FRANCISCAN ORDER

Evening Star, Issue 22895, 1 March 1938, Page 13

FRANCISCAN ORDER

FIRST SUPERIOR TAKES PART Distinguished among the visitors in Auckland for the Catholic celebrations by his brown Franciscan habit, the participation in the celebrations of the Rev. Father Fidelis Griffin, 0.F.M., bears more than ordinary signflcance. Besides representing the Franciscans i? Australia at the centenary, Father Griffin has come to Auckland, to stay and he will be the first superior of a Franciscan retreat house, the foundation stone of which will be blessed at Hillsborough on Saturday. Arriving in Australia from Ireland 10 years ago to take charge of the Franciscans in Australia, Father Griffin rapidly developed the work of the order. A§ commissary-provincial he made great progress and the order now has over 40 priests and 64 students in the Commowealth.

Prior to his departure for New Zealand, Father Griffin was accorded a magnificent farewell, the function being presided over by the Most Rev. Dr J. Duhig, Archbishop of Brisbane. Father Griffin expressed delight at coming to the Dominion and is looking forward to his work in Auckland. The work will be mainly enclosed retreats for men and boys, while the friars will also preach missions. There will be five friars and two lay-brothers at the monastery when it opens.

HIBERNIAN BENEFIT SOCIETY

CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY PRELATES Visiting prelates were welcomed and a successful year was reviewed at the opening of the conference of the New Zealand District of the HibernianAustralian Catholic Benefit Society. Mr M. Grimes (grand president) presided and. in welcoming distinguished visitors, referred to the growth of the society. The society in New Zealand now numbered over 5300 members, said Mr Grimes, and there were 80 adult and 10 juvenile branches. An indication of the growth of the society was given by the fact that the fund now stood at over £123,000. “The Hibernian Society’s ideals are the love of God and the love of country,” said Archbishop Duhig, of Brisbane. “We find in Australia a beautiful blend of the love of God, love of the Old Country, and love of the new. It is traditional that the Hibernian Society had its origin in men who defended priests during the celebration of the Mass in the days when there Was persecution in Ireland. I am sure that every bishop can say that now whenever the occasion arises he will find the Hibernians ready to form a guard of honour for him.” Archbishop Killian said he was sure that members were very gratified at the beautiful message Cardinal MacRory had sent the Dominion on the occasion of the Catholic centenary. It was only to New Zealand that the message was conveyed from the Cardinal Primate of all Ireland. Referring to the benefit aspect of the society, Archbishop Killian said that there was no doubt that, on account of the social legislation in some Australian States and in New Zealand, great progress was being made for the support of the sick. Social legislation bestowed material benefits, but it could never supply the spirit of fraternity and love of country as a society such as the Hibernians. The work of such organisations was not material, but spiritual.