THE POPE AND THE IRISH M.P.'S.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 262, 10 May 1878, Page 7

THE POPE AND THE IRISH M.P.'S.

A meeting- of tbe Catholic Members of Parliament was held at Westminster, on Monday, 25th February, to consider an address of congratulation to tbe Holy Father, on his elevation, to the Pontifical Throne. The chair was occupied by Mr. A. M. Sullivan, and there were also present Sir J. M. McKeiraa, Mr. O'Clery, Mr. Gray, Mr. D. M. O'Conor, Dr. Ward, Mr. Collins, Mr. O'Shaugnnessy, Mr. Biggar, Mr. Kirk, and Mr. Redmond. Mr. O'Clery briefly submitted the object of the meeting. It was decided that the following telegram be despatched to the Cardinal Secretary of State :—: — " The Irish Catholic members in the Parliament of Great Britain and Ireland humbly present to the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIIL, tbe expression of their homage and congratulation on Ms elevation to the Pontifical Chair. They desire for his Holiness many years' reigD over the universal Church, .and pray for themselves and. for Ireland, their country, the Pontifical Benediction." The following gracious reply has been telegraphed from the. Vatican : — " Rome, 27th Feb. — To Chevalier O'Clery, Member of Parliament, London. The Holy Father has received, with especial gratification, the -felicitations and good wishes of the Irish Catholic Members of the Parliament of Great Britain and Ireland. v His Holiness returns them his heartfelt thanks, and bestows, from the bottom of his heart, his Benediction on each, one of them, and on Ireland, their country, •' p, Lasacwx, ftySewetory of State,"