DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 9, 4 March 1909, Page 339

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(From our own correspondent.) February 26. The Right Rev. Mgr. O'Reilly's frieiids throughout the Dominion will learn with regret of his illness. He is at present in the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. ' The parishioners of St.-- Benedict's are highly delighted at the high dignity conferred on their parish priest, Dean Gillan, and they intend in an especial manner to mark their great appreciation of him. Rev. Eather Golden, of Kaikoura, has been visiting Auckland, renewing old acquaintances. The popular and patriotic priest received a warm welcome from those among whom he labored so long and so successfully. ' When leaving Sydney his Lordship Bishop Lenihan was accompanied to the steamer's side by his Eminence Cardinal Moran and the Right Rev. Mgr. O'Haran. Dr. Lenihan thought it was too much to ask of the Cardinal to go to the ship. His Eminence replied, ' Now, please leave that to me. I shall never forget my kind treatment in Auckland.' The sports committee of the St. Patrick's Day celebration committee is a very active body. In addition to an already attractive programme a Marathon race for amateurs has been arranged. It will commence at Lake Takapuna, and finish up with two rounds on the Devonport racecourse, a distance of six miles. A handsome trophy has been provided for the event. His Lordship the Bishop kindly showed me the monstrance one evening this week which his Eminence Cardinal Moran has given to the Cathedral. The Bishop purchased it in Italy. It is a magnificent piece of work, and equals anything of its kind in this Dominion. The Bishop also showed me a beautiful cross which he also secured in Italy, and which he intends to present to the Cardinal. On Tuesday afternoon a garden party was given in St. Mary's Convent grounds in honor of the Bishop's

return, at which a great number attended.. The City .Band .played selections 'while refreshments were handed round to tie guests. Quite an enjoyable time was spent, and an excellent opportunity was afforded the people of meeting his Lordship. On Tuesday evening at the Star of the Sea Orphanage a hearty welcome home was given to the Bishop by the children. Many friends were present, and the proceedings were marked by much rejoicing on the part of the children. The room was nicely decorated, and outside rows of Chinese lanterns enhanced the scene. The singing of the orphan children is exceptionally good. Seldom, indeed, had they been heard to such advantage as on that occasion. They presented an address to his Lordship, who replied as follows: — My dear children, 1 am so pleased to be with you again. In my travels far away I have often thought of you, particularly when I visited other orphanages and saw the little children there. Your nice address and your fine singing delighted me, and in - connection with the latter I must thank and congratulate * Mrs. Win. Ralph and her devoted family for their long continued interest in the orphans. Mrs. Ralph must have given her time and attention to you, because your singing assures me of that. To- the Sisters, Rev. Father Holbrook (manager), and Mr. Thos. Holbrook I am indebted for their work, and very grateful to them. To the prayers and good wishes of the orphan children I attribute the position I now occupy, and all those who labor for the little orphans will be blessed by Almighty God. Once again, my dear children, I must heartily thank you. Father Holbrook, on behalf of the children, thanked the Bishop for his kindness in coming amongst them. They were always pleased to welcome him, and in his absence they over remembered him and prayed for his safe and speedy return, recognising what a great deal his Lordship had done for the institution.