GOLDEN JUBILEE OF THE VENERABLE ARCHPRIEST GARIN, S.M.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XII, Issue 29, 7 November 1884, Page 25

GOLDEN JUBILEE OF THE VENERABLE ARCHPRIEST GARIN, S.M.

(Nelson Colonist, Oct. 20.) S112lf?IS 1 1 2lf?I Dr * * c i W0 £ d ' B^\° P o£ W&lli *S*»*, who is at present on a visit to Nelson, and who will be present at the banquet to be «,Sf^r mf ? h V n ee le ü brat >°nof the jubilee of the venerable and respected priest who has for jo long enjoyed the esteem of those of all classes and creeds in Nelson, preached special sermons at St Mary s yesterday, having reference to the occasion alluded to In the morning the sacred building was crowded in every part whilst many in vain endeavoured to gain admission in the evening, for though forma were placed in the body of the church there was not room for all. There were services at 7 o'clock and again at 8 o'clock in tbe morning, but at eleven o'clock, Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father Garin, the Rev. Fathers Binsfield and Mahoney actin* as Deacon and sub-Deacon respectively. Tn the afternoon the Bishoo held a confirmation, and in the evening there was the usual service which terminated with the « Te Deum," sung in praise to God and as an acknowledgement of His mercies, and the success of the special celebration of the day. Both at Mass and in the evening the musical portion of the service were efficiently rendered by a welltrained choir. His Lordship tha Bishop preached at the mornin* service, and again at Vespers, the sermon in the evening being a continuation of that delivered in the morning, was an especially eloquent one. [The sermon was that published by us last week.]

BANQUET.

(Conpiled from the Nelson Colonist and the Evening Mail.*) «. /^, b / B<l ? c iT a 8 g « lT £ a ?>* M ?? da y n te ht » O<*. 20, in celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Rev. Frtber Garin, wha entered the priesthood on the 19th October, 1834. The tables were laid in the large room of the Girls, Orphanage, which is 86 feet in length, and a very pretty sight it presented, the walls being very tastefully decorated with evergreens and banners, the principal one of the latter bearing the inscription in golden lettters on a scarlet ground " A Happy Feast Dear Reverend Father," while at the end of the room over the chairman's head was the large portrait of Father Garin presented to him some years ago by the members of his congregation. The tables in themselves with their glittering load of glass, cutlery, and plate, which showed to great advantage among the numerous candlesticks which were ranged from one end to the other formed a sight well worth seeing, and we may here state that the whole of the arrangements, the viands, and the wines, were of the best, and reflected infinite credit on those upon whom had devolved tae work ofonakine all the necessary preparations. The chair was taken by His Lordship the Bishop of Wellington, on whose right hand was the hero of the day the venerable priest who in his capacity as a missionary landed in New Zealand in 1840, and was through all the disturbances in the Bay of Islands, including the battle of Kororareka, in the early days of the Colony. The vice-chair waa taken by His Honor Judge Broad and, owing to the number of citizens who assembled to do honor to the Reverend Father, the tables, although laid for 116, were insufficient to provide accommodation for all who were present. During the banquet music both vocal and instrumental, was provided by the girls attending the High School, a piano for that purpose having been placed in position in the corridor.

The Bight Key. Bishop Redwood, on rising, said he was about to read an address presented to the Bey. Father Garin by all the Catholic clergy of New Zealand, and big Lordship thereupon read the address of congratulation, which was signed by the Catholic Bishops of Uunedm, Wellington, and Auckland, and by and on behalf of all the clergy. The address was received with load applause. His Honor Judge Broad then read an address from the Laity of Neson, offering their sincere felicitation* on the occasion of the Golden Ju»ilee of the Rev. Father Gariu, and which likewise was received with loud applause. Other addresses were presented by the girls attending the Hi»h School, and by the girls of St. Mary's School, and after the readme of wuich four bright little dots presented the Rev. Father with boaquets of white flowers. The last address presented was from the boya of the St. Mary's Industrial School and O.phanage, and it is needles* to say that on the reading of each there was hearty applause. The addresses having been presented, the young ladies sang a chorus composed by the rev. ladies for tbe occasion, we understand " Our voices raise in juoilee."

The Rev. Father Garia now cat the wedding cake which was placed in front of him, and this having been handed rouud tj the guests.

