RETURN OF BISHOP VERDON

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3, 21 January 1909, Page 102

RETURN OF BISHOP VERDON

AN ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION

The Right Rev. Dr. Verdon, who left on his ad limina visit just eleven months ago, arrived in Dunedin from Melbourne via the Bluff on Monday evening. Prior to his departure for Europe, his Lordship was entertained at a conversazione in St. Joseph's Hall, when the Hon. J. B. Callan, M.L.C., acting as the spokesman of the laity, wished him a pleasant voyage and a safe journey, and promised him an enthusiastic reception on his return. Mr. Callan's good wishes were in ample measure realised, for his Lordship had pleasant voyages both in going to and coming back from Europe, and his health during his absence had been good, whilst, as to the promise of an enthusiastic reception, this, as was to be naturally expected, was fulfilled in quite a remarkable degree on Monday evening, when a representative gathering of the clergy of the diocese and the laity of Dunedin and suburbs met him on his arrival by express at the railway station and accorded him a reception which for, warmth and enthusiasm could not be excelled. His Lordship during his absence from Dunedin spent some time in Ireland; he attended the great Eucharistic Congress in London, and after another visit to Ireland he left for Rome, where he was present during tho celebrations in honor of the Holy Father's Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee. Then came audiences with the Sovereign Pontiff, and the transacting of other important business. His Lordship left Naples fbr home on December 6, 'acndjirrived, as we were advised by cable at the time, in Melbourne on January 8. His Lordship left the latter port on January 13, and arrived at the Bluff early on Monday morning. A few weeks ago, when it was definitely known that his Lordship had left for this Dominion, a meeting of

the Catholics of the city and South Dunedin was held in St. Joseph's Hall for the purpose of taking steps to give him a suitable reception, and also to make him a presentation. The meeting was thoroughly representative, and the matter was taken up with the greatest enthusiasm. A substantial sum was subscribed on the occasion, towards the testimonial, which was supplemented later on by amounts from various parts of the diocese. A committee was set up to make the necessary arrangements for the reception, and another to draw up a suitable address. That the Reception Committee did its work well was amply proved by the completeness of the arrangements, and the fine procession from the railway station by Avay-of Stuart and Smith streets to the Cathedral, and which, notwithstanding the early hour and the inclement weather, was of largo dimensions, extending from the railway station to the Octagon. INVERCARGILL. On the arrival of the Warrimoo (by which the Right Rev. Dr. Verdon travelled from Melbourne) at the Bluff, his Lordship was welcomed back to his diocese (writes our Invercargill correspondent) by the Very Rev. Dean Burke, V.F., and Rev. Father O'Malley, and representatives of the laity. On arrival in Invercargill his Lordship was mot at the station by the Rev. Father Murphy (Riverton). The party was driven in Mr. G. W. Woods's motor car to the presbytery. Notwithstanding the very unfavorable weather, a large crowd had assembled at the presbytery, where an address of welcome was presented to his Lordship. Mr. J. Mulvey, representing the Hibernian Society and the parishioners generally, appropriately welcomed his Lordship back to New Zealand, and then read the following address: — ' May it please your Lordship, — It is with extreme pleasure and gratification that we, the Catholics of Invorcargill, heartily welcome your Lordship back to New Zealand, after your long tour, and we trust that your mission has been successful from every point of view. We havu followed you in your decennial visit to our Holy Father the Pope, and we were pleased to note the cordiality of your receptiou, and the keen interest which his Holiness displayed in this, the most remote of his charges, and the solicitude he expressed for our welfare. We trust that your visit to the land of our fathers found conditions materially improved for the better since your last visit, and that you have been successful in your endeavors to secure fresh recruits to carry on the good work in the diocese. Your participation in the deliberations of the Eucharistic Congress, and in the impressive and solemn ceremonies connected therewith, -will always stand out vividly in your recollections, and we anticipate that the fruits of the Congress will be far-reaching, beneficial, and permanent. *We were pleased to see that you were able to attend the celebrations, and join in the congratulations to the Supreme Pontiff on the occasion of his jubilee. Finally, my Lord, we trust that your tour will have boon the means of refreshing you mentally and bodily, and that you "will return to your arduous duties thoroughly invigorated in every way. 'We are your Lordship's most obedient children : James Co I lins, Geo. W. Woods, on behalf of the congregation ; J. Shepherd (president), J. Mulvey (vice-president), C. Matheson (secretary), on behalf of the Hibernian Band.' His Lordship, in reply, said he appreciated very much the thoughtfulness of those who had arranged this welcome to him on his way to his Cathedral city. As it was informal they, of course, would expect but an informal reply from him, as his first reply would naturally be to those in Dunedin, where no doubt he would bo formally wolcomed back to his diocose. He referred briefly to the countries he had visited, and particularly to the pleasure he had experienced in finding Ireland so much improved since his last visit. He had been twice graciously received in audience by his Holiness the Pope. After again thanking the people, his Lordship) intimated that he would visit Invercargill in a month or two, when he would be able to say a little more to them. Three hearty cheers were given for his Lordship, and the proceedings terminated. DTJNEDIN. His Lordship was accompanied on the train joimiey fiom Invercargill by the Rev. Father Murphy and Rev. Father O'Malley. At Gore he was welcomed by the Very Rev. Father O'Donnell, and at Milton his Lordship was met by a contingent of priests, and by another and larger one at Mosgiel. On arrival at the Dunedin Railway Station, where an immense concourse of people had assembled, his Lordship received a cordial and enthusiastic welcome from a representative gathering of the clergy and laity. 'After the formal welcome at the Railway Station, which was of a particularly hearty character, his Lordship was conducted to his carriage. The procession then wended its way in the following order by way of Stuart and Smith streets to the Cathedral: Moriiington Brass Band, pupils

