THE O'CONNELL MEMORIAL CHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XI, Issue 48, 28 March 1884, Page 23

THE O'CONNELL MEMORIAL CHURCH.

(From the New York Telegram.) The idea of commemorating Daniel O'Connell by the erection of a church is not new ; it was suggested many years ago by Dr. Petrie, the antiquarian, but no effect was then given to the suggestion, and possibly, but for the revival of the scheme lately by an American priest, Father Lynch, of Lakeville, Conn., and an Australian gentleman, Mr. Healy, of Melbourne, none ever would have been given. Seeing that the church at Lahirciveen was falling to pieces from age and neglect, they proposed to Canon Brosnan, the parish priest, that Catholics the world over, Irish or non-Irish, should be asked to co-operate io the great work of rebuilding it in a way worthy of the " Emancipator." Canon Brosnan took tue matter up immediately, and wrote to several Bishops, members of Parliament, and other prominent Catholics for assistance. Among the earliest to respond weie Cardinal McCabe, Cardinal Manning, Archbishop Croke and liishop Biggins, who gave the scheme their heartiest approval. Cardinal McOabe said that the " connection of the church with the memory of the man who won brilliant and bloodless victories for his conntry aud her religion " gave it '• the strongest claims on all who love Ireland with a love that God can bless and the spirit of O'Connell can adopt as his own." Cardinal Manning was even less reserved in his approbation, and said : •' I wish I could help you lirgely, but I rejoice to put even one stone into the wall of the church at Cahirciveen, by the birthplace of Daniel O'Connell, to whom we Catholics of England also owe so much." Tour correspondent has been shown a number of similar letters from eminent Irishmen, Koglishmen, and Scotchmen, all professing the deepest interest in the idea, and many proving the sincerity of their professions by enclosing cheques or bank notes. Among other communications is one from Cardinal Newman. On reaching Koine Canon Brosnan, together with Mgr. Kirby, rector of the Irish College, and Dr. Quin, Bishop of Bathurst, obtained a private audience of the Holy Father aud asked him to bless the undertaking. Aa eye-witness of the interview tells your coi respondent that nothing cuuld have been more cordial thau the j-eception given the deputation. Jl Some time ago Father Fitzgerald sailed for the United States to endeavour to raisa subscriptions and obtain the aid of the American clergy. It is also propoted to send somebody to Australia to help the work. The American Bishops in Rome have given ie their approval, more or less heartily, and Bishop xiyan will, if time permits, probably preach a sermon here in aid of the fund. He will do well not to choose St. Salvatore in Onda for the purpose, as |the

average collection made there is, it appears, five cente. Even when Bishop Ryan preached, the total amount taken was only thirty-six lire— a magnificent and altogether unprecedented result in the eyes of the Romans present. The estimated cwt of erecting a church on the model suggested by the architect— Mr. Ashlin (who built Queenstowa Cathedral)— is so far 150,000d015. Towards this about 10,000dols. only has been subscribed or promised. If sufficient money can be raised the edifice will be crowned by a stone roof, which is necessary on account of tno violent storms which rage on the coast of Cahinjiveea and the adjoining telegraph station Valencia. The tower and steeple will be 160 feet high, and the length of the church, which, acording to the designs of Mr. Ashlin is to be a handsome Gothic structure, will probably be about 180 feet.