NAPIER.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 44, 2 March 1894, Page 20

NAPIER.

(From our own Correspondent.")

February 21st, 1894. Father O'Shea, who was recently ordained a priest in Wellington by Bishop Grimes, celebrated second Mass at St Mary's Church on Sunday last. The Very Rev Father Qrogan, in announcing that Father O'Rhea would preach at Vespers in the evening, said that ten years ago Father O Shea was one of the altar boys in that church, and attended the Manat Rrothers' school in Napier, and now he was a priest amongst them. He was also professor of philosophy at the Meanee Seminary, the latter appointment being proof that he was a young man of ability. What »n example for colonial boys. A short time »co, ootinued the Rev Father, they had in their midst Dr Kenoedy (now of 8t Patrick's College) who was the first New Zealander who hal been ordained a priest, and Father O'Shea might be said to be the second, At Vespers there was a large attendance, when toe rer gentleman took for his text, " Lord teach us how to pray," and, in well-chosen language, be urged on tbe congregation the importance of prayer. He was listened to attentively, and made a favourable impression on those present. He gives promise of becoming an eloquent speaker.

Napier, I am sorry to state, has lost the cervices of Sergeant Cullen, who has been transferred to Waoganui. At St Mary's on Sunday the Very Rev F*thsr Grogan alluded to this matter, and referred in eulogistic terms to Sergeant Cullen as a good Catholic, and a trustworthy public servant. He said that al' bough Sergeant Oullen was going to a good parish where there were gotd priests and efficient schools, still he was sorry for his removal, and he also regretted losing his sous from the altar. During the time Sergeant Cullen had been in Napier he had proved himself a good Catholic. Sometimes, when men occupied important public position?, and were invested with authority, they became proud and independent, and forsook their Church. Tha', however, he was pleaded to say, could not be said regarding Sergeant Cullen. On Monday, at the RM. Court, his Worship the Mayor made a few observations anent the departure of such a zealous officer as Serjeant Cullen, and wished him God speed. Owing to the police regulations they were debarred from giving him a public testimonial. The bazaar at Hastings has been very successful, and I hear that there is now suffi ieot money in band to warrant Father Smythe commencing the erection of the new church without delay.

The Very Rev Faiher Grogan requested the prayers of the congregation on Sunday for the repose of the soul of Mr Peter Henry McSbane. Deceased was a brother-in-Uw of one of the Bistort in St Joseph's monastery bere. This was the gentleman whose death was referred to ujiast week's Tablet,