New Bishop Consecrated

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29908, 23 August 1962, Page 14

New Bishop Consecrated

"The Press" Special Service

AUCKLAND, Aug. 22. In a centuries old ceremony, the Most Rev. Dr. O. N. Snedden, of Auckland, was today consecrated as titular Bishop of Acheloo, a former Christian province in Greece, by the Catholic Archbishop of Wellington and Metropolitan of New Zealand (the Most Rev. P. T. B. McKeefry). St. Patrick’s Cathedral was crowded with members of the clergy and the public. Bishop Snedden’s family, who came from many parts

of the North Island, were also present. Bishop Snedden’s cloak was of white and gold with a green cape and gold symbolic crosses.

A splash of colour was provided by the purple frocking of visiting bishops and the gold and white of daffodils and lilies decorating the altar.

The officiating clergy were Archbishop McKeefry, the Catholic Bishop of Auckland (Archbishop J. M. Liston) and Bishop J. P. Kavanagh, of Dunedin. The assistants to the bishopelect were the Rev. M. Kenefick and the Rev. J. Maquire. The notary who read the Bull of appointment from the Pope was the Very Rev. B. Courtney, rector of the Holy Cross College, Mosgiel. In the sanctury were the Most Rev. R. J. Delargey, titular Bishop of Hirina, Monsignor A. J. Mcßae, Monsignor D. Finnerty, representing the Bishop of Christchurch, and the Rev. P. Mataia, representing the Bishop of Fiji. Also present were the Rev. H. Davis, of Manly Seminary. Sydney, the Very Rev. J. Mannlx, provincial of the Society of Mary and the Very Rev. J. P. Wilkinson, provincial of the Vincentian Fathers.

The ceremony commenced with procession of the clergy into the Cathedral and the Papal bull was read. Then the bishop-elect was subject to the 17 questions of interogation in which he confessed his faith according to the Apostolic Creed. Mass was celebrated by

Archbishop McKeefry before the laying on of hands.

In an atmosphere of great solemnity Bishop Snedden’s hands were annointed and the blessing given by the dedicating archbishop. Then the new bishop received the episcopal insignia—the golden crozier, gloves and mitre. When the Mass continued, with Bishop Snedden taking part. The most impressive moment o< all came when the new bishop, in full regalia left the altar and, escorted by Archbishop McKeefry and Archbishop Liston, walked the nave of the Cathedral and blessed the congregation.