THE APPROACHING RETURN OF THE BISHOP OF DUNEDIN.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVII, Issue 13, 19 July 1889, Page 17

THE APPROACHING RETURN OF THE BISHOP OF DUNEDIN.

L «D

HE changes of the times have been brought very prominently before us by the meeting in Dunedin, a report of which will be found in another place. How differently we may now regard the voyage to the Old Country from the way in which but a few short years ago we looked upon it. The months

that were then have now shortened into weeks,

and what was a formidable urdertaking has become little more than a pleasure trip. It is not yet five months since the Bis'.iop of Duneain left the colony for Ireland and Rome, and already preparations are being initiated to welcome his return.

The Bistop of Dunedin's voyage, nevertheless, has not been of the nature of a pleasure trip — except inasmuch as a man, whose chief enjoyment is found in the fulfilment of his duty, may find pleasure in a voyage undertaken w'th such an end. But we know what pleases him best is to be in the middle of his people, working energetically for them, and personally watching without cessation over their interests and welfare, as they have been accustomed to see him with complete confidence now for nearly twenty years.

It seems almost strange to us, in fact, to think that a matter in which the Bishop takes so much interest, for example, as an Education Bill should have been introduced and debated in Parliament without his being present to know of and take part, according to his position, in what was going on. But, in everything that concerns Catholic interests, it seems second nature to us, as the saying is, to rely upon the Bishop's leadership and look for the action he will take. We think, besides, we may say in passing, without much chance of error, that the Bishop also would have seen with more hopefulness the rejection of the Bill referred to — as nnder the circumstances he would be justified in doing. We hope, moreover, he is still destined to see the good fight commenced by him in New Zealand, and conducted for many years with unfailing boldness and masterly wisdom, at length crowned with success. He is, it is true, a man somewhat advanced in age, but still of vigorous frame, and sound, keen, and strong in intellect as when he entered upon the career in which he has merited so much respect and affection. It is but reasonable for us, therefore, to hope that, after years even that may still remain for an exercise of his able championship, he will be rewarded by seeing this great object, particularly associated with him for so long, reach a victorious termination.

Of the desirableness of giving the Bishop a cordial reception, for which preparations have now been undertaken, it is 00$ necessary for us to speak with any ineistance or at any

length. It is generally acknowledged by the Bishop's people that he deserves at their hands all the honour they can show him, and that his claims on them are limited, not by their will, but by their power alone. The Bishop, moreover, has recently, as we learn from the Liverpool Catholic Times, been privileged to deserve a further recognition, on the part at least of the Irish members of his flock. The newspaper in question tells us that, during his visit to Rome he had been invited by the Holy Father to express his views on the state of affairs in Ireland, which country he had just left, and that he had been able to make a visible impression on His Holiness by his statement. But we know the clear, direct, and convincing manner in which the Bishop treats of any subject which he undertakes to explain, and we can readily understand, therefore, that the Pope lent him an attentive ear. We have no doubt, then, that the movement now inaugurated in Dunedin will meet with a striking success . No doubt the reception accorded to the Bishop will surpass any of those before given to him. He will return to us with an additional recommendation to our gratitude and respect in the additional years he had lived and laboured among us during the interval between his last arrival from Europe and his late departure from our shores, as well as in the long voyage undertaken in our interests, and the fatiguing duties performed by him since he arrived at his destination. The preparations should be carried on with this object in view, and not allowed to slacken until all is made ready. Times, as we have said, are changed, and now-a-days we hardly hear of an impending departure from Europe before we are called on to welcome the traveller on his arrival in New Zealand.