho pastoral office must be derived from God. He then sprinkled the Crozier with holy water, and gave ib to the Elect. The next part of tho ceremony consisted of tho Blessing of tho Ring. After a short prayer tho ring was sprinkled with holy water and cob on tbe finger of the Elecb by tbo Consocrator, who said, "Take this ring, an the seal of faith, that being adorned with apotless faith, thou mayeat, svibhout stain, guard the Spouse of God, to wit, His Holy Church." Tho Book of Gospels wa~ then given to the Gonsecrator, who, assisted by the other two Bishops, delivered ib cloeed to tho Elect, the three Bishops receiving the latter with tho kiss of peace. While tho Gospel was being sung by tbe Roy. Father Kirk, the newly consecrated Bishop returned with the assistant Bishop to his Altar, and having his bead and hands cleansed from the Chrism with crumb and linen, and having washed his hands, continued the mass along with the consecrating bishop, each at his respective altar. At tbo ollertory bhe new Bishop returned to the Bishop's throne, with his assistants, and there kneeling he made his oflering of two loaves, two lighted wax torches, and two small barrels of wine, nb the same time making reverence to the consecrating bishop, who received them sitting. The four bishops nexb proceeded to the High Altar, and tho mass was continued, the hymn "O Salusaris," being sunt:, by Moria.Casier. After prayers and the " Na MissaEst," tho Consocrator gave the blessing ab the ond of the mass, as is customary with bißhops. With the new Bishop kneeling before him he proceeded to bless the former's mitre. Tho Consecrator sprinkled the mitro with holy water, and sitting, assisted by the othor Bishops, placed iv on the head of the newly-consecrated Bishop, afc tbe same time reading a prayer. Tbo gloves were then sprinkled with holy water, and placed on tbe hands of the new Bishop. That done, the Consecrating Prolate rose and took tho right hand of the newly consecrated, and one of the assistant Bishops taking the lefb hand, the. new Bishop was led to the throne, where ho was enthioned and the Crozier given into his hands by tho Consecrating Prelate. Aa the choir begun the "To Deum," the new Bishop was lod by tho assistants through the church ta give his blessing to tbe people, tho Consecrating Prelate remaining with head uncovered at bhe Altar. When bhey returned to the sanctuary the now Bishop wenb bo his bhrone. On the "Te Deum '' being finished the Consecrator, standing ab bhe right of, bhe new Bishop, commenced and the choir continued an Anbiphon, which was repeated. After a short prayer tho Consecrating Bishop and the two assistants stood at the Gospel side of tho Altar, while tho new Bishop made throe rovorencee kneeling, from the Epistle side of the Altar, bo the feet of his Consecrator, singing each time "Ad multos annos." Tho lasb Gospel of tho Mass was then recited, at tho conclusion of which the sermon was delivered.

IHE SERMON..

The Bishop preached ah eloquent and learned sermon on tho duties of a Bishop, baking as his text Acts xx., 28, " Take heed to yourself and to the whole flock wherein tbo Holy Ghost baa placed you a bishop, bo rule bbo Church ot God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. I know bhab after my departure ravening wolves will outer in among you nob sparing tho flock." The sacred ceremony in which they wero engaged, said the Bishop, waa an occasion not merely of religious joy, bub of instruction also. It was suggestive of proud momorios connected with tbe past. Bub still more was it suggestive of high and ennobling thoughts to cheer, to sustain, and to strengthen all bishops, priests, and peoplo for the struggle of the future. A bishop had been consecrated ; a now apostle had been given to tbe Christian Church. A new link had been added to the golden chain that bound them to bhe first Pentecost day, bo tha chair of Fitter,'to tbo venerable hierarchy of the Catholic world. One to \vhom the faithful instinctively looked for a model of the perlecb life, from whose lips bbey sought wisdom, and from whoso hands tbey were to receive the fullness of tho blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ had been given them. Whence did he derive his commission, and what were the duties expected oi him, especially in the time and country in which tbey lived, were tbe subjects of the brief instruction ib was bis privilege to ad drees to them on that auspicious day. The Bishop likened the ceremony tbey had just witnoßsed to bbo con.ecrfition of St. Matthias, first bishop o. tho Christim. Church consecrated after the Ascen&ion of our Saviour, This important soo of Auckland having been widowed by the death of its zealous, learned, and pious Bishop (Dr. Luck), those priests to whom tho Holy Father had granted a consultative voico in tbe nomination of their chief pastor, brought their future prolate before tho notice of tho bishops of tbo province as one whom bbey deemed for his zeal, bis learning, his virtuous life and good works most worthy bo rule over them. Tbe bishops, seconding bhe wishes of prie.(.. and people, sustained that recoimnendabion with him, who was the only source of jurisdiction and authority within their Holy Church—tbo Vicar of Christ. Tbe preacher proceeded to speak of tbe good work which Bishops had done in past ages in the cause of progress spiritual, moral f iatoallectual and

