PRESENTATION.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8477, 8 May 1893, Page 6

PRESENTATION.

Yesterday afternoon the friends of the Rev. Father La Menant dcs Cliesnais,, who has been in charge of the Parish of St.. Mary's since its formation, presented him with a mark of their respect and esteem prior to his leaving for ]3urope. The Rev.Father has been chosen to represent the Marist Brothers in New Zealand at a Con* ference to be held in Lyons, in August next, to consider important questions relating to the mission work of the Catholic Church. The presentation took place in Sfc. Mary'a Church, and there were upwards of 200 members of the congregation and friends of the Rev. Father present. The chair was occupied by the Rev. Father Cam--mings, Vicar - General, who apologised for the unavoidable absence of his Lordship Bishop Grimee. Mr H. H. Loughnan read an address to the Rev. Father Le. Menant, which congratulated him upon his election as a delegate to the General Chapter of the Society of Mary, and expressed regret that it necessitated bis absence for several months. They tendered, the expression of their affection and esteem, and testified their appreciation of the eminent services he had rendered to the Catholics of Christchurch, especially in the prominent part taken iv the establishment of St. Mary's pariah. They would remember witli pleasure the scholarly and eloquent manner in which he had expounded the truths of their holy faith. Reference was made to the Rev. Father's staunch support to the cause of education and to hie share in tbe foundation of St. Patrick's College, Wellington. The addreae was signed by the Rev. Father Marnane, Cnairman and Hon. Treasurer, Messrs £* O'Connor (Hon. Secretory), H. H. Loughnan, M. Nolan, R. P. Lonargan, L. H. Blake, W. Hay ward, J. Joyce, J. McNamara, and others. The gentlemen signing the address represented the two parishes in Christchurch, in both of which the Rev. Father had laboured. -

The Chairman presented the address, ivliioh jwill be suitably illuminated and nfid, and an accompanying purae of -creigns.

Addresses were given by the Chairman, Messrs H. H. Loughnan, IS. O'Connor, M. Nolan, R. P. Lonargan, L. H. Blake, J. Joyce, and the Rev. Father. Marnane, eulogising the character and work of the Rev. Father Le Menaat, and expressing the very great regret at his departure aud hoping that he would return at no distant date. The Chairman said it was expected the Rev. Father would return about the end of this year or the beginning of next. The Rev. Father Lβ Menant, who was warmly applauded, eaid it would be impossible to express the sentiments of his heart, but he would never forget his benefactors. He would every day be grateful to the devoted people who had contributed their hard earnings to the glory of God, and to those men who had helped him in the difficult work at the commencement of the parish. He was also indebted to his Lordship the Bishop for his assistance and words of encouragement, and also to the Rev. Father Marnane, who was to succeed him in the charge of the parish. For over four years he and Father Marnane had worked together, and never had a cloud for a moment obscured the bright light of friendship that had existed between them. He was now going to Europe as their Agent-General to promote the interests of the Catholic Church in the colonies, and especially of the diocese of Chriatcharch ana the parish of St. Mary's. He alluded to the success of St. Patrick's College, and he trusted the time would Soon come when they would have to' establish similar institutions in other centres of the colony. In he said be could accept the compliments they had paid him only as a lesson to him to try and become all they supposed Mm to be. {Applause.) On the motion of Mr J. MACHAMAtwi, seconded by Mr J. Joycb, a hearty vote of thanks wbs passed to the Chairman. A number of friends then met the Rev. Father Le Menant at the Presbytery and wished him a pleasant voyage and safe return.

The Rev. Father leaves for Wellington/to join the Rev. Dr. Walters and the Rev. Father Leterrier, who all proceed to Europe together. . '