Obituary.

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 19661, 17 March 1936, Page 2

Obituary.

REV. FATHER V. J. DION AX

A BELOVED PARISH PRIEST. J.ln; (loath occurred this morning in I lie Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Auckland, of the Rev. Rather Ferdinand Joseph Dignan, who for tho past few weeks had been suffering from a severe attack of pneumonia. The Rev. Father Dignan was horn in the paris'h of Dysart County, Roscommon, Ireland, in the year 1880. He received the usual education at the local national school, and was then sent to the Durexin Seminary Summer Hill College, Sligo, where for many years he studied classics. lie then entered St. Patrick's Ecclesiastical College, Carlow, where he was ordained in 1904 by the late Most Rev. Bishop Folev, D.D., and was soon afterwards sent out to the Auckland diocese. After his arrival in Auckland he was appointed curate at St. Benedict’s, and fifteen mouths later was appointed curate at Gisborne, which position he occupied for nine months. In 1907 lie was appointed parish priest at Ormond, a country district about ten miles from Gisborne, and in 1912

became administrator to the late Monsignnr O’Reilly at Thames. At the latter's death lie was appointed in charge of the parish of St. Francis, and had held the position of Irremovable Rector from 1916. Seven years ago, on June 12, Father Dignan celebrated his silver ordination, when several functions were held in liis honour, and he was presented with an illuminated address in the form of a silken banner and also a wallet of notes.

As a priest, Father Dignan lived ill the strictest respect of the principles of his Faith, and was beloved by his parishioners. As a man he commanded the respect ot all with whom he came in contact and was held in the highest esteem throughout the Thames district.

Father Dignan’s remains will be brought to Thames this evening and will rest in St. Francis’ Church throughout the night. A solemn Requiem Mass will be offered up tomorrow morning at 11 o’clock, at which His Lordship the Bishop will preside. The funeral will leave immediately afterwards for Totara Cemetery.

CAPTAIN A. DU DEB. (By Telegrapn.—Press Association). AUCKLAND, March 17. The death occurred to-day o Captain Albert Duder, aged 80, former harbourmaster at Aueklnm who has been retired for man; years.