BISHOP REDWOOD'S VISIT TO HOKITIKA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume X, Issue 499, 3 November 1882, Page 5

BISHOP REDWOOD'S VISIT TO HOKITIKA.

(The West Coast Times Oct. 25.) His Lordship Dr. Redwood, Bishop of Wellington, arrived her.} at six o'clock yesterday morning, by the steamer Cdarles X iward. He was met at the wharf by the Key. Father Martin, pastor of St. Mary's, i and a number of Catholic gentleman of this town. Father Martin was soon on board the steamer and warmly welcomed his Lordship, after which the gentleman in attendance were introduced to him, aud were most kindly received. After a short delay Bishop Hedvqo^d came ashore, and entering Mr. J. Clarke's buggy, was driven by' that gentleman to St Mary's Presbytery, being closely followed by another | buggy with the members of the Church Committee. The outer gate of the entrance to the church and the porch of the church were both respectively decorated witn evergreens. It had beau arranged that at 11 o'clock an address of welcome was to be presented to his Lordship, and accordingly at that hour a large number of the Catholic body were present to show their esteem and veneration for his LonJship, the children, boya and girls, mustering in strong force, thero being not less than 300 of them present. The children were ranged on both sides of the gravel walk, from Father Martin's residence, to the church doors. They were neatly attired, and looked the picture of good health. The good nuns of the Convent were also preaenr, and with admirable good taste hud the children arranged in the bjsc of order. The Bishop, in full canonicals, and with crosier in hand, attended by Father Martin, walked from the house of the reverend pastor, proceeding down the path, lined on botn sides by children, to the porch of the church, where, after a few minutes time, he was re.-idy to receive the address. Mr. P. Dungan then came forward and read the address, which ran as follows : — " My Lord,— With feelings of the greatest veneration and dolight we, the Catholicsof Hokitika, unite in one accord to heartily welcome your arrival once more amongst us. Your presence here to-day we hail with inexpressiblegratitude; for is it not the visit of a father to his children, of a chief pastor to his flock 1 '' As a prelate of the Church of God your visit to the West Coast is always a source of greatest happiness, while your transcendent ability and zeal have rendered your name hallowed, and your porson revered by your faithful children throughout your diocese. ',' We wish to couvey to your Lordship our appreciation of your unceasing labours- in the furtherance of Catholic interests, and it is impossible for us to recount all the good deeds of which we are the recipients. There is, however,' oae boon above all' others for which we would again desire to thank your Lordship most heartily ; we alludki to the establishment in our midst of the order of the Siaters of Mercy, whose labours in inculcating to our children the highest doctrines of Christian morality, together with all the acquirements suited for temporal pursuits, can meet ample reward only at the bands of our Divine Master. " We remain, your Lordship's most devoted children." After the address was read it was handed to liis Lordship. He then entered the church, accompanied by Father Martin, and taking up his place within the altar rails, where for some little time he was engaged in prayer. His Lordship addressed the congregation, thauking them for their,kind address. He said that he was unworthy of the high encomiums passed upon him. It was the high and. holy position that he occupied. That alone could claim their warm love and unswerving devotion. He was glad to see them once more, and

had to excuse himself for so late a visit, but many things occurred to prevent hia visiting them eariier. He then proceeded with a brief discourse full of homely and touching elnriuence, pointing to the love of God above all things, the heinousness of sin, the Christian duties of life, the necessity of receiving <>ften and worthily, the Sacraments of the Church, and concluded by imparting his blessing upon themselves, their homes and thehr families. It is worthy of mention that the address was beautifully engrossed and illuminated, and was the creditable handiwork of the Sisters of the Convent.