VISITS OF THE MOST REV. DR. MORAN TO THE DUNEDIN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVII, Issue 26, 18 October 1889, Page 2

VISITS OF THE MOST REV. DR. MORAN TO THE DUNEDIN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.

The Most. Rev. Dr. Moran, on Wednesday, the 9th inst., visited the schools of the Dominican nuns and the Christian Brothers. At 11 a.m. his Lordship, accompanied by the Very Rev. Fathers O'Leary, Walsh, and Mackay, and the Rev. Fathers Newport, O'Neil, Vereker, Lynch, O'Donnell, Donnelly, and Burke, as well as the priests who had accompanied him|from Ireland, the Key. Fathers O'Donoell, McMullin, Murpby.Lyuch and O'Neil, was received in the senior high school. A short bat very choice programme had been prepared for the purpose. The chorus, "Jubilate Deo," was first sung, the young ladies surpassing even themselves in sweetness, expression and harmony. Aq address in Latin was then spoken, after which Miss K. Oickenson played with great taste and brilliant execuiion "Home Sweet Home," arranged as a violin solo with pi<ino accompaniment After this the chorus " The Sunbeam", was given withabuccess iqual to that already achieved. The following sonnet of welcome was next simultaneously recited by the Misses Oolumb, Blaney, Fagan, Oantwell, and Bush :—: — " Our hearts rejoice, and say we ' Welcome home, 1 With proua congratulation. True and brave, Our patriot Bishop Leo'a message gave ; Approving words of peace he brought from Rome To Erin's struggling sons. O'er ocean's foam Too liish pontiff far had come, and he— For such ambassador fit embassy, New Zealani, Erin, blending with old Rome— Did reassure the hearts that feared to doubc. On Caßhel's hoary rock our Bishop stood, And reckoned then no more the centuries' loss ; He told the thousands gathered round about Of us, his flock, united in the rood, His Irish children, 'neath the Southern Cross. 1 ' The overlure, " Poet and Peasant," was then very finely performed on Ist and 2nd violins by Miss K. Dicken>-on and Miss M. Howell,aod on two pianos by Misses Cameron, Lynch, and G and F. Allen. The Bishop, in a brief address, returned thanks tor the reception given him, and lor the very chaiming entertainment. His Lordship referred especially to the pleasure taken by him in listening to the Latin address He pronounced the Latin good and classical, and the reading most corr ct, the prosody being perfect. The Bishop and priests were then conducted to the junior high school, where a strikingly pretty reception was accorded to bis Lordship by the very little people assembled there. A poem, descriptive of the condition of things that must ensue were all the children wbobad ever lived up to the present day to be collected together, repeated alternately by a number of little odc3 was extremely well delivered, and showed great intelligence on the part of the children. The next visit was paid to St. Joseph's School, wbere a poem of welcome, forming an acr stic on the words " Moßt Rev. Dr. Moran," was read by Miss Mary Kilmartin with admirable emphasis and expression. An address was also read by Miss Carter, who performed the task admirably. It was as follows :— «' Lord Bishop,— This if, indeed, a day of gladness for us all ; a great festival on which we are permitted to lay aside our books and assemble to welcome our father back from Rome and Ireland. " We bave heard with delight of tlie great privilege which you, my I. ord, enjoyed when you can n-d the most Holy baemment through the City of the Kings aud to the summit of the celebrated Rock of Cashel, where you gave the holy Benediction, and spoke to the assembled tnousands of your distant mission and of us your faithful children in New Zealand. •' We have been informed, also, that you made long journeys tor the purpose of securing prieete and nuns for tbia niflffioa "° deM to

your paternal heart. For all those fatiguing labours endured on our account we thank your Lordship most heartily. Each day we have prayed for your safety and success, and while offering this prayer we felt tbat our Heavenly Father was pleased with it, as our constant grateful rem mbrance of our Bishop made us m re anxious to be good children, and to fulfil our duties according io his instructions. The past pupils of this school, represented by several here present to-day, enter also warmly into our sentiments and expressions of iovful gratitude. i 3

