Cardinal Moran's Sacerdotal Jubilee.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 8, 19 February 1903, Page 4

Cardinal Moran's Sacerdotal Jubilee.

His Eminence Cardinal Moran has issued to his clergy the following letter with reference to the celebiation of the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination :— ' It has been intimated to me that our devoted clergy mark by some public celebration my Sacerdotal Jubilee, mark by some public celebration my Saceedotal Jubilee, the 50th anniversary of my ordination to the holy priesthood, recurring on the next 19thi March, the Feast of St. Joseph. Permit me to say that I, in the fullest manner, appreciate the motives which prompt thus religious movement, afloi ding as they do a, new pi oof of the harmony and concord that so happily prevail in our community. lam most grateful for the filial affection, no less than for the genuine religious spirit from which alone the suggestion of such a celebration could proceed. Nevertheless, I cannot but fear that it would 'be trespassing too much upon your considerate kindness and generous devotedness were I to appro-se of the proposed celebration at the present time. It is only a few weeks since on my return to Australia from 'my homeward pilgrimage, you extended to me an enthusiastic welcome, the echoes of which have not \et passed away. That unprecedented reception may iiisth be legarded as an anticipated celebration of liiy Sacerdotal Ordination Jubilee. As regards a religious celebration, 1 am confident that my friends will not be unmindful for me on St. Joseph's festival, and I would ask in paiticular the clergy and our devout communities to make a special memento for mo in the Sacrifice of the Mass and their Holy Communion on that day. Towards the end of the year aii opportunity may be presented of some such public celebration as the clergy and laity would have wished for at the present time The whole Catholic world has been rejoicing in this 2.*>th year of the Holy Father Pope Leo the Thirteenth's Pontificate, and in December next all will celebrate the .">oth anniversary of his promotion to the Cardinalate Such solemn commemoration might be combined with the deferred celebration of the recurring Jubilee festival, and I would suggest the holding of a Jubilee Fair to clear away all the remaining debt on St. Mary's Cathedral Building Fund. The Cathedral Fair' had been fixed for last year, but on account of my absence from the diocese could not well be held. The various works in connection with St. Mary's Cathedral have now been happily brought to completion, and as our clergy and faithful people are all justly proud of their grand Cathedral, it will be a matter of pleasure to us all to use our endeavors to make this Jubilee Fair a complete success. I avail of this opportunity to congratulate our zealous clergy and their devoted faithful people on their cordial co-operation in many works of religion and charity which are so fruitful of blessings amongst us.'