BISHOP GRIMES'S SUCCESSOR.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15449, 30 November 1915, Page 6

BISHOP GRIMES'S SUCCESSOR.

[MONSIGNOR BRODIE, OP AUCKLAND, APPOINTED. SEKTCH OF THE NEW" BISHOP'S CAREER. (special to "the rnEss.") AUCKLAND. November 20. Bishop Cleary, Bishop of Auckland, received tho following cablo message this morning:— ''His Holiness tho Pope lias appointed Monsignor Brodie, of Parnoil, Bishop of Christchurch." Tho Bishop-designate of Christchurch is a New Zealander, having boon born at Coromandel 43 years ago. His early education was pained at the Marist Bros.' School in Ponsonby, and, being intended for the priesthood, ho was then sent across to tho Manlv Seminary. Sydney, the rector of which at that time was tho present head of tho church in Dunedin, Bishop Verdon. Educated for work in tho Auckland diocese. Father Brodie, was ordained on his return to this city by tho late Bishop Lonihan, between 17 and IS years ago, and was stationed at St Benedict's as assistant priest. Later be went to Puhoi. being placed in charge of tho parishes of Puhoi and Helensvillc, and after working in that district fo r two years, wa s transferred to Waihi. While there ho was raised to tho position of Archdeacon, but o\erwork brought on a severe illness, necessitating his relinquishing tho Waihi charge after holding it for ten years. Father Brodie than went on a recuperating visit to Australia, and on his return was elevated to tho dignity of Monsignor and was subsequently appointed Vicar-General, and in tho absence of tho Bishop, was Administrator of the Auckland Diocese. Shortly after his health had been restored, Monsignor Brodie took charge of St. Patrick's Cathedral as Administrator, and from there he was transferred to his present parish of Parnell. The. newly-appoiutcd Bishop of Christchurch is a most devout and zealous ecclesiastic, and is regarded as a very methodical, careful, and capablo Administrator. Ho is most unassuming in manner and of an exceedingly kindly and genial disposition, being at all times very approachable. Monsignor Brodio's friends are numerous, not only in the Dominion, but throughout Australasia, and his appointment will give the greatest satisfaction to tho hierarchy, priests, and people of tho church in New Zealand. Monsignor Brodie was a prominent member of tho Hibernian Society. He has always taken an activo interest in athletics, having been a member of the Auckland Rugby Referees' Association, of which he is now an honorary member.

AN APPRECIATION.

In a statement rnado to a representative of "'Jno I'rcss" last evening, tuo Very Her. Chancellor i'rico 6aid that mo announcement tnat his Holiness t-opc Benedict -vV. had appointed to succeed the late lamented Bishop. Grimes, .Uonsignor Aiatuiew Jo&epn iii-ouie, wouid uo received witn unfeigned joy and satisiaction by tno cleigy and'laity ot tne Catholic diocese of Christchurch. The Bisnop-eiect, said Cnanceilor Price, was born in Auckland a little over forty years ago, and will be, consequently, the youngest bishop in the .Dominion. Ho was amongst the most distinguished of the first native-born Australasians to enter the newly-established seminary of St. Patrick's, Manly, Sydney. Here ho completed his theological and philosophical studies. As a student ho had a most distinguished career, and was tho leader in all his classes. Ho excelled in all the manly pastimes comprised in the school recreations, and won for himself the confidence both of his superiors and his fellow-student. At that time Dr. Verdon, now Bishop of Dunedin, was headmaster of the seminary, and the future Bishop of Christchurch won the esteem of headmaster and of tho students by his exact observance of college discipline, by his deep religious spirit, and by his unfailing kindness to all.

In 1898 ho was ordained priest by Bishop Lenihan, and after being for some time assistant priest at St. Benedict's, Auckland, ho was appointed first parish priest of "Waihi, the well-known mining centre, which had previously been an out-station of Paeroa. Father Brodic's administration was very successful. His church buildings, upon which he spent much of liis privato means, were spoken of far and wido for their neatness and order, and his schools for their efficiency. Hib pastorate of Waihi coincided with the period of industrial unrest, now happiiy ended, and throughout the struggle Father Brodie, by his disinterestedness, by his courageous assertion of Christian principles, and by his efforts towards conciliation, won tue esteem of all.

On the advent of Bishop Cleary, Father Brodie was appointed Administrator of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland, and Vicar-General of the diocoso. Later ho was made irremovab!o Kector of Parnoll. On the recommendation of Bishop Cleary, Father Brodie was raised bv his Holiness Pope Pius X. to the dignity of domestic prelate, on which occasion he received the congratulations from clergy and laity throughout the Dominion. Yesterday Dean Hills, who has been Administrator of the Diocese sine© the lamentable demise of Bishop Grimes, received telegraphic advice of Monsignor Brodie's selection from his Grace Archbishop Redwood, and from Bishop Cleary. Dean Hills and many of the clergy and laity telegraphed their congratulations to the Bishop-elect. THE CONSECRATION. Nothing is definitely known yet as to when and where Consignor Brodio will bo consecrated. It is thought likely that the ceremony may take place in TVellinpton, and be conducted by Arehbishoo Redwood. This matter rests with the Bishop-elect.