DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATED

Southland Times, Issue 24576, 27 October 1941, Page 4

DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATED

REV. FATHER O’NEILL 60 YEARS A PRIEST The diamond jubilee of his ordination as a priest was recently celebrated in Limerick by the Rev. Father James O’Neill, who was well known some years ago in Waikiwi and before that in the Milton district. Born in the fifties of last century, Father O’Neill came to New Zealand in 1881. Although at that time he had not attained the canonical age for the priesthood, a special dispensation was obtained from Rome and he was ordained the same year. His was the first ordination of a priest in the South Island. In 1884 Father O’Neill was appointed to the Milton parish and he remained there for 25 years—until 1909, except for a period of 13 months which he spent on holiday in Ireland. A big man, he possessed boundless energy and that and his kindly spirit endeared him to the settlers in his extensive parish. He was instrumental in having churches built at Milton, Waihola, Kaitangata and Owaka, and the convent and school at Milton. He also endowed the church at Balclutha.

In 1909 he left Milton and went to Ireland where he remained for two years. He next served in a diocese in Western Australia for about five years and then, returning to New Zealand, was appointed in 1916 to the Waikiwi parish. He was there for a number of years and then went to Sydney, where he was an invalid for a considerable time.

After his recovery he returned to Ireland, where he has lived since. His influence was always great and he is still held in affection by those who knew him. There are many who recall his activity in church affairs and his great store of anecdotes.