THE BISHOP OF WELLINGTON'S VISIT TO THE WEST COAST.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVIII, Issue 12, 16 July 1886, Page 19

THE BISHOP OF WELLINGTON'S VISIT TO THE WEST COAST.

Osr Monday, the 14th June, his Lordship Dr. Redwood visited Reef ton He wsb met about Beven miles out by the Rev. Father Holland and a large number of parishioners, on horseback and |in buggies, who escorted him into the town. He was accompanied fey the Bey. Father O'Donaell, of Ahaura, and Mr. Henry Magill, of Totara Flat, who kindly conveyed his Lordship from Ahaura in his buggy. The procession and other matters which had been arranged for his Lordship'B reception had to be omitted on account of the inclemency of the ' weather. However, when his Lordship entered the church, a numerous congregation had assembled, and after he had taken his seat on the throne, the church committee advanced to the Communion rail, and an address was read by Mr. Patrick Brennan, J.P., as follows: — "My Lord.— We, the Catholics of Reef ton, desire, on the occasion ©f your episcopal visit to this part of your extensive diocese, to offer you a hearty welcome. We observe that since yonr last visit here, your Lordship has been to Europe, and that with characteristic zeal for the spiritual welfare of the flock entrusted to your charge, you have spared no trouble to obtain young priests for your diocese. We wish also to congratulate your Lordship on the successful establishment of St. Patrick's College, an institution which we have no doubt will answer your highest expectations in preparing young men for the battle of life, and making them firm adherents to our holy religion. We have also heard with pride and pleasure of the distinguished part taken by your Lordship in the recent Plenary Council at Sydney, and earnestly hope that the eminent talents there, as always, dis.played by you, may long be spared to us and the Church. In conclusion, we assure yonr Lordßhip of our respect and veneration. 11 Signed on behalf of the Catholics of Beefton. " Patbick Brennan. John Butler. •' Patrick Butler. p. Twohill. " P. MCtfUIGAN. J. MCSHBBT. " W. Williams. J. L. Doogan. His Lordship having replied to the address, announced to the congregation that he would give Confirmation to those who had prepared to receive it on the following Sunday, and that he would then also give to the people the Pontifical Blessing, which the Holy Father had commissioned him to give on his first viuit to each part of his diocese after his return from Home. The ceremony concluded with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The following morning, his Lordship left for Lyell in Mr. Gallagher's buggy, but haying met with an accident was obliged to return to Beefton, and postpone his visit to Lyell. On Wednesday, he went to Boatman's, and there again was met by the Catholics of the district, and on his arrival in the church an address was read by Mr. Ferris : — " To the Most Rev. Dr. Bedwood, Bishop of Wellington. "My Lord.— We, the Catholics of Boatman's, with feelings of unutterable regard, desire to express our deep love and veneration for so notable a dignitary of our beloved Church. We are unable, your Lordship, to accord you a welcome adequate to represent these feelings nor can we praise onr God sufficiently for having endowed our community with bo wise and holy a guide. We pray that grace msy abound in you, that if possible your enthusiasm may increase in jour career of utility, and labour of love. It is highly gratifying to ns to learn, my Lord, of the great progress of the Catholic Church in Australasia, as announced by the late Plenary Council at Sydney, and also to see your efforts crowned by the completion of a Catholic College in Wellington. An institution of so great utility cannot be too highly commended. Beseeching the Almighty God to grant His j>r ice to His Church, clergy, and laity, iB the pTayer of your Lordship's <levoted people at Boatman's, and brethren in Christ. (Signed) « Johk Gallagher. " Francis Boonky. " Daniel Fsbbis." His Lordship in the evening preached an eloquent Bermon to a Tery large congregation. On Thursday morning le confirmed twenty children, and before doing so gave them a very instructive exportation. He returned to Beefton in the afternoon. On Friday his Lordship visited the two schools, boys' and girls', and expressed his satisfaction at the manner in which they were conducted by the teachers, Mr. Doogan and Hiss de Pazanan. When Tißitmg the schools, the children for Confirmation were examined by nun, and afterwards some of the more advanced pupils in " Perry's instructions," all answering most creditably. Having looked over tne Onnstmas examination papers, he was extremely pleased with the uniformly correct work of the children. In the evening, hiß Lordship paid a visit to the Literary Society, wnen the members mustered in full force to reoaive him. He exhorted them to persevere in keeping up and extending the Society, as such societies are of great benefit to the Church. On Sunday his Lordship celebrated Mass at 9 a.m , and after the balf.past-elevTO o'clock Mass, administered the Sacrament of ConOrmaUon to 38 candidates, amongst whom were saver*! adults. In the evening at Vespers the church was crowded to excess and taking for his text the words " Fear God and keep His Command. ments, hu Lordship delivered a magnificent Bermou. Afterward! a procession of the Children of Mary round the interior of the church Wok place, aad a number of young ladies were received into the oociety. His .Lordship, vested in cope and mitre, then solemnly gave the Apostolic Blessing of Bis Holiness the Pope. When the Church oeremomes were completed, his Lordship and the Rev, Father Holland Tisited the Children of Mary in the girls' school, and an address was read by the President :— "My Lord.— We leel truly grateful for the honour you have conferred on us this evening. We have not forgotten your kindness in granting our beloved ' i»»stor permission to establish a sodality of toe Children of Mary in JRecfton. We have anxiously looked forward *» your, visit, *nd have longed to tell you of our gratitude and of our

pride in being able to call ourselves Children of Mary. To you, my Lord, we owe the privilege we enjoy, and will daily pray our Immaculate Mother to bless your Lordship and to obtain for you heaven's choicest gifts. '• Signed on behalf of the Children of Mary. " Ernestine de Pazanan, President. " Kate O'Beegias, Vice-President." In reply, his Lordship took occasion to remind the members of the many virtues that a Child of Mary ought to practice, and dwelt specially on the necessity of following her example of obedience} humility, and love.