WELCOME HOME

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 6 September 1935, Page 7

WELCOME HOME

TO THE REV. FATHER CULLEN, S.M. FUNCTION AT ST. MARY’S lIALL An enthusiastic welcome home (after 12 weeks’ absence in hospital at Wellington) was tendered last night to the Rev. Father Cullen,. S.M., parish priest of Nelson. St. Mary’s Hall was crowded with parishioners and friends. The gathering was presided over by Mr M. O'Sullivan, and with him on the platform were the Rev. Fathers O’Leary and Hendrem. The proceedings were prefaced by a dance, in costume, by the pupils of' St. Joseph’s Parish School, who also contributed spveral enjoyable items to the programpie later in the evening, their performances bearing evidence of very careful training.' When Father Cullen entered the Hail the audience with One accord 1 rose and sang “For he’s a jolly good fellow,” followed bv three ringing cheers. The Rev. Father O’Leary, S.M., in a witty and humorous speech, in vacating his temporary office as parish priest, welcomed back Father Cullen —a man not only esteemed by the Catholics of Nelson, but by the citizens as a whole. Father O 'Leary'said he had been inundated with enquiries as to Father Cullen’s progress from "all sorts arid conditions of men. He would now have a bright and pleasdrit lit tlie presbytery in which to recuperate. In vacating his temporary office he' could not better express his feelings than iii the memorable words of Wolsey —“Farewell; a long farewell to all my greatness,” and lie would resume his more humble duties as curate.

On - behalf of the parishioners, Mr M. O’Sullivan, in a brief yet earnest address, welcomed the pastor home again. The speaker took the opportunity of thanking Father O’Leary and his colleague for their ready help in the palish. The Rev. Father Cullen upon rising to respond was- greeted with warm and continued applause. lie was indeed gfatified to see so large an assemblage present. He felt deep gratitude to Father O’Leary for his able conduct of parish affairs during his absence, and to all the workers in connection with the Queen Carnival, and to all who had supported if; by their funds. The carnival promised to be so great a success and the presence of the Old Girls’ Association added’ to the joy of being in Nelson once again. The musical programme was: Vitetta Bros., Trio (harp, violin, and flute); Ribbon Dance, pupils of St. Joseph’s School; song, Miss B. Aydon; action song (Dutch), pupils of St. Joseph’s School; words of welcome by one of the girl pupils; humorous soiig, Mr E. Berry; dance, by St. 'Joseph’s pupils; song, Mrs Dp Flou; anthem by members of St. Mary’s Choir, ‘‘Sun of my soul, Thou Saviour dear.”

At the conclusion of the musical items, many of which were encored, refreshments were provided by the ladies’ committee.