CARDINAL MORAN IN DUBLIN.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 32, 8 December 1893, Page 29

CARDINAL MORAN IN DUBLIN.

(From the correspondent of the Sydney Freeman.")

Dublin, October 20. His Eminence the Cardiual-Arohbisbop of Sydoey has lived very quietly since his arrival at the Archbishop's palace, and by express; orders of his medical advisers has absented himself almost totally from public functions. An exception, however, was made on Thursday night las', when he was entertained at a dinner at Clonliffe College.

It may not be generally known how closa has been his Eminences connection with Olonliffe in the pait, and a few words about the institu. tution itself will probably be read wiih interest in Aus ralia. Olonliffe is ihe Dublin diocesan seminary, and was founded ia the year 1859 by the late Cardinal Cullen, whore venerated remains lie in a stately vault at the rear of the high altar of the college church. The site of the seminary is historic. It was here Brian Born defeated the Danes in the famous battle of Olontarf, and expelled them from the country in the year 1014. Not very many years ago the place was the property of " Buck Jones," a member of the notorious " Hellfire Club. The old red house which he occupied is still standing, and its walls are said to bear the stains of homan blood, while supersti* tious folks speak with bated breath of strange and awful mid-oigkt visitors. In the light of day, however, nothing more terrible is to be seen in the vicinity than groups of black-robed students and professors enjoying their well-earned recreation, The residence of the Archbißhop of Dublin adjoins Clonliffe, while in the immediate neighbourhood ia the magnificent convent of the Bedemptorists, All Hallows Missionary College, and several other notable rsligious instJ. tutions. A little further away is Glasnevin cemetery, and from any part of the Clonliffe grounds may be seen the round towtr which marks the last resting-place of Ireland's great liberator. Although founded to supply priests for tha diocese of Dublin, Olonliffe is not without its representatives in other parts of the world, and even ia Australia are many zealous and devoted priests who are proud to chim it as their " Alma Mater." His Eminence Cardinal Moran while secretary to the late Cardinal Cullen, occupied for some time the chairs of Hebrew and Sacred Scripture in OlonlinV, and relin. quisbed the post only when consecrated Bishop of Oasory in 1872. The gathering of Thursday last was a particularly distinguished one. Seated in tbe refectory were his Eminence, his Grace tbe Most Rev Dr Walsh (Archbishop of Dublin), the Bight Bey Dr Donnelly (Assisting-Bishop of Dublin), the Bight Rev Monsignor FiUpatriok (Rector of Clonliffe), the R.ght Bey Monsignor Brown (Rector of Maynooth), tbe Bight Bey Monsignor Molloy (Rector of the Oathol-c University), the Very Rev Dr OH .ran (secretary to his Eminence), many of the CaDons and higher clergy of the diocese, and tbe Pro' feesore and students of the college.

At the close of the dinner, the Rector rose and announced that there were to be no speeches. Hiß Eminence, he humorously explained, since his arrival in Ireland had been living under " Coercion law." and by the orders of the chief-coercionis , Dr O'Haran, was forbidden to speak in pnblic at all. However (continued the Rector), the occasion could not be allowed to pass without bidding their distinguished guest welcome to tho scene of his former labours. Tbe Rector then asked all present to diink the health of his Eminence.

The assembly rose with uncovered heads while one of the professors intoned the toast in Latin. This was responded to with a mighty vivat sang three titnea up the octave by all present, and the cheering was loud and continuous. It was not hoped that his Eminence would make a speech, and tbe utmost enthusiasm wm evokad when he was unexpectedly seen to rise to respond. Tbe Cardinal's speech was a particularly bright and happy one. He began by thanking tbe company for the cordial manner in which they had received the toast. He said be had come to Ireland three months ago with his health chattered and broken, and was leaving it now wonderfully restored and invigorated. This was owing in a great measure to the kindness shown him on all sides by bis friends in Irelaod. He s.id, bo well did he feel, that he thought himself able to dlßregardd 18 regard the coercion laws under which he had been livinjr for tbe past three months. He then alluded to the state of the Church m Australia, and the wouderful progress it is making Put. chra mater, pulchrior film, ea id his Eminence, and in some respects the new country could afford to give a lesson to the mother land He thought tbat the Dublin clergy would do well from time to time to pay a visit to Australia and see what the Australians were about there, and ascertain for themselves that the people at the Antipodes were really not standing on their heads (laughter). His Eminence took the opportunity of expressing his heartfelt thanks to the Archbishop of Dublin for the great kindness be had shown s/nce bis (the Cardinal 9 ) arrival in Dublin. It had been his privilege, he said, to consecrate his Grace some years ago in Borne, and he smilingly added that he had never had cause to regret that action. His Km.neoce concluded by asking those present to drink tbe he-Ub of " bis Grace of Dublin."

Thii toast also vu received with much enthusiasm aud musical honours. Dr Walsh, in reply, commenced by alluding to the coercion law under which His Bminence had been living, and said pleasantly that it was evident that the Cardinal did not realise what coercion meant when be coa'd speak so lightly of it. Ha thanked His Eminence for the manner in which he bad proposed the toast, and those present for the manner in which they had received it. la conclusion, he expressed bis gratification at the honour of having bis Eminence as bis guest. He had found the Cardinal a most decile and obedient patient, and was delighted to see him once more restored to health. His Eminence was warmly applauded by all present on leaving the refectory, and his visit has left a pleasurable impression on the minds of all. The three months which bis Eminence hat passed ia Ireland have afforded him a much-needed rest, and there is no doubt that he will be quite restored to health by the time be reaches Sydney. He left Kingstown for England on Sunday evening, accompanied by Dr O'Haran, and although no publicity was given as to his movements, there were many people at Westland Bow Station to bid him bon voyage, and there was quite a demonstration as the train moved off.