Golden Jubilee of a Priest.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIX, Issue 26, 27 June 1901, Page 9

Golden Jubilee of a Priest.

The Catholics (.f Downp itnck celebrated early in May the golden jubilee of the parish priest, the Very Rev. Patrick O'Kane, V.F., presenting the \enerattd jubilarian with a beautiful address and a marble statue of St. Patrick, which is to be placed in the memorial church dedicated to the national apostle. Writing with reference to the oeJebration the Irixh. Weekly says : — Never was there a priest more worthy of the L/ve and confidence of his people, and it must be said for the Catholics of the historic parish that they have spared no effort** to make the celebration memorable and worthy of both pastor and people. Father O'Kane haa the singular distinction of having spent the whole puriod of his saored ministry amongst the people of Downpatrick. Half a century laboring with eeal for souls and for the glory of God in one parish is a lot that seldom falls to any priest. From this fact alone it may be easily understood that apart from his sacred office the ties that unite the pastor and his flock must be many and various. It is unnecessary to refer in detail to the enormous labors of Father O'Kane in the interests of religion and of education during his ministry.