PRESENTATION TO THE REV. FATHER ECUYER.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 172, 25 May 1871, Page 4

PRESENTATION TO THE REV. FATHER ECUYER.

The Rev. J. M. Ecuyer, who, for the past three years, has been much respected amongst us for his unostent>itiou3 piety and charitable disposition, has left the district, having been summoned by Dr Viard, Catholic Biuhop of Wellington, to asasist that gentleman in his diicese. Father Ecuyer's removal to Wellington was ag.vinst the wishes of his people, who memorialised Dr Moran to use his influence with Dr Viard to have him retained. We have seen a letter from Bishop Moran, received by a gentleman of this district, which states that he has coin plied with the wishes of the memorialists, but without success. We subjoin an address, presented in the Lawrence C.itholic Church on Sunday last to the rsv gentleman by his parishioners fn reply to the address, Father Ecuyer stated that he thought it probable he may return to the district. A purse containing fifty sovereigns accompanied the address :—: — " To the Rev Father Ecuyer, P.P.

"Rev and Deir Sir, — On the eve of your departure from ihis district, where 3 r ou have laboured with such commendable z al for our spiri .ual welfare, wn cannot allow the opportunity to pass without giving expression to the sincere and heartfelt sorrow we feel at the separation ; and to assure your reverence that we consider your removal from amongst us as a great spiritual bereavement, not onty from the religious advantages derived from your ministrations, but from the holy example shown us by an exempl.iry life. We respectfully b3jj your acceptance of this purse of sovereigns, which has been hastily subscribed by your ever-devoted parishioners, who, in bidding you an affectiouate farewell, must earnestly pray that the Almighty God and His ever Blessed Mother may bless, protect, and strengthen you in the many trials incident to your holy mission.

In conchision, we beg your reverence's blessing, and subscribe ourselves your devoted children in God. Signed on behalf of the Congregation, Bryan M'Swtnky, Chairman. Lawrence, Otago, New Zealaud, May 21, 1871.