PRESENTATION TO FATHER CLEARY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 38, 21 January 1898, Page 6

PRESENTATION TO FATHER CLEARY.

We condense the following report from the Ararat Clironicle (Victoria) : — On Wednesday last, at Maryborough, a presentation was made to Father Cleary on behalf of the bishop and priests of the diocese of Ballarat. In spite of the excessive heat a large number of priests were present, representing every deanery in the diocese. In the unavoidable absence of Monsignor Hoyne, V.G., the presentation was made by the chairman of the testimonial committee, the Very Rev. J. F. Marshall, who referred in highly complimentary terms to the many estimable qualities of mind and heart which had. endeared Father Cleary ]fco his fellow-priests. The address was then read by the Rev. E. C. Daly. It expressed the unbounded regret of the priests of the diocese at Father Cleary's approaching 1 departure for New Zealand, the high reputation which he had ever enjoyed in the diocese, his successful missionary work and literary labors, the personal affection of his fellow-priests for him, and their varm wishes for his future welfare. The health of the guest was proposed by the Rev. M. J. Shanahau, who referred in feeling terms to the happy relations and the intimate and affectionate friendship which had sprung up between them during their residence of five years together at Hamilton. He referred to Father Cleary's zealous and successful labours with him, and felt he was losing a friend whose place conld not be filled, and wished him every success and blessing. Fathers Barrett, O'Hare, Barry, Howell, M'Elligott, Harrington, and Daly spoke in "lowing termslof the high character and attainments of Father Cleary, of the unfailing courtesy and kindness which had won for him the deep and lasting affection of his fellow-priests. They deplored the lo^s which his departure would inflict on the diocese, and on each and every one of them, and wished him God-speed in his new career.

In the course of his reply, Father Cleary said the present occasion brought into strong relief one of the most delightful features of the life of the Catholic priesthood — their unfailing spirit of fellow-feeling and comradeship. This arose chiefly, though indirectly, from that ancient discipline of the Church which wisely severed them from engrossing earthly ties and occupations for the purpose of enabling them to devote themselves to God's work with undivided minds. Independent of the seal of Order, this discipline has constituted priests a class apart, it has thrown them upon each other and marie the priest the natural friend, confidant, and counsellor of a pne^t. Kvery priest had abundant opportunities of forming thos-e friendships which provide one of his best external safeguards and constituted the most delightful temporal charm of his life. The diocese of Ballarat was exceptionally blessed in this respect, The speaker knew of no place where there was greater good feeling, union and hospitality among the clergy. The illness of brothtr priests had more than once called forth magnificent tributes from their rotifrcrrx. If the speaker had been sympathetic and loyal to his brother piie->ts he had been merely reducing their good example to practice. He was proud and happy to be associated in their labours and their joys. He had received at all times, but especially during the past few weeks, from the Bishop and the priests signal proofs of affection which he would treasure to his dying day, and he would carry away from the diocese souvenirs more precious than gold — the memory of their parting kindness, and of their constant friendship which had contributed to make many of ihis nine years' stay amongst them the happiest years of his life. On the eve of his departure from the Ararat mission, a number of people, representing every district of the mission, assembled at the Presb.v tery, and made Father Cleary a handsome presentation, which tuok the form of a purse of sovereigns. The presentation was made by Mr. Rjan (architect), and speeches suitable to the occasion vveie inado by him, by Mr. T. G. Grano (barrister), Mr. Kearney and others. After the usual toast-., ami a parting speech, in which Father Cleary d w elt on the union of hearts of priests and people, mutual good-byes and good wishes were exchanged.