CATHOLIC CHURCH NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XV, Issue 5076, 22 February 1878, Page 2

CATHOLIC CHURCH NEWS.

Tin: Catholic Church in the diocese of Auckland has, since the resignation of Bishop Croke, been without a head, and when, after several years' delay, an offer of the appointment was made to Father Chayrere, he declined the appointment, though it is aaid there was a possibility that he might be nominated archbishop. That the bishopric has been offered to the rev. gentleman named, and that he has declined, are facts which are now recognised, and so far as we can ascertain, great regret is felt by the clergy and members of the Catholic Church in X'ew Zealand that a clergyman so intimately acquainted with the working of Church affairs in this colony Bhould have declined the honour intended to be conferred on him. On the resignation of Bishop Croke, Bishop Morau was appointed administrator of this diocese, but since his acceptance of this trust he has never jet visited the province. He will probably reach here to-day, and remain for some lime in order to inquire into the working of atl'airs in the diocese, and perform those ecclesiastical duties such as continuation, which exclusively belong to his ollice. The appointment of a successor to Bishop Croke in the diocese seems to be as mr removed as ever. The appointment has to be made at Rome by the lV»p;\ or by the cardinals who represent the authority of the Church. Now : t!;ac those high dignitaries are engaged in ■ the question as to who sh'dl lui the future occupant of the i'ap.il t hair, sin d. quo-tions Hue the appointment of a iiishop tor the diocese of Auckland must of coiirsi: stand in abeyance. The clergy ot the dis- ■ triet have no voice even in the nomination J of their future ruler.