social. He pointed oub in eloquenb terms thab, "Salt of bbc Earth," they book possession of the Empire of tbe Caesars when falling into decay, and rescued it from corruption ; "Lighb of the World,"' they entered the tents of Iho Barbarians, and led them from the darkness and bondage of paganism into tbfl bright sunshine of Christian civilisation. Whab university, ho a?ked, waa thero in Europe that did not owe its richesb foundation, if nob iti origin, bo tho munificence and enlightened zeal of . some Catholic bishop? "When tbe hearts of the Barons quailed ab Rnnnymede, w»8 it nob bhe Bishops thab guided and urged tham on co win irom a despotic king the charter of their liberties, those very liberties whose ample development made them (the people of these colonies) so prosperous and bo happy here to-day beneath bhe Southern Cross? When, in France and Spain, the courage of tbo braveab flagged, did nob the bishoyis even exchange the pastoral staff for the aword and lead their people to final victory over the Saracen and tho Moor. Never, perhaps, did the Germanic Confederation enjoy co maob glory abroad and happiness ab home as during tlioso long centuries when her prince bishops wielded the donble scepira of temporal and spiritual sway ; created and foabenad the municipal institutions of free cities, and exercised a controlling power in fcthdestinies of the Empire. And, in fine, if Ireland, the land of his birth, during agt.s of untold-suffering, never allowed tho iron; of slavery to enter into her soul, if she had alwaya preserved in all her trials a love of learning, unblemished morals, and the spirib of an exalted freedom, waa it nob in a greab moasure because she had bishops wbo were, patriots as well aa Churchmen, who loved freedom and country none the less because they loved religion. more ? The old order, however, cbaugeth to the new. Catholic bishops might be no longer called upon to take upon their shoulders the destinies of a great nation; but no longer tbo servants of princes, thsy wOro now tenfold the servants of the people, and were all tbe stronger for the change, j The Catholic bishop still could combat heresy and justify tho ways of God to men ; to restore great and venerable but decaying institutions; could illustrate and adorn the revealed truth by triumphs of eloquence, enrich secular and divine science, widen bhe domain of Christian charity by institutions of enlightened zeal. And never waa there a nobler field . for tho activity and enlightened zeal of a true bichop than was presented in the free and progressive coloniea of Australia and New Zealand ab the presenb day. How youthful bhoy wero, and yob how great? Their origin waa bub of yesterday, yet bow rich were they in glorious promise. The moat daring—tho best and nobiesb elements of other lands, bad come here to form a new people ; new in thought and energy, new in action. Tbe traditions of tho past were vanishing, and all things that could change would be changed. Nothing, he believed, would remain bub those brutha which God declared would not pass away, and that inatitution which lie had builb upon bhe rock, and against which bhe gates of hell could nob prevail. Now, aud in these very places in which tbey were living, was tbe time lor the Catholic Bishop. As in that reconstruction of society which followed tbe dissolution of the Roman Empire, and aa in bhab new creation which rose from the cbuoa of the French Revolution, so now tbe Spirit of God, through the agency of the Apostolic ministry, would again movo over tho troubled waters. Tbe liberty, tho democracy, the intellectual activity, and bhe spirib of progreaß which constitute bbc giory of these young , commonwealths, sprang, from the deepesb principles of cho teachings of the Church. Her precapta went to build up bbc true greatness of a free poople, and the, watchwords, liberty, progress} fraternity, r~g_jJy understood, were his (tho preacher..), bishop though he was of the ancient faith. Their young Bishop, and every Catholic bishop, could admire and bless the generous aspirations of the preaent age. The episcopate waa no mere relicb of a vanished paab, b>.t wa3 composed oi men of thought, of ideu_>, of action. In .conclusion, Dr. Gallagher asked them bo pray thab God mighb give bheir new Bishop those graces of which be was standing mosb greatly in need, so thab he mighb lead them in tho path of tho life to come, aud thab he might bring thousanda with bim to enjoy endless happineas throughout eternity. Such were the bleasinga which he would on thab occasion wish the new bishop and hia people.

THE MUSIC.

Tbe music was impressively rendered by a choir of some 40 voices, and a specially strong orchestra, conducted by Mr Hiscocks, As tbo clergy entered the church, " Ecce Sacerdos" was effectively sung, and during the course of the ceremony excellent renderings wero given of Millard's Solemn Mass in 6, and Romberg's " To Deum," the soloists being Mons. Casior. Mrs Hiscocks, Misses C. Lorrigan, Hargreaves, Lonergan, Brinsdon, Messrs Conway, Parish and Lonergan. Tho instrumentalists were : —Mr Innes, flute; Messrs O'Beirne and Amodeo, clarinet; Mr Prime, Master Hiscock-, Messrs Cook, Ellyetb and Mahoney, violins; Messrs Trussel and Robertson, cornets; Messrs Parker and Dryland, trombones: and Mr Edmunds, bass. Mr Hartwell presided at the organ, nnd very valuable assistance to the choir was given by tbe Rev. Father Kehoe.

THE EVENING SERVICE.

In bhe evening solemn pontifical vespers were held, Bishop Lenihan presiding, and there was a crowded congregation. The Rev. Fathers Kirk and Hackebb were deacon and sub-deacon respectively, and the other priests who assisted were the Roy. Fathers Cummings, Et?an, Aubrey, MeKinnon, McGrath, Grogan and Smith.

Tbe musical portions of the service wore excellent, amongsb the performances being Aldega's " Landate," Lambilobbe's " Magnificab " and " Isle of Confessor," Eslava's " Salvo Regina," and an "' 0 Salutaris " specially composed for the occasion by Herr Carl Schmibb. The soloi.bs were Misses C. Lorrigan, Hargreaves, Lonergan, Mesdames Hiscocks and Tuohy, and Messrs Casier and Pariisb. Bishop Crimea preached, bis sermon being based on Sb. Matthew xxvii., 18 and 20, and in his prefatory remarks he said be boon a.ked by Bishop Lenihan to convey his deop sense of gratitude to those who had in any way contributed to make the ceremonies tho marked success they had been. Tbe choir had been one of tho most efficient he had beard since he had been in New Zealand.