CATHOLIC AFFAIRS AT WINTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VII, Issue 368, 7 May 1880, Page 15

CATHOLIC AFFAIRS AT WINTON.

April 26, 1880. The long-looked-for era of Catholicism dawned on the above locality when his Lordship the Bishop of the diocese appointed the Rev. T. Kehoe as resident priest for the district. Although reading of the appointment in the Tablet, yet many were uncertain as to the real facts until the rev. gentleman in question made his appearance in the locality about Friday last, and to those further off on Sunday the 25th inst. I cannot describe the pleasing countenances of the Catholics present when beholding the face of what they may at once call their own priest, who will visit them as often as possible, so that they need not have to bs begging one of the neighbouring priests, who had plenty to do in his own parish, to come and say Mass for us. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated in the Oddfellows' Hall, and about 20 partook of the Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist. Before the last gospel, the Rev. Father explained the charge given him by his Lordship, and exhorted all his parishioners to be unanimous in anything relating to the furtherance of Catholicism in the district, more especially in the erection of a new church, which he was given to understand from his lordsbip the people of Winton were willing to go on with : also, to show him by their presence at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and by their frequenting the Sacraments that they appreciated his presence in their midst. This he assured the people would be the test by which the progress of Catholicity could be meted out in his mission, and they were to constantly pray for the grace necessary for the accomplishment thereof. He then proceeded to read the epistle and gospel of the day, and dwelt on the gospel for a considerable time, the explanation of which was fully entered into ; and, in a few telling remarks, he impresstd his hearers with truths which, if they only follow them, will put them in the way of obtaining that grace he so urgently exhorted them to pray for. Mass being finished, and the Rev. Father having divested himself of his vestments, Mr. Horan addressed him thus, on behalf of the Catholics in Winton, and in the presence of about 100 of them :—: — Rev. and dear Sir, — In the absence of a written address, which we the Catholics of this part of your mission should have to present you with on this your first appearance amongst us, I trust that you will accept the feelings of this portion of your congregation through one of its members, who, at the eleventh hour, and at the urgent solicitations of all the Catholics he had come in contact with since he arrived in. the township, consented to say a few words of congratulation to your reverence on this our first meeting. Ido assure you, Rev. Father, that I am only re-echoing the voices of the many Catholics in this part of your mission when I most cordially welcome you to our midst and trust the Almighty God may give you the necessary grace and strength to perform the sacred duties entrusted to your calling. The Rev. Father Kehoe replied in suitable terms, and concluded by requesting the Catholics to re-assemble at about 2 o'clock. The people readily acceded to the request, and at the appointed time met. The rev. gentleman explained the object for which he called them together, — viz., to hear any suggestions they were willing to make with regard to the erection of a church. As no one present was able to give any definite information in the matter, and as the old committee had lapsed through effiuxion of time, those present proceeded to elect a new committee, with the following result :— The Rev. T. Kehoe, Messrs. Horan, Butler (Forest Hill), Kerr, Heshion, J. M'Loughlin, M. Butler (Wiuton). P. M'Loughlin, P. Carr, O'Brien, M'Rae, and Mullholland.

The committee met immediately afterwards, and appointed the Rev. T. Kehoe chairman and treasurer, and Mr. Horan secretary. After some discussion on matters affecting the erection of the church, and a vote of thanks to the chair, the meeting adjourned.