The Bishop said he then rose with very great pleasure, but at the same time with very deep emotions— so deep indeed that he was afraid they would almost paralyse utterauce— to propose the health of their venerable friend. It would be difficult for most of them to enter fully into the feelings that now filled his soul ; the name of Father Garin recalled so many recollections of his (the speaker's) earlier daye, so many tokens of kindness, so .many affectionate corrections, so many endeavours to improve his (the speaker's) mind, and to prepare him for what God in Hi's mercy bad enabled him to attain He could ouly join his voice to that of the whole of New Zealand— there was not a remote corner in the Colony that day where there were not pupils of Father Garin, and not a corner where there were not hearts throbbing with delight at the great celebration they were performing in his honor. (Applause.) It was not only so in New Zealand, but in Australia and England there were many hearts beating high with joy, knowing of their festival. He joined most cordially in the sincere affection and noble feelings of gratitude presented in the various addresses, and was sure they all felt happy in taking part in that social gathering. It was not a political gathering, nor a religious one, but ie was a gathering of friends of every age(luud applause)-of each sex, and of various conditions, forming oue circle round that dear friend, who was the centre of all their affections (Applause.) Therefore thatevening they would reduce the toasts to one,

and coacentratejevery;warm feeling upon Father Garin. The rev. father had rendered vast service in New Zealand, and even far beyond its coufines— he had shown every Christian and every human virtue, and had done so under great difficulties and many hardships. He left his own dear native France years ago, and underwent great dangers to preach the Gospel to the Maoris, and when obedience fixed his destiny in Nelson— words were useless, they all knew what he did. Those buildings told their tale. See how he gathered those children (orphans) from every part of New Zealand and trained them to be good citizens of this country, which they all love I so well, and in which they had such high hopes. (Applause.) He found himself going further than he had intended, and would say no more, because the theme of praise was an embarrassing one as to where to begin and where to end. In looking over the addresses he had noticed what he deemed a mistake. He saw their dear friend addressed as the Bey. Father Garin, and he might there correct it. He had thought the matter over and though it would not exalt him in their esteeem he (the Bishop) would now confer on him what his humility would cause him to decline, but which was due to him for his unceasing services, in religion , education, charity, beuevolence, and every other good word. He (the Bishop) had then to announce that henceforth Father Garin was to be the Very Venerable Archpriest of the Diocese of Wellington. (Loud and long-continued applaus*.) His Loriship then called on the guests to fill their glasses and drink in honour of the very venerable Archpriest. The toast was received with immense enthusiasm, and drank with loud cheers.

The Bishop then said he had to present to the Very Bey. Archpriest a small token, in a substantial form, of the high appreciation manifested towards him. It was a purse of 100 soys.— (applause) presented by persons of all classes, all creeds, denominations, and professions, as a universal token of their appreciation and love towards the Venerable Archpriest. (Applause.) The Venerable Archpriest, on rising to return thanks, was visibly affected, and after the loud and long-continued ; applause which greeted him had ceased, he said that before he responded to the different utterances he wished to express respect to the memory of two great missionaries who had died lately— the Bey. Father Poupinel, who died in France, and Father Forest, who died in Napier. They had worked well in New Zealand, and therefore he wished to show them a mark of respect that night. He also asked their sympathy for the Rev. Father Seauzeau, who would have been present with them but for an accident in which he broke bis leg. He then said • "My Lord and Rev. Father, Ladies and Gentleman,— l am at* a loss to know what to say. His Lordship in his own natural eloquence and learning has given me praise — I never expected such praise. I knew something kind would be said, but not such unbounding words as his Lordship has expressed. la his sermon last night he said he expected I should be angry. I must say I did not deserve such praise, and I don't know how to answer all those who have honored me by their presence on thi* occasion of my golden wedding —l beg to tender my most sincere thanks. When something happens that can only do so once in a lifetime it generally has a sad effect, and so this celebration affects me. It is 50 years since I was promoted to the high position of priest. It brings two feelings, one of joy and gladness, another of fear and hope. When I consider all the blessings and tavours God has heaped npon me in that time, I feel my heart open with gratitude. I have been favoured with extraordinary powers— not bestowed on the greatest people in the world, and only granted to the priest — the power to open the gates of heaven and shut the gates of hell. So for 50 years it has been my pleasnre to open the gates of heaven to hundreds|of childreu and others by baptising in the waters of regeneration. For 50 years I have had to reconcile souls to God, and open the gates of heaven by absolution and the Sacrament of Penitence. For 50 yearj I have had to feed with the bread of life. For 50 years 1 have preached the word, leading to the gates of heaven ; and for 50 years have I administered the Sacraments to the dying, helping them to meet their Lordf in heaven. He continued to say that it was a subject for rejoning that God Almighty had allowed him to do tbi*, and had bean pleased to grant him these favours, but it was not, he said, for his own worth that he had been used as an instrument. He ate > felt fear and hope, for he remembered that St. Paul said " To whom much is committed of him, much shall be demanded. ' Man could see the face, but God saw the heart. When ttwy saw a priest performing his duty, they might say he must be a saint. N.iw, if they saw him even tea times better than he appeared, what ould that prove ? that he was ten times better ? No 1 simply that God had given him ten times more grace to work for his honor and glory, and he might perhaps belike thatsteward, who receiving thatone Talent had hid itjinthe ground instead of using it profitably. God had promoted him for the purpose of preaching the gospel and administering the sacraments ; and he asked himself, then, had he done as God expected 1 He had to preach the Christian vircues— for instance, humility: had been humble, and not felt pride or vanity? Had he always been charitable ? He had a great account to render. Tne veneraoie area' priest then referred to their schools, and said that if thera had been a drawback of late it was on account of the Gjvernment withholiias? the grant. Hs begged them all to work hard for these schools. ELa was not expecting to live miny years more, and would beg as his last word and last will that ttiey would use their bjst abilities t> placa those schools on a solid foundation. la alluding to the Girls' Schools, he said the teachers had worked very hard to effict improvements, and that they had succeeded so far. Tue Inlustriil tijiojls promised to be a great aucces3, and he gave his Honor Mr. Curcis aai his Honor Judge Broad crelit for this. He then expressed hw pleasure at his Lordship's presence, especially as it brju^ac astral together who had lived in thac station (St. Mary's)— his Luriaaip a* student and pupil, their old friend Brother M*ne as awUcaut aul tutor, and his Lordship's humble servant as parish priest, tie venture! to say that ha Ljrdship hal not forgotten tujse d*ys, a.iJ espeonlly when he went for a few days into the country to his loving parent*. Tnat was the time the inspiration entered his young hearty aai he

