Irish News.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 33, 18 December 1896, Page 11

Irish Ne ws.

(From Contemporaries.) ANTRlM.— Belfast Catholics and the Municipal Elections. — Quite a number of notices of objection have been served upon Catholic householders, so that they may be deprived of the right of voting at the next municipal elections. But the friends of the Catholics are not idle. The Catholic Representation Association are represented by competent solicitors at the revision court, and steps are being taken to ensure that the Catholic voters will have their claims duly recognised and established before the revising barristers. CORK.— The Chances Of Irish Unity.— The London correspondent of the Cork Herald, said to be Mr. Vesey Knox, M.P., in a late issue of that journal writes :—": — " 1 understand that Mr. Michael Davitt, though a Dillonite, sees that the present chairman is not likely to ever bring about him a united party. For this reason Mr. Davitt is negotiating for a union of all sections with Mr. John Howard Parnell as leader. I hope Mr. Davitt's efforts for unity will meet with success, for I feel convinced he, unlike others with whom he acts, has a sincere and strong desire for unity." Cardinal Logue Visits H.M.S. Dreadnought— Cardinal Logue accepted an invitation to visit H.M.S. Dreadnought, now at anchor in Queenstown harbour. His Eminence Cardinal Logue, accompanied by the Most Rev. Dr. Browne, proceeded from the Naval Pier at Queenstown on board Rear Admiral Buckle's launch, which was kept specially at the disposal of Dr. Browne and his distinguished visitor. In consequence of the Warspite being coaling, an invitation to visit the Dreadnought was accepted, and on reaching her the Cardinal and Dr. Browne were received with every manifestation of respect by all on board. The intricate machinery and armour of the great battleship were explained to the visitors, who were deeply interested in all they saw on board, and after expressing their gratitude to those who took such pains to show them around they left in the launch for Haulbowline. In the evening St. Colman's brass band, accompanied by a large gathering of people proceeded to the residence of the Most Rev. Dr. Browne, in front of which the band played several national airs, after which his Eminence, Cardinal Logue, addressed the multitude from one of the windows of the Bishop's residence. On appearing he was cheered lustily, after which he said that he felt most thankful for the very kind welcome they accorded him, and for their coming there to honour him in such large numbers. It was a great pleasure to him to meet the good Catholic people of Queenstown, who had all the old Catholic spirit in them. This was his second visit to Queenstown. On the occasion of his first visit he got a warm reception, which he had not forgotten. He hoped, please Providence, to come amongst them again. He again thanked the people for coming to greet him. and wished them good-night. Repeated cheers having been given for the Cardinal, the Archbishop, the Most Rev. Dr. Browne, and Father Higgins, the crowd dispersed, and the band returned to its rooms, playing national music. His Eminence left Queenstown and proceeded direct to Maynooth College, where he will remain the guest of Mgr. Gargan, president of the college, until after the annual meeting of the Irish bishops, which will be held in the college. DUBLIN. — The Religious Interests of Catholic Students. — I n a °ity like Dublin, says the Fret-man x Jnurnah where a very large number of professional and art students are prosecuting their studies, the question of their religious and even social interests naturally claims a good deal of anxious attention from those in authority. The practical question remains how best to cope with the difficulties of the position. One altogether admirable means is happily near at hand, and it is its value we wish to emphasise by these remarks. We refer to the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary, two branches of which, both under the excellent care of the Jesuit Fathers, have been established for some time in Dublin — one in the church of St. Francis Xavier, upper Gardiner-street, and the other m connection with University College, Stephen's Green. The aims and methods of the Gardinerstreet Ignatian Sodality have been admirably set forth by its able and zealous director, Father Cullen. Both of the Dublin sodalities for professional gentlemen and students are branches of the •' Prima Primaria " Congregation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was founded in the Roman College by Father Leontins, S.J.. in I.VJ.S. During the 300 years which have elapsed since its foundation it has been regarded with special favour by the Holy See. and enriched with numerous spiritual privileges and indulgences. It embraces in its wide-reaching organisation sodalities of every rank and profession of life — from the highest dignitary of the Church and State to the toiling peasant in his humble home. In the course of the seventeenth century alone this congregation counted eighty cardinals amongst its members, seven of whom were raised to the Papal throne. Fourteen other sodalists are honoured to-day on the altars of the Church. Its special object is to influence its members to regard the Mother of God as their mother and patroness, their model and their refuge. Her love and her power will be their hope and protection in life and death. Both the Dublin sodalities have been specially organised with the view of meeting the needs of young students to which we referred at the opening of these remarks. They aim at combining social reunions with their more immediately religious objects. As will be seen, Father Cullen has arranged tonic sol-fa classes and periodical concerts in connection with the Ignatian Professional Sodality, and we have reason to know that his zeal has been wonderfully rewarded. At the same time we are aware that a g-ood many Catholic students who would be glad to join one or other of the two sodalities we speak of are ignorant of their existence or aims. It is to those young- men that appeal is now made. In so Catholic a city as Dublin the number of Bodalists amongst students should be very much larger than it is.

