SILVER JUBILEE

Evening Star, Issue 21904, 15 December 1934, Page 9

SILVER JUBILEE

REV. FATHER COLLINS

There was a largo gathering of parishioners from the Cathedra], Kaikorai, Mornington, and Holy Name districts on Wednesday in St. Joseph’s Hall to honour the Rev. Father Collins, now in charge of the parish of St. Bernardette, on Ills silver jubilee, and to recognise in a tangible form tho years he had spent amongst them as administrator. Seated beside Father Collins, in a chair of honour, was his mother, his brother and his sister (Mrs M'Carthy) also being present. In the absence of the Bishop, Monsignor Delaney, bishop’s commissary, congratulated the guest of the evening on reaching his silver jubilee, and reminded those present that Father Collins was the first student or Holy Cross College to be ordained priest. Their guest had been a lecturer at tho college for years, and later as administrator he had proved himself worthy of his high office. Dr Rossi ter, present rector of Holy Cross College, also spoke. Mr Richard Thompson read the address which had been illuminated by the Dominican Nuns, and Miss Bessie Gallien presented Mrs Collins with a bouquet of roses. Mr T. J. Hussey presented Father Collins with a cheque from the. parishioners, and mentioned that a special letter of appreciation had been sent from the Syrian congregation, amongst whom Father Collins was much loved. He referred to Father Collins’s sermons, which were always so full of interest and were always so well delivered. . , , Father Collins said that though he had faced these people often before, hover had he felt so nervous. He thanked them sincerely,, but reminded them that popularity was a fickle and transitory thing and foolish were those who trusted therein. He referred to the five who were ordained, with him and thanked them very much for asking his mother to the meeting, as she wasf one of the joys of his jubilee. During the evening musical items were rendered as follows Piano duet, Miss Whelan and Mr Martin; humorous Irish song, Mr Foley; songs—Miss Dillon, Miss Gallien, Mr F. Woods, and Mr Devereaux; cornet solo, Mrßeadle; violin duet, Misses Sligo and Finlayson.