Napier

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVI, Issue 9, 5 March 1908, Page 19

Napier

The Theatre Royal (says the -'Daily Telegraph ')- was splendidly filled on the evening of February 27, on the occasion of a farewell tendered to the Rev. W. ' D. Goggan, who for the past six years had been pastor of Napier and is now leaving to take up the position of vice-rector of St. Patrick's College, Wellington. The opportunity was also -taken by the Catholic community to extend a welcome, to their new pastor, the Rev. Father James Goggan. The short concert programme arranged by Mr. T. St. • L. Toner proved highly enjoyable. At the conclusion of the concert a presentation was made to the departing priest. Mr. W. J. McGrath presided, and seats on the platform were occupied by Very Rev. Dean Smyth, Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy, Rev. Fathers W. D. Go&gan, J. Goggan, O'Connor, and Tymons, Messrs. P. Gleeson and J. Higg«Lns. The chairman" said that they had met to bid farewell to the Rev. Father William Goggan and to welcome his successor. Father William Goggan had been with them for six years 'in Napier, and during that time he had rendered excellent service. Commenting upon tine departing priest's work, the chairman said that when he arrived here in 1902 the parish had a debt of £1600, and this had been paid off. Amongst other work which had been done ' by him was the . expenditure of £250 on St. Patrick's Hall, £200 on the interior of St. Patrick's Church, £190 on the Marist Brothers' school, and £350 in making the church's property in Station street one of the most valuable in town. The Very Rev. Dean Smyth said that the meeting showed that the people had two good virtues—kindliness and gratitude. They showed their gratitude to Father William Goggan for all that he had done and their kindness of heart in extending s<o cordial a greeting to Father James Goggan. Messrs. J. Iliggins and P. Gleeson also addressed the meeting. Mr. Gleeson, on behalf of the Catholics of Napier, presented Father William Goggan with a purse of sovereigns and the following address, printed on .a white satin scroll beautifully ornamented by the Sisters of the convent froir. a design by Miss McGrath :— 1 Rev. and Dear Father,— lt is with - feelings of respect and gratitude that we, the people for whom you have labored so zealously during the past six years, assemble to bid you' farewell, and to wish you prosperity in your new sphere of labor. In* briefly reviewing the past, we find ourselves indebted to you for many favors Both as priest and administrator of our parish. .We sincerely thank you for the fatherly' - affec-' 1 tion and tender solicitude you have shown us. You have on all occasions, without fear or favor, made clear to us the will of* the Divine Master in our regard, and have never ceased to spend yourself and be spent in order that you may promote our eternal salvation. As a learned and cultured gentleman, you have reflected honor on the priesthood and us, and 'have proved yourself to be the true champion of our holy religion, whenever it has- been attacked. By your prudence and foresight, you have shown yourself to be a very capable administrator. All this is visible in the splendid properties you have secured for religious purposes. An address such as -fends will not allow of the

enumeration of all the works of zeal in which you ha-ve been engaged ; but -in your relations with, the lit-tle-ones you have shown yourself the true priest — never failing -to stoop to the least and lowest of , Christ's flock.- All your energy, zeal, and learning were incessantly employed in the interest of our children in their religious and secular education ; and in .everything that might tend to make them tho?:ough members of the Caiholic faith. Remembering, then, all these -favors, and remembering also your wise counsels x and exhortations for our spiritual life, we assure you, Reverend Father, that we shall ever strive to be faithful to them, and thus prove ourselves worthy of such a pastor as you have been. We trust you shall ever remember us in your prayers and good,,works, whilst we will do the same for you. In conclusion, we hope you shall have God's blessing for a long life and health and strength to carry on the great and noble work to which holy obedience, calls .you. On .behalf of the parishioners of Napier, we remain,, reverend and. dear Father, " your affectionate children in J Jesus Christ.' Miss Kenny presented Father William Goggan with a purse of money subscribed by the Children of Mary. Rev. Father Goggan, in reply, heartily thanked Ms own people for their goodwill, to him, and also the citizens of Napier, ifrom the Mayor down to the humblest man, from w.honii he had received nothing"; tout kindness. He recognised that whether they were Cath-' olics or not they were all children of God and .citizens of the State, and as .such, should res»pect the feelings and' 'belief of "one to the other.- In' going' through' life it had always been his endeavor to respect •, the feelings of every man, from the Oriental to the members of thieir own race and creed. ' ' Father Groggan. ' paid a high tribute to his successor, and said that" when the people got to know^him tliey' would wish that he (the speaker) had gone long ago. " i Very Rev. JDr. Kennedy introduced" the Rev. Father James Goggan, and spoker-Qfrhis work in other centres of the world. „ ; . Rev. Father James Goggan said that he had come amongst them as an old Dean. He hoped to spend many happy days in this beautiful sunny Napier, where his rev. nephew had labored so successfully. This closed the proceedings, but the opportunity was availed of by many to bid the Rev. Father William Goggan a personal farewell.