MGR. GILLAN FAREWELLED.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 72, 28 March 1921, Page 6

MGR. GILLAN FAREWELLED.

PRESENTED WITH £600 | HIGH TESTIMONY TO GOOD WORKSr St. Benedict's Hall was crowded last evening, the occasion being the presentation of an address and purse of sovereigns to the Rt. Rev. Monsignor Gillan, upon his relinquishing the charge of that parish because of advancing years. Mona. Gillan is terminating a highlysuccessful administration of St. Benedict's parish extending over a-quarter of i a century, and prior to that he was in charge of the Sacred Heart, Ponsonby. Dr. H. W. Cleary, Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland, with Dr. Liston, Coadjutor Bishop, Monsignor Ormond, ; Dean Cahill, and the Revs. Furlong, j Forde and Colgan were present. j The Bishop extolled the prodigious l work of Mons. Gillan in the diocese of Auckland in the last decade, particularly in St. Benedict's parish. He trusted the Monsignor would be spared to them for some time to come. His memory would always be perpetuated in their midst by his monumental works. Mr. R. McVeagh, who spoke from long and intimate acquaintance with Mons. Gillan, said he knew of no more indefatigable, earnest and unselfish worker than that gentleman. Though not overrobust in health, yet he never spared himself in ministering to those who were afflicted and needed assistance. No testimonial from them would be adequate enough to reward Mons. Gillan. Dr. Liston, who succeeds Mons. Gillan at St. Benedict's, spoke in eulogistic terms of Mons. Gillan. On all sides he learned of his spiritual and charitable works, for which the people were truly gratefuj. Mr. J. J. Butler, on behalf of the people, read an address to Mons. Gillan, after which Dr. Cleary handed the purse containing £600 to the Monsignor. On rising to reply Mons. Gillan was accorded a great demonstration. He spoke feelingly, thanked his kind, generous friends, and fervently hoped for them all a period of happiness and prosperity. He said he would always remember them with loving gratitude and pride, and would look back to the many years in which they were associated and to the great work achieved in those years, the credit of which was due, not to him, but to the priests with whom he worked, and, above all, to the co-oper-ation of his people.

Musical items by Mrs. Hansen and Miss A. Dixon, who were accompanied on the piano by Mr. Harry Hiscocks. combined to make pleasant a memorable evening. •