The branch of the Prima Primaria, under the Jesuit Fathers in Louvain has, we believe, a membership of eight hundred professional gentlemen and students. GALWAY.— "The Hanging Gale" in Connemara.— it has been the universal custom for the Connemara tenant always to have a half year's rent due on his holding, or what is generally known as a " hanging gale." Mr. Joseph McDonnell, of Letterf rack, the newly-appointed agent on Mr. Morton Frewen's Connomara property is going to change all that, and has obtained from the Recorder of Galway decrees against a couple of tenants for rents due for the half year ending May 1 last, the processes for which have been issued for the past couple of months. This is a new departure in Connemara rent collecting, and if a similar oourse be pursued by other landlords the effect on Beveral poor tenants will it is said, be disastrous. Proposed Memorial to the Bishop of Clonfert.— The project of erecting a memorial to the late patriotic Bishop of Clonfert is one that will recommend itself to Irishmen everywhere. As was befitting, the people of Loughrea have given the lead. The parochial meeting held recently and the practical result that has immediately followed, are eloquent in their expression of his own people's love for an Irish bishop who realised the noblest traditions of his Order. Over £150 has already been subscribed in Loughrea for the purpose of the memorial. That the amount should be rapidly increased by subscriptions from Irishmen at home and abroad is only what the memory of the patrotic prelate requires. Dr. Duggan's name is an inspiration that should be cherished. DERRY.— The O'Connell Memorial Church.— We are very glad to learn that, thanks to the indefatigable efforts of Canon Brosnan, work has, after a lapse of three years, been resumed on the O'Connell Memorial Church at Cahirciveen. It is hoped that under the new contract the splendid structure will be completed without another hitch and handed over to pastor and people. To this national monument to the Liberator all Catholic Ireland should be glad to contribute. No more fitting memorial of the great Irishman could be erected in his native county, and we are sure that the country will see that it is suitably finished. LIMERICK— Death of the Father Guardian, Franciscan Convent. — We regret to announce the death of the Very Rev. Father Walsh, Guardian of the Franciscan Convent, Limerick. Father Walsh was a native of Dublin, and was in the prime of life. He contracted a lung affection some time ago, which lately took an acute turn and ended fatally. Father Walsh waß ordained in Rome in IS 7O. The greatest part of his ministry was spent in Limerick, and he was also some years in Clonmel. He was appointed Guardian on his return to Limerick about a year ago, in succession to the late Father M-Dermott. LOUTH.-A New Church for the Birthplace of St. Brigid. — On Sunday, October 18, the foundation stone of a new church was laid near historic Faughart, the birthplace of St. Brigid and the burial place of Edward Bruce, by his Eminence Cardinal Logue. Irish Catholics everywhere will agree with what the Cardinal said on the occasion — that it would be a reproach to them if in the birthplace of the patroness of Ireland and near her ancient shrine there were now no worthy temple where the Gospel of St. Patrick and St. Brigid could be preached. We are certain that Father Seagrave will find many helpers to lighten his task. Only the other day Protestantism endeavoured to establish a link with St. Brigid. by restoring the Norman Cathedral erected in her honour in Kildare. Her own people are not less proud of her memory than the stranger, and the new church at Faughart will express their pride. MAYO.— Failure of the Potato in Achill Parish.— At a meeting of the Achill Branch of the Federation, held on Sunday, Octoberll. the Rev. John P. Connolly, P.P.. presiding:, the following resolution was adopted :—": — " That owing- to the almost total failure of the potato crop in the parish ot Achill. County Mayo, the poor people are face to face with a terrible crisis. We therefore confidently call upon the Government to come to their aid by giving some iiseful and necessary works, such as building piers, making roads, draining lands, etc.. and thus preserving- hundreds of poor families from starvation." WEXFORD.— lnteresting Interview of an Irish Pastor with the Pope. — O n Saturday. October 24. the parishioners of the Rev. Mark O'Gorman, P.P., Kilmore. County Wexford, made great preparations to welcome home their beloved pastor from his recent pilgrimage to Rome. The people of the district had erected a large number of arches from the entrance to the village to Father O'Gorman's residence, all tastefully decorated with evergreens and gay bunting-, whilst on his arrival tar-barrels and torches blazed on every side. A magnificently-illuminated address was presented. In the course of his reply the rev. gentleman gave an account of the interviews Canon Cloney, Father Furlong- and himself had with the Pope. He said the Holy Father took each of their hands in turn, and spoke to them most kindly. He said : " I love Ireland and the Irish. You have suffered and your people have suffered for centuries for God and for the Church, and for the representative of Jesus Christ in the person of the Pontiff of Rome, and you have suffered for the Faith, and kept the Faith. In recognition of the allegiance and perseverance of the faithful people of Ireland I give each of you the power to give my special benediction to each of your people on your return to iyour several parishes " (loud applause). Then the Holy Father gave them his special Papal blessing, and they were all awe-stricken in the presence of the representative of Jesus Christ upon earth. The people of Ireland should give thanks to Almighty God from the depths of their souls for being- united by the unbroken bonds of faith to the Chair of St. Peter. He would ask them to give a hearty cheer for Leo XIII., the representative of Christ upon earth (loud cheers).