THE BISHOP AND THE CHRISTIAN BROTHERS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXII, Issue 5, 31 May 1895, Page 27

THE BISHOP AND THE CHRISTIAN BROTHERS.

The relations of his Lordship the late Most Rev Dr Moran with the Christian Brothers and tbeir pupils were of the moßt intimate and friendly nature. Not only did he leave the Brotnera perfectly free and untrammelled to carry out their own Bystem of teaching in their own way, but he, moreover, encouraged both themselves and their pupils by every means in hia power to aim at a high degree of excellence in scholastic attainments. For years he paid regularly ont of bis own limited resources for two scholarships of ten pounds and five pounds, respectively, to be competed for anually by the boys of the two higher classes. He frequently visited the schools, and took a special and personal interest in everything pertaining to their welfare. The boys were at all times delighted with his presence amongst them — bis friendly word, his wincing way, his fatherly smile, endeared him to tbeir hearts.

If anything extra was t> be done, any more than ordinary eflort to ba made, it waa enough to tell the lade tbe Bishop would be pleas :d with it, to have them go at it with a cheerful heart. Be delighted to see the boys go through their physical drill, and often brought any distinguished visitor that cpme the way to look on whilst the lads went through their various evolutions. When any of the pupils passed the Civil Service or Matriculation Examinations it was to him a special source of pleasure. Theii euccesß on these occasions ha invariably regarded as bis own. Nor was his kindly feeling confined to mere wordß. Independent of the scholarships above alluded to, he waa aver ready to reward tbe deserving boys with gold or silver medals, and with valuable book prizes. When did anyone in Dunedin ever witness an annual display given by the Christian Brothers' pupils at «hicb his Lordsbip was not present to encourage the youthful competitors for elocutionary or musical fame, and to reward them, when all waa over, by presenting them with prizes and by imparting to them his episcopal benediction ? Indeed, to attend the one held in '94 he had himself carnei from whit was literally his death-bed.

At these annual displays it was that His Lordehip was in the habit of delivering some of his moat powerful addresses on the education question. These meetings were looked forward to by friend and foe as times on which they were &ure of hearing from Hiß Lordship something well worth hearing oa this, his favourite topic. For, after all has been said that can be said on '.his subject, it must be admitted by every thinking mind, that n cjunLiy i-, precisely what its schools make it. If these be excellent, b uch will be the nation. This was the Bishop's idea, and that hi« &c'.b wtre fully in accordance with his convictions no', even hi 3 bitteiest opponent will for a moment call in qaeßtion.

But, if Dr Moran was anxious to raise a high intellectual standard for the younger members of hia flock, Btnl more desirous was he of the welfare of their soals. He knew that the Christian instruction of the young was safe in tbe handaof these Religious teachers to whom ho Lai witb all confidence entrusted it, But U>i<! would not satisfy hie zeal. lie should take a personal share in the wuk hiTi-elt

Who is it that does not remember the unfailing source of pleasure it was to him to be present with tbe children at the second Mass on Sundaye? How kindly he use 1 to receive them as they assembled before Mas*, and with what excess of condescension he showed them to their places trying so lovingly to get comfortable seats for all. Then in the Rfternoon how punctual and constant he was in attending to the catechism classes, going through tbe various school-rooms questioning f.nd instructing as he passed along.

Those who are qualified to give an opinion know what an excellent catechist he was, how skilful in eliciting from the children what they knew, and how thoroughly successful in imparting to them in the simplest and clearest language the instruction they needed on any pout of Christian Doctrine. Mauy of the boys who had the great advantage of sharing in these instructions are now grown to manhood and hold good positions in the city or in other parts of tbe Colony. These cherish with affectionate regard the memory of the Sunday classes, and gratefully acknowledge that the success that haa so far attended their career in life, is due in no small degree to their steady adherence to the principles imbibed in their tender years from the eaintly lips of their late beloved Bishop.

Tbe Christian Brothers and their pupils bewail tbe loss of a revered Bishop, a true, sympathetic friend, a kind and loving Father, but they feel they have gained instead a powerful and no lasd loving intercessor before the throne of God in Heaven.