FRANCISCAN FRIAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22975, 1 March 1938, Page 13

FRANCISCAN FRIAR

ARRIVAL IN AUCKLAND SUPERIOR OF MONASTERY FUNCTION ON SATURDAY Distinguished among the visitors in Auckland for the Catholic celebrations by his brown Franciscan habit, the participation in the celebrations of the Rev. Father Fidelis Griffin, 0.F.M., bears more than ordinary significance. Besides representing the Franciscans in Australia at the centenary Father Griffin has come to Auckland to stay and he will be the first Superior of the Franciscan Retreat House, the foundation stone of which will be blessed at Hillsborough on Saturday.

Arriving in Australia from Ireland 10 years ago to take charge of the Franciscans in Australia, Father Griffin rapidly developed the work of the Order. As Commissary-Provincial he made great progress and the Order now has over 40 priests and 64 students in the Commonwealth. He spent many years in Waverly. Prior to his departure for New Zealand he was accorded a magnificent farewell presided over by the Most. Rev. Dr. J. Duhig, Archbishop of Brisbane. Father Griffin expressed delight at coming to the Dominion and is looking forward to his work in Auckland. The work will be mainly enclosed retreats for men and boys, while the friars will also preach missions. There will be five friars and two lay-Brothers at the Monastery when it opens.