BISHOP CLEARY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXI, Issue 15334, 17 June 1910, Page 6

BISHOP CLEARY.

Tiieris is an old adage which proclaims that “money goes where money is,” and Auckland, on its own modest admission, is already so blessed with tho bounties of Nature and the beneficences of its individual enterprise that it is not surprising to find that it is to be enriched spiritually. The selection of Hr Cleary as Bishop of Auckland, in succession to Bishop Lcnihan, was not unexpected, and it will be vory widely applauded. In a

country which prides itself on its strict uiißcctarianism and where the Protestant lion is at peace with the Roman Catholic lamb there could bo no more popular appointment. There is a retnarkablo prophecy by Mark Twain that will bear revival in connection with the annonn.cemon.fc wo publish this morning. When he vi-sited New Zealand tho great humorist had “an antipodean journey ” in tho company ol Father Cleary, whom he described as “a lovable man” and as an earnest and zealous priest. “He will rise,” ho predicted; “he will be a bishop some day; later on. archbishop; afterwards a cardinal; finally an archangel.” This inspiration is well on its way to fulfilment. though the genial prophet has not lived to see tho justification of his foresight. We are not concerned with the appointment from a religious point of view—that is entirely a mat- ■ tor which rests with tho new bishop’s ■civil community—but Father Cleary is moro than a priest. As editor of the “New Zealand Tablet” for many years he has proved himself to be an able scholar and a vigorous journalist, and in his personal capacity ho has worthily upheld tho traditions of his high profession and his delightful race. There are people of all conditions and of all sects who have treasured the friendship of the leaders of tho Roman Catholic Church and who count it as one of the blessings of a free and enlightened country. If Father Cleary makes as good a bishop as ho lias been a man his people and the community will have abundant reason to rejoico at his advancement.