Former Highden Rector Attends Centenary

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 49, 28 February 1938, Page 6

Former Highden Rector Attends Centenary

FATHER SCHAEFER AT AUCKLAND • Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. One of tho most interesting aud to the Catholic people of New Zealand one of the most welcome visitors to the Catholic Centenary celebrations is Very Rev. Father W. J. Schaefer, S.M., of Rome, who arrived by the Wanganella on Saturday. Father Schaefer is attending the centenary celebrations as representative of the Superior-General of the Society of Mary, and his visit is of deep significance, as the first missionaries who accompanied Bishop Pompallier in the mission fields of New Zealand were members of the Society of Mary. Father Schaefer is no stranger to New Zealand. For many years he was one of the most distinguished Marist fathers working in the Dominion an* he rendered distinguished service as a teacher at St. Patrick's College, Wellington. He also occupied the position of procurator at St. Mary's Seminary, Greenmeadows, and was later rector and master of novices at St. Mary’s, Highden, Palmerston North. About two years ago Father Schaefer's outstanding service to the Society of Mary as one of its most distinguished priests was recognised by his appointment as assistant at the headquarters of the Society at Rome.