ADDRESS TO THE REV. FATHER LONGERGAN LATE PASTOR OF THE THAMES.

Thames Star, Volume VI, Issue 1844, 30 November 1874, Page 2

ADDRESS TO THE REV. FATHER LONGERGAN LATE PASTOR OF THE THAMES.

The following flattering testimonial was presented to the Rev. Father Lonergan, late pastor of the Thames, on Mondaylast, at the residence of B. McOonalrl^ "Fsq., Parnell. Father Lonergaii, it yriW* be remembered, was on his way to Europe in March last. wh?n he acceded to a request of the Vicar-General to fill the post held I.y Father Norm at the date of his dea'h, until he could be relieved- In his turn the Rev. Father Lonergan has been relieved by the Rev. Father Chastanion, and the said Father Lonergan will be a passenger by the Mikado to-day. The addre-s will be a beautifully-illuminated scroll, the ■handiwork of a Thames resident -.— Dear Father Lonergan,—The appointment of the 11 cv. Father Ghastanion by his Lordship Bishop Croke having terminated your temporary labours, which you so readily took upon you, delaying your journey to Europe, at the request of the 'Vicar-General, Mr. Hennelly and myself have Icon deputed by the principal Catholics of the Thames to present you with. a.short address, signed by 300 of your congregation, expressive of their respect and esteem for you—l have, &c., Thomas W. Gudgeon. To the Eev. Father LoMerjjari. Rev. and Dear Sir, —We, the under* signed, on behalf of 300 Catholics, resident on this Goldfield, anxious to acknowledge our many obligat ons for the zeal you have ever shewn in the cause of religion, and the piety it has been your earnest desire to instil into us during your short stay in this country, cannot allow you to depart without conveying, to you our grateful thanks for your kind ministrations while amongst us; and the assurance of our prayers that every blessing, both spiritual and temporal, may be showered upon you. Wishing you a prosperous voyage, and safe return to the old country and the friends you left *o Ion? ago to preach the .truths of Catholicity at the Antipodes,-^ We remain, yours, &c, Thomas Watth Gudgeon, D. G. McDonnell, John Hennellt, P. W. Donnelly, William Fought, * John Gillies. Thames, N.Z., November 16,1874.

[beplt.] My Dear Friends, —I am indeed pleased and grateful for the If md and affectionate address you have presented me with this morning. ; It is well known to you all that I never by word or deed courted your approval in what I considered my most sacred duty, but I am conscious of having said hard things, and preached the strict laws of God to the best of ray ability, .without"' fear, favour, or afl'ection, and therefore endeavoured, in the spirit of our holy religion, to aid and assist you in the road to heaven. I have had special and convincing proofs, from time to time, that my unworthy labours were not entirely in vain— that some good and true souls under* stood and appreciated, loved and venerated, aided and assisted me. I did not, however, suspect that so many Catholics at the Thames entertained such feelings towards me—that I was so deeply respected by even other denominations in so short a time. . . . May I request you, gentlemen, to convey to all my friends at the, Thames my.. most sincere thanks and best good wishei, and that in return for all the gratitude I received at their and your hands and hearts, I promise, as a priest, never to forget you at the altar of God. —I am, &c, Thomas A. Loheegait. Parnell, Auckland, Feast of St. Clement, November 23rd, 1874.— N.Z. Herald.