NEW CATHOLIC PRESBYTERY

Southland Times, Issue 22904, 1 June 1936, Page 2

NEW CATHOLIC PRESBYTERY

Opening Ceremony ADDRESS BY BISHOP WHYTE

Yesterday afternoon a large attendance of local parishioners and visitors from far and near attended the blessing and opening of the new Catholic Presbytery at Riverton by his Loraship Bishop Whyte, of Dunedin. The new building, which is situated on the hillside beyond the township proper, overlooks the Aparima on its placid way to the sea. The Rev. A. Fenelon, in his opening remarks, stated that it was just six years since he had had the privilege of welcoming the Bishop of the diocese and, coincidentally, the purpose of his visit then had been to bless and open the extension of the boarding school. He extended to the Bishop an even more hearty welcome, if that were possible, on this auspicious occasion. The speaker went on to refer to the splendid work done by the architect and the builders, G. Beer and Sons, of Riverton. “I feel that I must make special mention of the generosity and spirit of goodwill that always prevails among the people of the Catholic parish of Riverton,” remarked Father Fenelon. “In conclusion I should also like to mention the broad-mindedness of nonCatholics in Riverton.” Bishop Whyte’s Address. His Lordship stated that though all residents of Riverton would rejoice at the construction of the imposing addition to the town’s architectural beauty, Catholic residents would have special cause for rejoicing as it meant that their priests would have now a home worthy of them. In such an extensive parish priests were due a wellplanned and comfortable home. The amenities now provided for quiet study and restful hours would benefit the parishioners as they would receive, in full measure, the results of the priests’ cogitations. “This Presbytery is called St. Columba’s Presbytery,” Bishop Whyte continued, “and mention of that name brings our thoughts back from modern times, from poison gas and Communism. His teachings are not out of date although he lived in the sixth century, more than 1400 years ago. He was associated with St. David and St. Brigid —all lie buried in the same grave.

“The story of the noble work done by the missionaries of this time is full of romance,” the Bishop continued. “These missionaries journeyed forth with the highest of motives. With meagre fare and a few precious books they travelled to Italy, Switzerland and even further afield to set up Christ in the place of paganism. In the monasteries and schools of Ireland all the learning of the ages had been collected.” Work of Irish Monks. The Bishop went on to comment on the wonderful work done for Christianity by the Irish monks, from the sixth to the ninth century. Columba had gone to lona with six companions to convert the inhabitants of the country now called Scotland. Recently a pilgrimage had been set up in England to visit the island of lona, where 1400 years ago Columba had made his preparations for the spiritual conquest of Scotland. St. Columba had earnestly advocated, his Lordship continued, the retention of that fine body of men known as the bards. Despite the fact that some wrote very strongly, even bitterly, he persisted in his advocacy and as a result the bards became a very honourable body—pure in speech as well as in mind.

His Lordship mentioned the present Irish mission to China. The missioners consisted of Irish priests, including several New Zealanders. The Holy See had given over a portion of China and even some of Burma to these missioners and the present Pope, Pius XL, was taking a keen interest in the project. “May the Holy Ghost influence the parishioners of this diocese and give them light and strength wherewith to become a good and generous people,” his Lordship said in conclusion. Spirit of Fellowship.

The Deputy-Mayor of Riverton (Mr J. A. Martin) congratulated Father Fenelon and his co-workers on the successful completion of such a fine building. He also made mention of the fine spirit of fellowship that prevailed among the various bodies, secular or otherwise, in Riverton. Mr R. J3erndtson gave some interesting details of the early history of the church in Riverton. In 1860, he said, the first priest had visited Riverton and in 1873 a school had been opened. The present church had been opened in 1877, its jubilee having been celebrated in February, 1927. It was of interest to residents that the present site had been given by Mr Donald Cameron, of Nokomai—an early pioneer of the Riverton district.

The Very Rev. Monsignor Howard said the town of Riverton was always associated in his mind with rest and recuperation. He appealed to the parishioners to come to the aid of Father Fenelon and pay off the debt owing on the new Presbytery. During the afternoon the Invercargill Civic Band played appropriate selections.