SILVER JUBILEE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17871, 12 June 1926, Page 8

SILVER JUBILEE.

Twenty-five years of work marked an epoch in the life of a priest, said Bishop Brodie, at the final celebration of the stiver jubilee of the Rev Father J. P. O'Connor as a priest, at the Selwyn Street Hall recently. Father O’Connor's labours at Addington in the last six years had brought about a great, advance in the district, and he was sure that Father O’Connor was deeply* gratified that his work had been blessed so abundantly. There was a great bond between the priests and people, and the large crowd that evening proved it beyond doubt. Fie joined with thent all in their expressions of goodwill and appreciation of their priset, who. he hoped, would continue still to rise in the estimation of the parishioners. In presenting Father O'Connor with a substantial cheque, Mr H- Sloan said it wate the wish of every parishioner that their priest would be with them long enough to celebrate his golden jubilee. speeches of thanks and congratulation were made by Father O’Connell (St Mary’s Church), Father Creed (of Leeston, who was ordained with the guest of honour) and Father Quinn .(on behalf of the young priests). Father O'Connor spent ten years of his ministry at Ross, the parish being the largest in the Dominion. The work, which took him right into South Westland, he said, was often dangerotis, because of flooded rivers. He had been happy there, and also at Addington.