CIVIC RECEPTION TENDERED

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22339, 1 March 1938, Page 9

CIVIC RECEPTION TENDERED

CATHOLICS CONTINUE CELEBRATIONS ADDRESS BY ARCHBISHOP PANICO PLEA FOR HARMONY BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, February 28. The greatest possible enthusiasm marked the civic reception to the Apostolic Delegate, (Archbishop Panico), and visiting prelates in the Town Hall to-day. The hall had been beautifully decorated with flowers, greenery, 'and long blue-and-gold banners, bearing ancient religious emblems. Every seat was occupied, and the dignitaries were greeted with applause and cheers as they entered in procession. The Mayor (Sir Ernest Davis) presided, having on his right the Apostolic Delegate, and on his left the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage). Visiting Archbishops were accommodated with seats in the front row, and also upon the platform were Lady Davis, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, and members of both Houses oi Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition (the Hon. A. Hamilton), and the Hon. Mr Justice O’Regan were present in the audience. In welcoming the Apostolic Delegate and all his visiting colleagues, and offering them felicitations upon tne centenary, the Mayor said that the citizens of Auckland greeted them not only as distinguished participants in the celebrations, but also as leaders of religious thought and ambassadors ot amity and goodwill. The centenary must be recognised by all as a momentous event in the annals of national progress, and the Catholics’ feelings of joy and pride were supplemented by congratulations* upon 100 years of endeavour hi the Dominion. Catholic energy had travelled gicSe by side with the development of New Zealand and had been closely associated with the aspirations of the pioneers, to whom the present-day community owed its existence. The Church’s charitable works stood as a living memorial and constant practical expression of gratitude for the blessings the past had bestowed. Prime Minister Speaks “I count it a great privilege to' be among you to-day, assisting the Mayor in extending the right hand of friendship to the Apostolic Delegate and the dignitaries who have come from far and near for the Catholic centenary,” said the Prime Minister, who was most warmly received. “I assure them that they are among friendly people, I was not always a New Zealander. Just over 30 years ago I came to this country. I was a stranger, and they took me in. (Applause and :aug' ter.) I am sure his Excellency and the dignitaries will find the utmost cordiality among our friendly people, and I hope that in their comparatively short stay here they will have an opportunity to see something of the country, of what we are trying to do in New Zealand, and whether they are all mistakes that we are making, or whether, after all, some may be right.” , Bishop Liston expressed nis sincere gratitude to the Mayor for his ready help and co-operation through months of preparation for the centenary. Sir Ernest Davis, he said, had been their “first and best friend.” Bishop Liston added that the present truly magnificent demonstration of affection and welcome made him proud of his native land and of Auckland. The people of New Zealand nad entered into a rich inheritance and were rising to their opportunities. It was the duty of their leaders _to mould the nation into one which honoured God and served its fellow men. Archbishop’s Reply “This civic reception opens at a touch your door of welcome to me, and as your grateful guest I offer the sincerest expression of my thanks to you, my courteous hosts of Auckland,” said Archbishop Panico, who was greeted with loud applause and cheers when he rose to reply. After referring to New Zealand’s well-known hospitality. which he said was redolent of the climate and beauty of the Dominion. his Excellency remarked that her economic, civil, and social progress stimulated the interest and intention of the observer. “This advancement,” he continued, “is a laudable thing in the people, and, as I have had occasion to say, and will always reoeat, it can be secured and maintained only by the harmony and collaboration of the authorities which novern the life of man earth, tn Church, and the State. This civic action, in which we are the principals to-day. amply illustrates the amity which should evist between the spiritual and temporal powers for the common weal.' The aim of the Ch U rch w to make its adherents faithful to the laws of God. It follows then that her children will be good and loyal citizens of the State which claims their loyalty, for every Catholic, in order to be a good Catholic, rnust, at tne same time, be a good citizen. “The State, for its part, in order to he worthy of the loyalty of its suDjects, has its definite responsibilities to inspire and conduct its government upon principles of justice and liberty, in accordance with the cardinal principle laid down by the Divine Teacher Himself; Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar s and to God the things that are God s. Freedom In Dominion His Excellency recalled that the Governor-General (Viscount Galway), at their meeting in Sydney last month, had praised the work of the Catholic community in New Zealand and in a recent radio message had expressed the hope that he would find reason for congratulation in the _ wonderful progress it had made during its first centU"l am happy to say that these hopes in my regard hive been already realised,” added the Archbishop, ‘and with this pleasing acknowledgement, I take the opportunity of expressing my admiration for the spirit of freedom existing here, which has aided the growth of the Church in this young nation and which may well serve as a shining example to many other countries. , , “In friendly admiration, I applaud the virile race of this young Dominion. They are worthily upholding the traditions of their forefathers and their pride in the past is manifested by their development of primary products. which should ever be a nation’s strength and security. You have your •definite aims and ideals for the promotion of the civil culture and wellbeing of your people, and I pray that Christian standards may, as hitherto.

always govern your onward march as a nation.” ~ , , , Archbishop Panico added a graceiui reference to New Zealand’s dauntless aviatrix and to the successes of the Dominion’s athletes at the Olympic ana Empire Games. , “I renew my heartfelt thanks - for vour greetings of hand and heart” he concluded, “and in return I express the wish, which I frame in your poet s words; ‘May the angel of happiness* remain with you in your youth and in your age, strengthening the weak, and inspiring the strong. May God defend New Zealand,’” The gathering concluded with three cheers for the Apostolic-Delegate and the National Anthem.