WHAT THE CHURCHES ARE DOING.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14072, 17 June 1911, Page 11

WHAT THE CHURCHES ARE DOING.

NEWS AND NOTES FOR PULPIT AND PEW.

HIS GRACE THE ARCHBISHOP OF

MELBOURNE

His Grace the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Mfelbourae will celebrate the anniversary of his silver jubilee as Archbishop on September 29th nest, and a meeting of prominent Catholic laymen was held recently to make arrangements for commemorating the silver jubilee. A few of the clergy were also present. After some discussion, it was "unanimously resolved tliat the Archbishop should be prevailed upon to allow the Cu&holics of the- Archdiocese to commemorate the jubilee, but that the form of the celebration should be left to his own suggestion. Tho Very ltev. Dean Phelan said that prior "to the meeting ho had received offers of very generous support. Ho read a letter from >lr Thomas J. Loughlin, of\ Ballarat, in which tho writer said he hoped that Catholics outside the archdiocese would have an opportunity of assisting in. the movement, and "stated that he would be glad to subscribe £1000. Though no subscription list was opened, over £2COO was promised altogether, including £100 from each of the following: — Bean Phelan, Mr l>. Slattery, Dγ- A. L. Kenny, Rev. M. Carey (West Melbourne), Rev. W\ Quilter (St. Francis), Rev. \V. Ganly (St. KiWa West). Rev. T. Lvneh (St. Kilda East), and Rev. J. McCarthy (Clifton Hill). The wishes of Archbishop Carr would bo consulted in thip matter, and a further meeting would be held in the Cathedral Hall at an early date. His Grace Archbishop Carr, however, declined the proposed testimonial in connection with his Silver Episcopal Jubilee-, as will be seen from the following letter from tho Most Rev. Prelate, which has appeared in the _ papers: — Sir, —I was aware that a project was on foot to signalise the silver jubilee of my appointment to the See- of Melbourne by the inauguration or completion of some largo work of public utility. But until tho project took concrete form, and found public expression, I could not, with propriety, -interfere. It is needless to say I am dee-ply touched by the nattering proposal, which if allowed to proceed, would be an assured success. The works suggested are in themselves most laudable. Some, I understand, would wish to see the front towers of the Cathedral completed; some would prefer the foundation of a Catholic College within the University of Melbourne"; and some would desire the establishment of a largo permanent fund for the support of primary educa-. tion. These are all admirable objectsj the attainment of which is most desirable. But I wish them to stand on their own merits. When they'are. undertaken I wish them to be undertaken quite impersonally. The truth is that, a few years ago, on tlio occasion of the presentation mado to mc of the unencumbered title deeds of the Cathedral Hall, at a cost of £8000; I resolved novel - again to accept any manifestation of good will which would involve pecuniary sacrifice on the part ot : a most generous people. While, therefore, I feel most fateful for the esteemed kindness which prompted tho proposal, I must decline to' accept any personal compliment. which would increase the demands mado on our people,for religious and educational purposes.—Yours, etc., THOMAS J. CARR, Archbishop of Melbourne, St. Patrick's Cathedral, May 18th.