and ex-pupils of the Christian Brothers' School, Hibernian Society in regalia, men of the parish, carriages containing clergy, membors of reception committee, etc.,/- and lastly his Lordship's carriage. The marshals of the - procession were Messrs. T. J. Hussey, D. S. Columh, and J. O'Connor. On arriving at the Cathedral the members of the Hibernian Spciety formed a guard of honor from the main entrance to the sanctuary. Over the main entrance to the Cathedral was the Celtic motto, ' Cead mile failte,' whilst the pillars and columns were decorated with festoons and flowers and evergreens, the whole presenting a very artistic effect. The Dominican Priory was also tastefully decorated, and had the word ' Welcome ' on the front of the building.As the cross-bearer, acolytes; clergy, and his Lordship entered the Cathedral the choir sang&the ' Ecce Sacerdos Magnus.' Then followed the ceremonies prescribed by tho Pontifical for such an occasion, concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The following clergy were present in tlie sanctuary : — Rev. Father Murphy (Riverton), Rev. Father ivxcMullau (Ranfurly), Rev. Father Coffey, Adm., Rev. Fathers Howard and D. O'Neill (South Dunedin), Rev. Father Hunt (Cromwell), Rev. Dr. Cleary, Piev. Father Hearn (Port Chalmers), Rev. Father Lynch (Palmerston), Rev. Father Delany (Raufurly), Rev. Fathers Ryan, Liston, and Buckley (Holy Cross College), Rev. Fathers O'Reilly and Corcoran (Cathedral). The Cathedral was densely crowded in every part, and many were unable to get inside.

Prior to reading the address to his Lordship Rev. Father Coffcy, Adm., apologised for the absence of the Right Rev. Mgr. Mackay, Very Rev. Mgr. O'Leary, and others of the clergy who wcro unable to be present. m The following was the ADDRESS. 'To the Right Rev. Michael Verdon, D.D., Bishop of Dunedin, on the occasion of his return from his visit ad Uinina, January, 1909. ' May it please your Lordship, — On behalf of the Catholic clergy and laity of the diocese of Dunedin, we bid you a hearty welcome back from your long and arduous journey. Our thoughts have followed you with affectionate interest during your travels by sea and land ; we have been with you in spirit at the great Eucharistic Congress, and amid the splendor of the solemn ceremonies that marked the Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee of our Holy Father Pope Pius X. We recall with "grateful hearts the fatherly feeling which moved you to travel so far afield to ronder to your Chief Pastor and ours an account of the flock committed to your care; we thank you for your anxious thought anJ kindly and prayerful effort on our behalf, and for all that you have done for the. advancement of piety and charity and education during the whole of, your fruitful and beneficent episcopate of thirteen years. We greet your return with the deep respect and the warm affection whidi bind tho hearts of true Catholics to those who are placed over them in the onerous dignity of the episcopal office. -

