Archbishop McKeefry Welcomed By Catholic Parishioners Last Night

Wanganui Chronicle, 13 October 1948, Page 4

Archbishop McKeefry Welcomed By Catholic Parishioners Last Night

A plea to the Catholic people of Wanganui to re-dedicate themselves to the standard of the Cross was made by the Most Rev. Peter McKeefry, coadjutor Archbishop of Wellington, last night in St. Joseph’s Hall, when a sincere and warm welcome was given him on his first official visit to Wanganui. Associated with His Grace were the Parish Priest, th'e Rev. Father M. J. Burke, S.M., the Mayor (Hon. W. J Rogers, M.L.C.), and Mr. J. F. Croasdale, representing the Catholic laity of Wanganui.

The need for Christian principles was emphasised by His Grace. The state of Europe today was not due to God, but to men who have rejected the counsels of God and have adopted the council’s of Godless men, he added.

“The last century was one of betrayal,’’ said Archbishop McKeefry. Men in large numbers withdrew their allegiance to God and had set themselves up as leaders of the people and their pernicious doctrines had sown the seeds of disaster which had overtaken the world in the present century.

tor the Christian today, there was no middle road. One had either to be for Christ or against Him. His Grace recalled the faith of the pioneers and said though they lacked worldly possessions they were imbued with a deep and lively faith in God. If they were proud of their Catholic heritage today they owed it to the pioneers who gave Goa first place in their lives.

The Archbishop expressed pleasure at the warm welcome given him and said he was sure of the co-operation and loyalty of the parishioners of the city and district. He was welcomed by Father Burke, the Mayor, and Mr. Croasdale.

During ‘he evening items were given by a sextette (Mrs, C. Dudley. Misses M. Row, V. Jeffries, M. Dobson, N. Luxlord, and I. Morgan), and Mr. T. Leary and Miss Jeffries. The accompaniments were played by Mrs. J. P. Lennon. Tonight Archbishop McKeefry will administer the sacrament, of confirmation in St. Mary's Church.