DIAMOND JUBILEE SERVICES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 31 March 1930, Page 6

DIAMOND JUBILEE SERVICES

In the morning (.he church was crowded with a congregation that filled every part of the building—drawn from Nelson, the whole of the Waimeas, and from as far afield as Glenhope and the Owen Junction. The choir from St. Mary's was in attendance, as also were ' the altar bovs. The choir was under the conductorsliip of Mr Brulisauer, Mrs Uapper presided at the organ, and at the offertory Miss Bell sang the "Ave Maria." . ln ,_. Solemn High Mass was sung at 10.30, the Rev. Father Seymour, S.AL, being the celebrant and present in the sanctuary also was .His Grace Archbishop • Redwood and the Rev. Father O'Connoll S.M.,'who at the close of the Mass in- • troduced his Grace in a few kindly words of welcome, and gave a brief outline of the records of the church. The opening services took place in May, 1870 and the total cost of the church was £IOB2 18s 10d - ' .' . V-, ■His Grace, in,a characteristic address said how pleased -he was to be with them on this very important occasion. The very sight of the church brought back to him memories of days long past. In connection {with St. Joseph's 'one name above all others-deserved to be held in remembrance by all, that was Father Charyre —a most remarkable man in many ways. He was a fellow student with his Grace in the South of France. A man of keen intellect, and of wonderful powers of persuasion, a fine scholar, ' and an architect of no mean order. He designed the high altar in St: Jpseph's, for instance, a very fine piece of Gothic work; and he was really responsible for the building of the church. He also designed the altar in the old Christchurch cathedral;, He was a man of greatof abounding love for all, especially' for the Maori people. Auckland later needed a bishop, and three names were sent to Rome—Father Charyre's being one of them —and he was eventually . chosen, to fill this position. He went to Rome but he was never consecrated a bishop, and this for conscientious reasons. He could not see that adequate

provision was being made or proposed for ■ the proper carrying on of the missionary ,work amongst the Maoris and he consequently refused the office of bishop and all its attendant dignity. Later ho • became professor of philosophy at St. Paul, Minneosota, U.S.A., and for three years was teacher and the chaplain to a , convent in Paris.

VISIT TO ROME His Grace then in an intimate and a friendly helpful talk told about his experiences on the occasion of his own last , visit to Rome, and his reception by His - Holiness, [ the present reigning Pope—i whom he found to be a human man of : lively temperament and keen wit. He ) both spoke and read English.' He had read his Grace's own reminiscences and he congratulated him on having reached ..so advanced an age and humorously observed "It seems to me you know how to live all right, and I suppose now you can go on living just as long as ever you like.

On leaving the Vatican he was presented by His Holiness with a gold medal—a mark of signal distinction — - and after three-quarters of an hour's friendly conversation was dismissed with '. many warm, helpful and encouraging words. A real live man was His Holiness.

The Archbishop closed his address with a few earnest words: "Keep up the "tradition of the old pioneers. When I was asked to come over for your jubilee I just/ jumped at the chance. I'm glad to be here. Keep ever amongst you the spirit of unity, be true to your church and to yourselves. Keep-from sin. Be good Catholics and practical Christians. 'Don't forget morning and evening prayf ers. A man's life should always be his best sermon. If your life is right you will indeed be the light, of the world, • and the salt of the earth."

His Grace imparted the Benediction and the service concluded with the hearty singing by choir and congregation of "Faith of Our Fathers—Glorious Faith."

ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, WAKEFIELD ADDRESS BY ARCHBISHOP REDWOOD LARGE AND REPRESENTATIVE GATHERING

Yesterday was a memorable day for the Roman Catholic community of the Nelson district, when the diamond jubilee of St. Joseph's Church \t Wakefield was; fittingly celebrated. Added interest was lent to the occasion by the presence of his Grace Archbishop Redwood, who took an active part in the proceedings.