We rejoice at the" renewed health and vigor which you have brought back with you as on« of the blessing of your travels, and wo pray that it may he the earnest of lon^ years of fruitful service for the Church of God in this diocese of Dunedin. ' Signed on behalf of the clergy and laity of the diocese : Clergy. L.vity. J. Monsignok Mackay, V.F. J. B, Callan, M.L.C. P. Monsignok O'Lbaky, V.F. C. A. Shibl M. \.ALSH J. J. MAKL.OW W. Burke, V.F. P. O'Neili, P. O'DONNELL J. O'NEltli J. COFFEY, ADM. C. COLUSIJI /» J. O'Connor, . W. P. RODGEttS, Hon. Secretaries. The address was accompanied by a cheque for £500, the gift of the clergy and laity of the diocese to his Lordship. His Lordship in replying tlianked his people most sincerely for the very kind — he must say enthusiastic — manner in which they had welcomed him. He was indeed pleased to see such a large number of people here assembled to receive him on his return to Dunedin. The beautiful words of welcome which they had addressed to him gave the reason for this demonstration. In a true Catholic spirit they wished to show tlieir respect for the episcopal office, and their love and reverence for the Sovereign Pontiff from whose presence he had just returned. As they knew, his journey to Europe was not a mere pleasure trip, but had been undertaken by him in the discharge of his duty to pay his homage to the Sovereign. Pontiff, his Holiness Pope Pius X., and to lay before him a report on the state of the diocese committed tW his care. It had been his privilege to be received in audience by the Holy Father almost immediately after his arrival in Rome in April, and again' on the day before he sailed from Naples in December. In. his paternal solicitude the Holy Father had inquired aboiit many things concerning their temporal and spiritual interests, and it consoled- him in the midst of his many cares to hear of the zeal and energy of the clergy, the faith and generosity of the people, and the disinterested and self-sacrificing efforts of the good nuns and Brothers who Avere laboring so" successfully to spread the blessings of a good religious education among the children. In his official report on the progress made in the diocese during the last tAvelve years, he was able to tell of over tAventy-tAVO new churches erected, eleven new convents established, many neAV schools opened, and various other works undertaken for the benefit of the young and the old, all which works Avere accomplished ny the zeal and energy of the priests and nuns, aided by the AA'hole-hearted generosity of a faithful people. His report also told • f flourishing confraternities, and of the fervor with which so many of the people approaclied the Sacraments and discharged all their other duties. His Lordship went on to say that it -had given him great pleasure to lay their very generous offerings of Peter's Pence at the feet of -the Vicar of Christ, for they all kneAV that though the Holy Father practised the strictest economy, his expenses were great, and that he had to trust entirely to the charity and generosity of the faithful for his support. They Avould be pleased to Lear that he had enjoyed himself during his travels, for though he Avent to Europe in tho discharge of his duty, he need scarcely tell them that it gave him very great pleasme indeed to revisit those places in Avhich he had ltved~and worked in former days, and to meet again many very dear old friends. He esteemed it, too, a very great privilege to be able to take part in the great Eucharistic Congress in London, and to be present at the magnificent Jubilee celebration in St. Peter's at Rome, on November 16; but he could assure them that though he had good reason, to be satisfied Avith the results of his journey, yet Dunedin Avas seldom absent from his thoughts, and had circumstances permitted he Avould long since have cut short his programme and returned to Dunedin. He had come back with renewed health and vigor, and during tlie days that might yet be given him he trusted that he should be able to work with reneAved energy and earnestness for the welfare of the flock " committed to his care. He thanked them very sincerely for their more than generous offering. God Avould reward them for this, and for many similar acts of generosity and charity. His earnest and constant prayer would be that God Avould shower doAvn abundantly His choicest graces and blessings upon them. They might be interested to hear a" brief account of his travels during his absence from "Dunedin. He- had a beautiful voyage to Naples, and arrived in Rome in Holy Week and had the privilege of taking part in some of the grand ceremonies. A. iew days after" his arrival

