DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVI, Issue 24, 18 June 1908, Page 14

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(By Telegraph. — From Our Own Correspondent.) June 15. The feast of Corpus Christi will be celebrated next Sunday at the Cathedral by solemn High Mass, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Dean Gillan, V.G., has taken ' the rooms at the Cathedral Presbytery, vacated by Father Holbrook. Much of his time will be spent as administrator at the Cathedral and Saint Benedict's. The Quarant' Ore begins after the 11 o'clock Mass on Sunday, and terminates at High Mass on Tuesday morning. The preachers will be the Vicar General, and Rev. Fathers Kehoe and Edge. Eev. Father Brennan has been appointed to Saint Benedict's. Mr. Ormond received a cable message to-day from his son, stating that the latter was ordained priest at Rome last Saturday. Rev. Father Holbrook left last Saturday morning to take charge of Cambridge. Prior v to his departure he received farewells from the Orphans, the children of St. Patrick's Convent Schools. Addresses were presented and read by Misses Leonora Foly and Annie Molloy, at tha conclusion of which the little ones presented him with bouquets. A handsome dinner set and a beautiful handpainted tea set were presented on behalf of the pupils by Rev. Father Murphy, who spoke eulogistically of Father Holbrook's work in the Convent and Sunday Schools. The recipient in felicitous terms thanked the children, and said he carried away the happiest remembrances of the Cathedral schools. The function closed by the children singing a farewell chorus. ... At Father Holbrook 7 s invitation, the house-to-house col : lectors assembled last Friday evening at the presbytery. Short speeches were made by Father Murphy and Mri-.M; J. Sheahan, who regretted ' the departure of a good an-'l zealous priest, who was untiring in his labours; it wa's duty with him before all else, his own personal comfort being last, with the result that his health broke down, and consequently a change was rendered necessary. Father Holbrook feelingly replied, and urged the collectors to continue their good work, so that when the Bishop "returned

he would find the debt reduced. The best way to show their appreciation of him was to pursue the course mapped out by him and the priests of the Cathedral. He left all with the kindliest feelings and with deep regret. The Marist Brothers 'Old Boys' gave a farewellin their club rooms' to Father Holbrook/ Brother George presided, and there were also present Fathers Edge, Doyle, Brennan, and a large attendance of members. Brother George referred to the work done by Father Holbrook for the Club Bince its inception. Its establishment Was primarily due to - him. He spent weeks gathering money. with which to open and furnish the rooms, and through its struggles stood by it, until rewarded with success. The members coukfnever sufficiently thank Father Holbrook for all he had done for them. They wished him God's blessing in his new sphere as parish priest. Eev. Father Edge, in eloquent terms, supported the remarks of the president. The love between Catholic priests and the people /was something to be envieci. Nowhere else was it to be found. The presence of so many young men was to him a revelation and eonsolatioh. It was evidence of the good work done by Father Holbrook. From thence forward he intended to come oftener to their gatherings. He wished Father Holbrook good-bye and every success. Eev. Father Holbrook, on rising, was greeted witli tumultuous applause, lasting several minutes. He said when he came here six years ago from Ireland he was struck by the apathy of the many young men who were absent from all Church functions, in which they evinced no concern, no pride, no affection. It troubled him much, and he determined to remedy this if possible. He consulted those better acquainted with the youug men and local surroundings than himself, and, after serious consideration and misgivings, the Club was inaugurated, and after trials and disappointments it forged ahead. His reward was in seeing them attend in a body and approach the Holy Table, thereby identifying themselves publicly witn the great Church to which they belonged. He hoped they would prosper, and whoever succeeded him as chaplain, he assured him that in the Club members he would find an obedient and respectable body of young men. He would always think of them with pleasure and pride, and prayed that God would bless them.—Brother George then explained that, in deference to the wishes of the general Public Committee, the Club refrained from making a presentation, but would join the main body in making Father Holbrook 's farewell a success. Musical items were tendered by Messrs. J. Lonergan, O. Pritehard, T. Guscott, W. Dervan, Adean, anil Middleton, humorous recitations by Messrs H. Herbert and A. Mcllwain. Mr. P. Clarke ably presided at the piano. The proceedings concluded with the singing of 'Auld lang syne' and 'God save Ireland.' Last evening, after Vespers, the committee entrusted with preparing a fitting farewell to Eev. Father Holbrook met at St. Patrick's Presbytery, Mr. J. P. Nerheny in the chair. Eev. Fathers Murphy and Wright, and a large number of ladies and gentlemen were present. - Excellent work was reported by the collectors. An address committee was appointed, consisting of Fathers Murphy and Wright. Brother George, and Messrs Nerheny and M. J. Sheahan. It was decided that the committee should meet again on Sunday fortnight, when detailed arrangements would be made, and Father Holbrook asked to fix a date for a social gather.ing and presentation. To-night a most successful complimentary concert was tendered to Mr. Harry Herbert in the Eoyal Albert Hall r by numerous friends, in consideration of his services, given so freely at all church and charity matters here for many years.. The programme., was choice and varied, and the best local talent - assisted. Eev. Father Farthing -and Mr. Eupert Knight (secretaries), and Eev. Father Doyle (treasurer) worked hard, -with the result that the concert was- a great success. Mr. Herbert leaves shortly for Australia/ -taking with him the best wishes for his future prosperity.