thought of one day being devoted to sacerdotal dignity. He (the Venerable Archpnest) was then glad to congratulate hij Lordship on the realisation of those happy thoughts and projects, and was the more so that in his Lordship's person they had a most devoted and able prelate of the Church. To the ladieJand gen Semen prStand al l JlOJ 10 nit ,^ ken part n iD J hat cel^ration he returned thanks, whether Catbobcs or non-Cathohcs. He was glad to say that good feelings had always existed between them, and that in Protestants fche had found many well disposed, and many willing to assist them. (Applause). He begged to congratulate their good sisters for what they had done towards their schools. They must not rely on their past records, but look to the future, where they saw strong competition and opposition, against which they must work hard. He had also to return thanks to his dear old companion, faithful Brother Marie, who came to Nelson to reside with him, and who was still living with him. (Loud applause.) He also returned thanks to the several priests who had successfully spent some time in Nelson and esDeciallv to the Bey. Father Binsfield of whose visits in the country districts and whose care of orphans he spoke in the highest terms. He must congratulate his especial friend and worthy confrere, Father Mahoney -loud applause)--whom he had always found devoted to the cause, and always ready to work through bad weather as well as good. Now ?t hey T ere ST g .-° m IH ereat iterations in the Boys' lndustrial School, he hoped the time had come for Father Mahoney to relieve him and take the management of that institution, and he hoped his Lordship the Bishop would approve of tbat idea. He concluded by expressing thanks to the Almighty God for the assistance he has received m doing the work which they had undertaken h.re, so that they had been able to promote their religion and their country. (Loud applause). J v The^ Venerable Arcbpriest, after resuming his seat, immediately rose again to acknowledge their presentation. He said that if they had presented him with a picture it would have needed an expression of opinion, or rfthey had given him a horse he would have had to judge it, but their present did not require an artist to appreciate it aDd money could get either of those things. Their present was a most proper one-(lond applause)-and he thanked them very much for it. Of money they could make a bad or a good use, and he did not see how he could turn it to better advantage than by offering it for the Glory of God. As the Church they had built-they called it Our Church —was not properly designated, as it was not " Ours " so long as there was a debt on it. he gave these 100 sovereigns towards extinguishing that debt. (Loud applause.) v a m - 1 son5 ono l Judge Broad then roße and that his Lordship bad f?aia that they were only to have one toast on the present occasion^ but m spite of all the penalties he might incur by disobeying the prelate of his Church, he would venture to propose a second toast, lhey would all feel that it would be particularly appropriate on that occas on not only to drink the health of the venerable master, but also that of the most reverend pupil. They could all imagine the many feelings actuating the minds of the venerable Archpriest and of bis Lordship, and that they were of a most sacred character. Anyone who knew the venerable Archpriest knew that anythine said in the addresses was by no means undeserved, and now they saw reflected in his child-if he might w venture to allude to his Lordship—the virtues of the master. Bishop Redwood came to Father Garm when his mmd was young and plastic, and he believed his Lordship woud gl.dly admit that the master moulded his mind to virtue and religion, and iherefoie there was something very approo?W 6e6 cm D a8 ton S k the h6alth ° f hiS Lordßhi P the Bishop The toast was most warmly received, and drank with cheers. h«* 1% \ & v° P ?• lat the verjr flatterf ng words of Judge Broad had qu.te taken Lim by surprise. He bad no idea that he would be T* . °,f vthßtv thßt -^T ing to uddres9 the o»'when his emotions were to deep and beyond the power of utterance. Judge Broad was right in saymg there were secrets c f the heart. He had been kind enough to say, to£ that the pupil was worthy the master, but he had to gaTnsay this. He only hoped the pupil might approach the genuine and sterling worth of tbe master; at prtsant he was only in his te-ns and they would have to see how he bore himself when he had" for half a century borne bis exalted responsibilities upon his shoulders They might then sec if he was worthy of his master. He a<^ain expressed his deep regard for the kiud words spoken, and said his only regret was that he was not a more worthy object of their appreciation (applause). , . . The « utiStsJ having remained in social converse for a short time his l^ordabip then lett the chiir, and soon afterwards the whole comj»pany dispensed.