" Permit us finally, my Lord, to thank all those who have so generously abandoned home and their loved green isle in order to share your missionary labour here and your eternal joys hereafter." [Signed by the girls of Bt, Joseph's School.] Some choruses were also sung, and pianoforte performances given by the girls, each and all of which were excellent in their particular way. The Bishop, in acknowledging the reception, spoke of the pleasure it gave him to see so many girls present, all looking so good and showing by their conduct how well they corresponded to the pains that were bestowed on their education. His Lordship expressed himself particularly pleased with the manner in which the verges and address had been read. Every one be added, who was present to-day, and who saw and heard all tbat took place must admit that the school was of a very high order. The Bishop, in concluding, pointed out as an example to people who excused themselves for not sending their children to Catholic schools, on a plea of distance, the little girl who hsd read the verses addressed to him. This child, said his Lordship, walked every day a distance of three miles to school, and three miles back, and what she did could also be dons by others, if they and their parents desired it. He hoped to see all Catholic children in »nd around Dunedin regularly attending the Catholic schools and profiting by the instructing there given. The children in their address said that during his absence they had prayed for him. He had felt that they were doing co, and whatever amount of success had attended bis visit was largely if not entirely, owing to the fact that he was conscious that they were praying for him. He might say, in return, that there was hardly an hour in which he had not thought of them, and not a day while he was away that he did not pray for them. His Lordship was also present in St. Joseph's school room with tbe address and the sonnet < f welcome tbat had been read here and in tbe high school. Tbe presentation was in the form of a chess table, beautifully inlaid in New Zealand woods by Mr. Hucker. The top of the table opened iv the centre, and on the inside of each of the leaves an address was printed. In the centre, concealed by the leaves when closed, was a scroll on which the sonnet was seen through glass, round which a rich ornamental border had been executed in combined Italian and Oriental painting. All this was the work of the pupiis of the Convent schools. The idea was decidedly original and it had been splendidly worked out. lhe table, we underst.nd, as well as the pole screen preeented in the catheiral to the Bishop, will be shown, by the request of the General Manager, at the approaching Exhibition.

In the afternoon at 3 o'clock the Bibhop visited the Christian Brothers' schools which had been nicely adoraed for^be occasion. Immediately over trie outer gate was an arch of evergreens, lhe school door was decked with wieaths and ferns, and over the steps leading up to the principal hall was a protty G jthic arch surmounted by a cross of ferns, underneath which was displayed in richly coloured letters surrounded by flowers, tbe word " WELCOME." On entering the large room the scene was striking ia the extreme. The room was tastefully decorated with tlowcrd, ferns, and evergreens; from tbe girders were suspended several nice banners ; circular wreaths bedecked the windows whilßt heie aid there a pretty banneret bearing the likenese of his present Holiness, and waving about in the gentle breezj of a lovely spring aft *moon lent an additional charm to the scene. But the moat strikiug and in'erest.ng sight of of all was the boys of tbe school who, to the number of s me 20 were assembled in the room. The younger ones were, placed in front wearing across their shoulders azure-blue sashes. Tne Young Cecilians, as usual, occupied a conspicuous place in the farthest end of the room ; while t' ey, as well as most of the little ones in front, were provided with tiny flags which they from time to time waved freely in the air. All were on the tip-toe of expectation whtn a little lad g*ve the word, '"the Bishop is coming." Tnis was the signal for a burst of applause which became enthusiastic ia the extieme a« his Lordßhip entered the room, ascended the raised dais an i imparted to the lads his Episcopal benediction. Tne intermingling cborusfrom so many youthful voices ( .nd the graceful waving of bo many pretty bannerets was well calcula'ed to produce on all present a striking effect. Accompanying the Bishop were the Very Key Father O'Leary, and Rev. Fathers Newport, Burke, Lynch (Adm ) Donnelly, ODonneH, McMuliin, Murpby, Lynch, O'Donnell and O'Neil. When the cheering bad subsided the following recitation was nicely and correctly delivered by Master Francis Heley.

Recitative. In sorrow we have been Since tbat cad farewell scene In which our shepherd left us, To brave the deep sea's foam, To visit dear old Ireland And journey thence to Rome. In vain we tried when parting To give three ringing cheers, Our voiced failed through sadness, Our eyes were dimm'd with tears. Oft since, at noon or eve, When busy at our play, Tne Angelus pealed forth, We left our sport to pray For one, we loved so well Who still was far away.

