CHURCH LEADERSHIP.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 August 1935, Page 6

CHURCH LEADERSHIP.

The report of the ceremony that took place in Wellington this week, at which the leadership of the New Zealand section of the Catholic Church by Archbishop O’Shea was formally confirmed, would be read with much Interest throughout Taranaki. Although not a native of the province Archbishop O’Shea spent many of his formative yearn in South Taranaki, and his career has been watched with interest and appreciation by many who are not members of his church. He has succeeded to the highest office in the Dominion that church can bestow, and no higher tribute than that could be paid to his character and capability. Leadership of an important branch of the .Church Universal is one that calls for high qualities in many spheres of life and work. To-day there are many questions, that in earlier years would have been considered outside the range of the church's activities or influence, upon which the counsel of its leaders is appreciated. It goes without saying that this attitude of the general public has added Considerably to the responsibilities attaching to leadership. Archbishop O’Shea’s career has demonstrated clearly his ability to accept those responsibilities, and his desire to foster any movement which makes for the advancement of his church, for better citizenship, and for the progress of the Dominion. A leader who brings to a heavy task faith in his teaching, high qualities of learning, experience in administration, and the assured loyalty of the members of his church is likely to enhance any Office to which he is appointed. The hope will be general throughout the Dominion that Archbishop O’Shea will have many years of happy and successful leadership.