PARISH PRIEST HONOURED

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23052, 21 June 1940, Page 3

PARISH PRIEST HONOURED

FATHER T. HANRAHAN The Rev. Father T. Hanrahan, parish priest of Riccarton, yesterday celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood and received the congratulations and good wishes of a large gathering of fellow priests, and of his parishioners, past and present. Born in New Zealand, Father Hanrahan received his education for the priesthood in Ireland, where he was ordained. He then returned to the Dominion and has since been stationed on the West Coast and in different parishes ifi Canterbury. At his parish church, St. Teresa’s, Puriri street, yesterday, he celebrated High Mass at 10.30. His brother, Father J. Hanrahan, parish priest of Addington. was deacon, Father D. O’Connell, of Alexandra, a fellow student at college, was sub-deacon, and the Rev. Father Gordon Daly (Ashburton) was master of ■ ceremonies. In the sanctuary were Bishop Brodie, who preached the occasional sermon, and the Very Rev. Dean J. J. O’Donnell, of Ashburton. The music of the Mass was sung by a choir of pupils of Villa Maria Convent, Riccarton, with Miss M, O’Connor as conductor and Miss K. O’Connor as organist. The church was crowded and in the congregation were about 40 priests from different parts of the South Island, and from Wellington. - In the evening a jubilee concert was held in honour of Father Hanrahan, in the tea kiosk at the Riccarton racecourse. more than 700 persons being present. Musical items were contributed by the Grail Choir and St. Joseph’s Boys’ choir, Middleton. Bishop Brodie was present, being welcomed by the Rev. Father Joyce, of Riccarton. Bishop Brodie paid a tribute to Father Hanrahan’s fine work in the service of the church. A presentation of a cheque to Father Hanrahan was made by Mr McCone, of Hornby, and the Hon. W. Hayward, M.L.C., who presided.