On, letiring Master Heley was hoartily applauded by his schoolmates, and tben the Young Oeeilians braced up their nerves, and stood up to their fall height to acquit themselves of their part of the ceremony. Under the leadership of one of the Brothers they sang with great spirit and expression the " ode of welcome," which wo here give in fall. Ode. To-day in joy we meet Oar Pastor lov'd to greet, For here unto his children He's returned in joy once more. Then a hundred thousand welcomes To this fair New Zealand shore. Then welcome, welcome, welcome, You are welcome as the flowers, You are welcome as the summer To this fair land of ours, And we'll all forget our sadness, And we'll raise our voice in gladness, And we'll bid him joyous welcome To this fair land of ours. And to the sealous band Who left their native land And crossed with you the oceanLike old Erin's sons of yore — We bid a hearty welcome To this fair New Zealand shore. Then welcome, welcome, welcome, You are welcome as the flowers, You are welcome as the summer To this fair land of ours. And well give them cordial greeting, And we'll have a merry meeting, And we'll bid them joyous welcome To this fair land of ours. The effect produced by the clear distrinct utterance of the words, and particularly the prominence given to the ttaccato repetition of " Welcome, welcome, welcome," was exceedingly pleasant. Tben, in honour ef the new arrival!, Master Nicholas Moloney sang with bis usual sweetnes 0 , " The green shores of Erin I've left far behind me." which was chorused by the rest of the Younj; Cecilians. Master Edward Duffy then ascended the platform and gave with great spirit and fine elocutionary effect Davis's grand poem '• The men of Tipperary." This was the last appearance of young Duffy in Dunedio, h8 he left next day for Melbourne. The youthful orator evidently felt tbh, and he put such soul into the piece that the lads heartily app'auded him at the end of each verse. Th« next iti°m on the progiamme was Dr. Calcott's charming glee " Fairyland," rendered id four parts by the Cecilian quartette with great freedom and sweet harmony. Master Francis Heley afterwards caused much amusement by his droll rendering of " People will talk," The Rev. Brother Director then came forward and said : My Lord B.ehop, — Before calling on the boys to present you with the address they have prepared, I woulJ wish to make one or two brief remarks. It was a fine old Irish cus om wheu the children had welcomed home their father after his return fn>m distant parts, the eldest sod, who had be >n left in charge during the absence, eh >uld come forward and give an account of the behaviour of the younger members of the fami'y. So it devolve 1 upon him (the Director) to give an account of tue bo>s commit tin! to bis care. He was bappy to pay that the conduct of the boys during his Lordship'i ataeuce nad bi'eri very good and highly gatf-fictoiy. He did not say that no individual boy tnd done anything blameworthy, or that the conduct of every single pupil had been all that could be desired, but that, on the whole, the boys hid beea \ery well behaved, and fairly attentive to their studies. He would wish also to remark tbat the boys had not f rgotten his Lordship whilst away, for they had regularly (fEered the (Vngelus every day for the success of his (the Bishop's) mi-s.on, and for his safe and speedy return. In their ode of welcome the boys said they had often ltft their sport to offer this beautiful prater for their beloved pastor, and be (tho si.eak.'r), from hia own personal observation, could bear witness to the truth of tbe as-sertion. The boys very wisely said in the ode just referred to, th.U they did this " at nooi or eve," and he jocosely remarked 1h M y did well to mike this limration. For, though many of them were, no doubt, early risers, vet he feared the greater number were so fondly clasped in the aims of Morpheus when tbe htalwartaim of the sexton pealed forth the moruing Angclus that they were in swtet oblivion of all sublunary affaus, and earthly things were to them, for the time, matters of the sublimest indifference (laughter). However, he believed the lads made up for it after when they did get up. His Lordship had been pleased to speak very highly of the boys on a memorable occasion on the Rock of Casbel, He (the speaker) said the boys were well aware of this, and were grateful to bis Lordship for the kind compliment. But he considered that the boys deserved the praise they bad received on the occasion alluded to, for he could say, in truth, that the lads then in the room before bis Lordship heartily loved the dear old land of their fathers ; their hearts throbbed for her welfare, and they were ever ready to lend a helping band, as far as they could, for any. thing that would tend to the welfare of Ireland. He (the speaker) would likewise venture to assert tbat many of them weie as familiar with the names of Con of the Hundred Battles, Niall of the Nine Hontages, Owen Roe O'Neill, " Dauntless Ked Hugh," and other distinguished characters of Irish his ory as were their young cousins on the banks of the Suir or the Shannon. The Director also passed a high eulogium on the boys for the exertions they had made to clear off the debt incurred by the erection of the gymnasium and by asphalting the playground. Not only was that debt cleared off, but also many other very necessary improvements were made during the absence of bis Lordship, and almost completely paid for by tht