he was received in audience by the Holy Father, and :t: t was with' the greatest pleasure he saw that the Sovereign Pontiff seemed to enjoy excellent health, that he was vigorous and active and capable of transacting the onerous duties of his office. He received the greatest kindness from the Holy Father, and during the twenty-five minutes -that the audience lasted, he conversed about the affairs of the "diocese and matters affecting the people's welfare. In the course cf the. audience his Lordship told the Holy Father of the excellent Catholic paper (the N.Z. Tablet), and of the ability, zeal, and energy of its editor, and asked him to confer some mark of recognition on the editor. Ho complied most readily and graciously with the roquest, and conferred the title of Doctor of Divinity on the editor, who Avill henceforth be known as the Rev. Dr. Clcary, and that title has been confirmed by the Congregation of Studies in Rome. During his last audience he had presented the beautiful Jubilee edition of the Tablet to the Holy Fathor, who was greatly pleased with it. He noticed that it contained some music, and his Lordship explained to him that it was Lhe ' Song for the Pope/ which was recently sung by the Irish pilgrims at the audience given to them. The Holy Father looked at the many pictures which it contained, aiid called his attention to some of the views, and he seemed greatly pleased with the edition. It was a matter for congratulation that they had such an excellent Cabholic paper in their midst. The Tablet was spoken highly of by nuihbers of people, and he was told that it was the best Catholic paper published in the Southern hemisphere. He trusted the editor wouid continue to labor for many years in the interests of Holy Church. His Lordship said he spent three or four months in Ireland, and travelled throughout the country from tne Giant's Causeway in the North to Valencia in the South, and wherever he went he was pleased to see the very great improvement which was noticeable verywhere since his last visit nine or ten years ago. This was particularly the case with the children in the schools, who were well clothed, jand looked bright, happy, and intelligent. A great mim"ber of persons have purchased their holdings, and this has resulted in a decided change for the better in their dwollings and farms, and helped to give the people an air of cheerfulness and hopefulness. The County Councils are doing excellent work, and the many laborers' cottages throiighout the country are substantial and cheerful; and on the whole the lot of the i)eople has been greatly improved. The now "University Act, although wanting in many respects, was capable of improvement, so that it might be made a highly useful measure. He had the privilege of assisting at the great Eucharistic Congress in London, and he had to say that everything in connection, with it was carried out in an admirable manner. The meetings were magnificently attended, and the scene in the great Albert Hall on the occasion of the reception of the Papal Delegate, when it is said 10,000 persons were present, was one Avhich would not easily be forgottten. Another very interesting event in connection with the Congress was the procession of 15,000 school children ot\ the Saturday through the streets of London to the Westminster Cathedral. Everything passed off most successfully notwithstanding the heavy traffic and the crowded state of the streets. Then on Sunday there Avas .the - impressive scene in Westminster Cathedral, when no fewer than six Cardinals, 80 Bishops, and many mitred abbots and heads of religious Orders were present. They could hardly conceive how grand the scene was. Then there was the great open-air procession in the afternoon, which was witnessed by at least 100,000 persons, and not the i - disrespect was shown those who took part in it--in fact the immense crowds of spectators behaved in the most' respectful and becoming manner. The Eucharistic Congress, in London had been a magnificent success in every way, and bore testimony to the energy, fidelity, and zeal of the Catholics, and the toleration of the English race. His Lordship then referred to the Papal Jtibilee -celebrations in St. Peter's, Rome, at which he assisted. There were present on the occasion 35 Cardinals, 400 Bishops, and a congregation computed at 60,000. The ceremonies were most magnificent, and the singing was very beautiful. It was, indeed, the scene of a lifetime. In the most of his travels he" had seen many things which could only be seen once in a lifetime. The Holy Father had a very busy " time of it gi anting audiences, etc. At length overcome by fatigue he had been ordered -by his physician to keep to his room for some days, and even to his bed. All audiences were, therefore, suspended, but as ho (his Lordship) had come from the extreme ends of the earth, his Holiness graciously consented to see him. At that audience his Holiness gave his blessing to the people of the diocese of Dunedin, and in temporal matters wished them happiness, prosperity, and every success. ' And I,' said his Lordship in conclusion, ' wish you the samo, and I thank you once again very sincerely for your cordial reception.'