Presentation to Father O'Sullivan at Wanganui

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIV, Issue 13, 29 March 1906, Page 20

Presentation to Father O'Sullivan at Wanganui

St Mary's Ilali, Wanganui (sa) s a local paper) was ciowued on Wednesday e.unng, march lil, un me occasion ot the social tendered to the Kc\ . Father o'Sullivan by the Catholics oi Wangamu. The hall had been tastelully uecoiated witn nags and evergreen a lot the occasion. '1 he Key . Dean Grogan presided, and the Key. Father McDonald (Wang-anui), Key. Fathci McGrath (Patea), and \ cry Key. Father Murphy (\ ictoiia) v\ere also piesenl, besides a number of non-Catholic gentlemen 'J he following programme ■was presented —Chorus, St. Mary s Choir , bong, Mr. G AlcCulloch , duct, Mesdanus Lloyd and Lcbatt ; solo' Mrs. Median At tne conclusion of the fourth item of the programme \ cry Kc\. Dean C.rogan addressed the audience in an able and eloquent speech, lie referred to the many goud qualities of Father O'Sullivan, and to the conscientious and able manner m which he had always discharged the duties of his sacred office. He said that the large attendance there that evening was evidence of the esteem in which Father O'Sullivan was held by the people, and he took it, to be so because Father O'Sullivan had been a good and zealous priest and a iriend lo the people. Ho (the Dean) also participated in the good feeling and. esteem which the people manifested towards Father O'Sullivan, and he felt sure that if ever he (tattler O'Sullivan) tame amongst them again at any time he would be heartily welcomed. In fact, he was sure that they would prefer a welcome to Father O'Sullivan than to be bidding him farewell. The Dean concluded by calling upon the secietaiy, Mr. Dcnnehy, to read the following addre&s :— Reverend Dear Father,— On the eve of your departure we, the Catholics of Vvanganui, desire to express the 'deep' regret we feel a I your removal from our midst During the time you have been amongst us you have endeaied yourself to all by your zeal in the discharge of the 'duties of your sacred calling, and by your genial manner and the-, kindly interest you have ever taken in all that pertains to the welfare of the people The affection also of the children of the parish testifies to the active interest you have ever taken in their advancement and in the cause, of Catholic education If at any future time it should please Almighty God to again place you amongst us, we assure you that you will receive from us a heart r welcome. As a small token of our affectionate regard, we beg you to accept ihe accompanying purse ; and, m bidding you farewell, we pray that Almighty God, in His goodness, may ever bless you and may .lone; preserve you to labor in the cause of our holy religion. Signed on behalf of the Catholics of Waneanm.— M. Grogan. P.P., Dean (Chairman), Thoma? Lloyd (Treasurer), Michael Dennehv (Secretary).

At the conclusion of the reading of the address Mr. Lloyd handed Father O'Sullivan a purse of sovereigns. Master Charles Morgan, on behalf of the altar boys, read an address, which was accompanied by a suitable gift. The address was signed by Masters Charles Morgan, S. Stafford, and Joseph Robinson. On rising to reply Father O'Sullivan was greeted with loud and prolonged applause. In a feeling and earnest speech he thanked those who had been instrumental in getting up the presentation. He referred to the high compliment paid to him by the large attendance there that evening, and to the fact that many amongst tne audience were not of the same religion as himself. Father O'Sullivan said that if the Archbishop were to offer mm the best position in the (x>ocese he would rather remain in Wanganui than accept the offer. He concluded by thanking warmly those who h^d contributed items 1o the musical programme, and also the ladies who had so kindly provided the refreshments. Father O'Sullivan was frequently applauded in the course of his reply. Refreshments were then handed round by the ladies, On the previous evening the children attending tho Catholic ischools, together with the Sisters of St. Joseph, assembled in the Sacrpd Heart schoolroom, which had been tastefully decorated for the occasion. A concert under the direction of the Sisters was given in honor of Father O'Sullivan. During an interval in the programme, Miss Annie Sullivan read an address, which had been beautifully illuminated by one of the Sisters Father O'Sullivan replied in a feeling and earnest speech, thanking the children for their kindness in making the presentation, and assuring them that whereever he might 'co he would always remember with gratitude the enildren of the Wanganui schools.