energy and generosity of the scholars. These improvements and | additions his Lordship would shortly see for himself, when he (the Director) would show him over the premises. The Rev. Brother then called on Masters O'Neill, Dalany, and Ball to present the following address, which was read by Master O'Neill :— " Lord Bishop, — We, the pupili of the Christian Brothers' School, St. Joseph's, Dunedin, respectfully approach your Lordship, to bid you a hearty w-lcorae home again. "It seems but as yea erday since, in this very room, we pot your farewell blessing on the eve of your departure for Ireland, the country of our fatners, for Borne, the caitra of Catholic unity, the residence of Christ's Vicar on earth. Our huarts were then pressed down with sorrow, taking leave of you, our beloved Pastor and Father ; but now that we see you in our midst again we are filled with joy, whilst we return our fervent thanks to Qod for having heard onr humble prayers and restored you once m ire to your beloved children. " We are likewise glad to sea that your Lordship has not returned alone, but that you have brought with you so many good and zealous priests and religious. We trust they will b 3 the means of lightening the labours of your Lordohip and of helping on the holy cause you have ever hart so much at heart — the cause of Christian education. We now beg yonr Lordship to accept the acccompanying photograph of ourselves and the school, which we respectfully present to you. It is indeed but a small mark of the lo*e and esteem we entertain for your Lordship ; owing, however, to many other objects to which we were obliged to attend in the absence of your Lordship, we cannot do all that our hearts would wish on so joyful ac occasion. " In conclusion, we fervently pray that you, our beloved Bishop, may be long spared to us, to our parents, and to all the fhek that God has entrusted to your fatherly care. " We remain, your Lordship's devoted children, the Pupils of the Christian Brothers." On the conclusion of the address, which was particularly well delivered, the boys presented his Lordsnip with a handsome photograph of the school buildings, taken in their usual finished style by Messrs. Burton Brothers. The address presented also had been beautifully illuminated by Mr. Hawcridge (New Zb aland Tablet Company). His Lordship in replying alluded to the mwiy schools that he had seen during his recent visit to Europe. Nowhere, he said, had be seen a better appointed school than theirs, or one whose boys more plainly showed in their appearance the good effects of the teaching given them. So far as he could judge, ia finish of epeaking and dictioD, in accuracy of singing, and in perfection of reading, he had witnessed nothing anywhere that was superior to what he had witnessed that day ; and he had no hesitation insayirg that, all things considered, it would be hard — even impossible — to find any school that was superior to that one. The Bishop also referred to the pleasure it had afforded him to receive the good account of their behaviour during his absence given him by the Rev. Brother Director. His Lordship further mentioned a copy of St. Joseph's Prayer Book, a work especially prepared by the Christian Brothers for the use of their boys, that had oeeo sent to him for presentation to the Holy Father. The copy bad been presented, aud he was pleased to say that it afforded great gratification to the Holy Father. His Holiness bad been especially pleased with the hymn for the Pope, which he had read attentively. They could, therefore, have the privilege of knowing that they had given the Holy Father pleasure in his affliction, who sent back to New Zealand his blessing for the book, his blessing for toe religious community that compiled it, his blessing for the pupils of that school, and his blessing for all who us«d the book. On the conclusion of his Lordship's reply, he was loudly cheered by the boys. Some other musical items were then given and afterwards the Bishop, who had first gained the applause of the boys by giving them half a holiday for the next day, was shown over the premises. An athletic display took place for bis Lordship's inspection, in the gynmasism, with which the Bishop and c ergy who accompanied him expressed themselves highly pleased. The proceedings then terminated. On Wednesday the Bishop visited St. Patrick's school, South Dunedin, where also the pupils of the Dominican nuns hud prepared for him a hearty reception. A song of welcom ; was first sung, and a chorus, " The boat song," followed. A piauoforte du^t, " Happiness " ; a vocal duet, " Gathering fljwers " ; a pianoforte solo by a three weeks' pupil, a vocal duec, "Slowiy and surely"; and the choruses, "The wearing o' the greoi," and '• Hail, glorious St. Patrick " completed the programme. Tbe f blowing address was repeated by Master John Murray, a very htile fellow, who performed his part bravely and to the admiratkn of all who beard him. 11 To the Most Rev. Dr. Moran, on his firstvisit to St. Patrick's School after his leturn from Europ", October 9, 1889. " Most Rev. and Dear Father. — Ceadmille failthe. — We all unite with joyful hearts iv saying ih;se words of welcome in the language of that land of faith and patriotism from which you have just arrived. Since your Lordship left us we hiva missed your frequent "visits and instiuctions, though we have been well locked after in yonr absence. We felt the loss of the good bishop who built this school for ns, gathered us into these classos, and taught up, too, three years before the nuns took charge of us. Though we were formerly far from being as good as we should be, we have tried to be better and more studious during your Lordship's absence. Now that you have returned to Dunedin, we promise to make still greater efforts to improve both in virtue and in science, " Moreover, we, theboysof St. Patrick's School, have determined, with the aid of God's grace, tn avoid bad company and never to act disloyally to"vards,the Üburch waich we all 1 /ye and obey. "Begging your Lordship's blessing on our goovi resolutions, and thanking God for having brought you safely back to us, we are, your Lordship's gra efulc HJren of St. Patrick's School." His Lordthip in reply ihanked the children for the entertainment they bad given him, and for their address. He expressed his

| pleasure * h beiag ouca more amon? them, and aaid he noticed that an improvement had taken piaae ia the school evea dariag his absence.