CARDINAL CERRETTI

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 303, 20 November 1928, Page 2

CARDINAL CERRETTI

VISIT PAID TO AUCKLAND. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Nov. 19. Cardinal Cerretti was present at the laying of the foundation stono of the new wing of the Mater Misericordia Hospital this afternoon and blessed the new project, which will cost £40,000. It was announced that Bishop Cleary had given £SOO, Bishop Liston £IOO and Bishop Brodie, of Christchurch, £SO to the building fund and an expatient an X-ray outfit valued at £IOOO. The collection at the gathering realised £2584 for the - building fund. DISTINGUISHED DIPLOMAT.

One of the Church of Rome’s most distinguished members. Cardinal Bonaventure Cerretti, who was Papal Legato to tho recent Eucharistic Congress in Sydney, arrived in Auckland From Sydney by the Aorangi yesterday. Cardinal Cerretti is not making his first visit to tho Dominion. "When Apostolic Delegate to New Zealand and Australia 15 years ago, he made two trips to New Zealand. The purpose of his visit to New Zealand on this occasion is to meet again his old college chum, Bishop Cleary, of Auckland. His message to the Dominion at tho time of the Eucharistic Congress bore indication of his deep regard for this Dominion. Among other things lie said : “Truly New Zealand is a wonderful land; wonderful in what it lias been; wonderful in what it is. And as Nature seems to have showered her choicest blessings on it, so may the good God send his abundant blessings to its generous and hospitable people.” Cardinal Cerretti, who is 54, has had a brilliant career in diplomatic posts in the Church. He received his education at the Apollinare College, Rome, where Bishop Cleary was educated. His many gifts singled him out for a diplomatic career and he mas appointed to the foreign office at the Vatican. Later, he assumed an important diplomatic post in Buenos Aires, and later still was attached to the Apostolic Delegation in Washington. After three years as Apostolic Delegate to Australia and New Zealand Cardinal Oerretti was recalled to Rome, but not before lie had specially petitioned the Pope to be allowed to remain in these countries. Since 1903 there had been no diplomatic relationship between the Government of France and the Vatican, but at the conclusion of the war the people of Italy demanded it, and Cardinal Cerretti, then Archbishop Cerretti, was appointed Nuncio for France. This position was a most difficult one, but for his brilliance, tact and diplomatic foresight, Cardinal Cerretti became a great success. He was well liked among members of the diplomatic corps in Paris, and at one stage- was dean of the corps. Early in 1926 lie was again recalled to Rome and it was then that he was made a cardinal, a fitting reward for his services in France. The whole of the French nation regretted losing him and among tile honours showered upon him was that of an associate of the Legion of Honour.

Since becoming a Cardinal His Eminence has been engaged in work at the Papal Court. His appointment as Papal Legate for the Australian congress was a happy one. Everywhere lie went Cardinal Cerretti made friends and renewed old acquaintances, and was feted by the Federal Government, the State Governments and the Governor-General, Lord Stonehaven.” Cardinal Cerretti leaves for Vancouver by tire Aorangi to-day on his way back to Rome.