FINE EXAMPLE

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

FINE EXAMPLE

TEIBUTE BY THE POPE LOYALTY AND DEVOTION MESSAGE BY DELEGATE APPRECIATION OF WELCOME Rarely lias a welcome of equal fervour been granted a speaker in Auckland than that accorded the Apostolic Delegate, the Most Rev. Dr. J. Panico, when ho rose to reply to the reception tendored him at the Town Hall gathering last night. His obvious geniality as he waited patiently for the uproar to subside only served to increase tho wave of vociferous enthusiasm. " My heart is deeply stirred by the touching words of your welcome and I cannot fully express the intense feeling of sincerity which accompanies my thoughts," he said. He referred to the people's loyalty and allegiance to the Holy Father, whose representative he was, and who had sent a special word of acknowledgment and regard. Message from Pope On the eve of his departure from Rome, the Supreme Pontiif, as administrator of the Catholic world, and the Vicar of Christ for all his children in every land, had spoken feelingly of the people in tho Dominion. He- had said that the Apostolic Delegate was going to a land which was far removed from the chair of Peter, but, although they were so far from him, they were very close to his heart. His Holiness had asked him to tell the people of New Zealand that he knew of their attachment, devotion and admirable generosity in support of all his works. His Excellency said he confessed that these words moved him more than he could say and ho had waited for an opportunity of giving New Zealand Catholics this message from the Holy Father. " Another Glorious Page "

Archbishop Panifco referred to the publicity given the New Zealand Centenary by the Osservatore Romano, tlie official organ of the Holy See, and said his own report of the celebrations would surely give great pleasure to the paternal heart of the Holy Father, distressed as it was by diabolical persecution which the church was enduring in soma of the old countries of the world. They desired to be considered as civilised countries because of their history and tradition, but this new land was giving them an example of the true civilisation.

His Excellency spoke of the associations brought to mind by the presence of the officers of the Jeanne d'Arc and Ea id a tribute to the pioneers of the nth in the Dominion and their worthy successors. Bishop Liston, in particular, had laboureel during the past two years for the success of the celebrations and they were enjoying the fruits of his work in this important spiritual festival, it would write another glorious page in the history of the Church in New Zealand and especially in that of the Diocese of Auckland. Distinguished visiting prelates who also replied to the welcome were the Archbishop of Tuam, the Most Rev. Dr. T. Gilmartin. the Archbishop of Melbourne, the Most Rev. Dr. D. Mannix, and the Bishop of Oklahoma, City, the Rt. Rev. Dr. F. Kelley. LOYAL MESSAGES THE king and the pope CATHOLIC PEOPLE'S HOMAGE On the occasion of the Catholic Centenary messages expressing the homage and loyalty of the Catholic l)oopic of New Zealand to His Majesty the King and His Holiness the Pope were despatched yesterday, the first through the Governor-General, Viscount Galway, and the second by cablegram to the Vatican. The text of the message to the Governor-General is as follows: "I should be grateful if Your Excellency would transmit this message of homage to His Majesty the King:— " ' The Catholics of New Zealand, bishops, priests and people, now solemnly commemorating in Auckland the beginnings of the Catholic Faith in this country one hundred years ago, ask Your Majesty to accept the expression of their deep loyalty and respect and the assurance of their prayers for the happiness of Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Queen.' (Signed) .Tames M. Liston, Bishop of Auckland." The cablegram to His Holiness the Pope reads: — " The Archbishop and Bishops of New Zealand, in their own jifnie and on behalf of prelates, clergy, religious and faithful now commemorating under the presidency of His Excellency the Apostolic Delegate the first centenary of the Faith in our land, humbly and respectfully offer Your Holiness thanks for your gracious message, renew their loyalty and devotion to Your August Person, and ask apostolic blessing for themselves and their country." I