ABIDING MEMORY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22987, 15 March 1938, Page 12

ABIDING MEMORY

APOSTOLIC DELEGATE J A FAREWELL MESSAGE GOODWILL IN AUCKLAND "LOVELY AND FREE LAND" Gratitude for tho kindly receptions accorded liim in Auckland and appreciation of cordiality and goodwill extended during the recent Catholic centenary celebrations are expressed in the farewell message of His Excellency tho Apostolic Delegate, the Most Rev. Dr. J. Pauico, who leaves on his return to Sydney by the Awatea to-day. His Excellency will bo accompanied by Monsignor T. J. King and tho Kev. Dr. P. McCabe, M.S.C., members of his staff, and other prelates and priests who liavo been attending tho celebrations. "As I leavo New Zealand I wish to express my deep appreciation of the hospitality which, as the representative of tho Sovereign Pontiff, 1 have received since my arrival here a little more than a fortnight ago," said His Excellency. "I recall with feelings of gratitude tho memorable reception op the morning of my landing to take an immediate part in the Catholic centenary celebrations of a great event in our religious history. Ooncord and Unity "Quickly followed tho public greeting from tho civic authority and tho people of Auckland, and tho cordiality and goodwill displayed on that occasion will be for mo a very pleasant and abiding memory. I. thanked you all for it then —I again sincerely thank you, and mingled with my grateful thoughts aro my earnest prayers and wishes that concord and unity may ever prevail between Church and State in your lovely, free land, "I appreciate to tho full the cooperation of all your public services. Their officers courteously and successfully helped us during the important day's of our ceremonies. The press has been generous both in 'word and picture' arid has provided an admirable record and worthy memorial of what is now history. A Memorable Day "My visit to Totara Point, accompanied by the distinguished ( Hierarchy and clergy of the two Dominions, has been designated by the press as ' a memorable day.' It was, and shajl so remain in tho minds of us all, as well as in that of the noble Maori race, •who recalled in the celebrations tho dawn of their spiritual regeneration at tho hands of that intrepid Christian hero, Bishop Pompallier. "I wish New Zealand well, and to my blessing I attach the hope enshrined in the words of one of your great statesmen that her people, with a firm reliance upop the laws of God, may proceed 'by paths of peaceful prosperity to the fruition of an enduring civilisation.' "