WELCOME RETURN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22974, 28 February 1938, Page 14

WELCOME RETURN

FATHEIt SCHAEFER VISITOR FROM ROME MANY YEARS IN DOMINION One of the most interesting and, to the Catholic people of New Zealand, one of the most welcome visitors to the centenary celebrations is the Very Rev. Father W. J. Schncfer. S.M., of Rome, who arrived by the Wanganella on Saturday. Father Schaefer is attending the centenary celebrations as the 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. For many years Father Schaefer was one of the most distinguished Marist Fathers working in the Dominion. He ivas in New Zealand for 33 years. Ho came to New Zealand as an ecclesiastical student and completed his studies for the priesthood at the Marist Fathers' Seminary at Meeanee, where he was ordained in 1904. Career as Teacher

Father Schaefer rendered distinguished service as a teacher at St. Patrick's College, Wellington, and thousands of students benefited by his outstanding erudition and culture. He also occupied the position of Procurator at Mt. 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 service to the Society of Mary as one of its most distinguished priests was recognised by his appointment as an assistant at the headquarters of the society at Rome, and it is from Rome that he comes as representative of the Superior General, the Very Rev Dr. Rieti, S.M. Musician and Architect An accomplished musician and an architect of more than ordinary ability Father Schaefer enriched the Catholic Church in New Zealand with his deep learning and amazing versatility. He has trained many ecclesiastical students in Gregorian chant and conducted tho special choir of priests which sang at the Solemn Pontifical Requiem Mass at the obsequies of the late Archbishop Redwood. As an architect he has designed and supcrvisted the construction or installation of ornaments and windows for many chapels and churches, while he has also designed and supervised the assembling of grand organs. . Father Schaefer expressed his delight at being afforded tho opportunity of revisiting New Zealand, which he had grown to love during his 33 years in the Dominion and he intends remaining hero for about three months. He referred to the excellent progress made by New Zealand students in Rome and will take back to Rome an account of the centenary celebrations.