THE NEW BISHOP OF LISMORE

New Zealand Tablet, 24 March 1910, Page 452

THE NEW BISHOP OF LISMORE

Sunday, March 6 (says the Catholic Press), was a memorable day in Lismore, when the Right Rev. Dr. John Carroll, formerly P.P. of Moss Vale, was consecrated second Bishop of Lismore in succession to Bishop Doyle, the pioneer of the diocese, whose sudden death took place on June 4 last year. Dr. Carroll was the almost unanimous choice of the priests of the diocese, and the ceremonies connected with his consecration were carried out in the presence of one of the largest congregations ever assembled in # the magnificent Cathedral of St. Carthage. Representatives, both lay and clerical, from nearly all the other dioceses were present, while local people attended in overwhelming numbers. His Eminence the Cardinal, despite his all but eighty years, made the long journey from Sydney to consecrate a priest who until now has been one of his most prominent and zealous workers in the archdiocese of Sydney. Goulburn, Maitland, and Rockhampton also sent their Bishops. The presence of so many distinguished ecclesiastics aroused local enthusiasm to fever pitch, and the great ceremonies will be long remembered in the capital of the prosperous Northern Rivers.' '

His Eminence the Cardinal was the consecrating prelate. The assistant Bishops were their Lordships the; Right Rev. Drs. Dwyer (Maitland) and O’Connor (Armidale). There were also present the Right Rev. Dr. Gallagher (Bishop of Goulburn), and the Right Rev. Dr. Duhig (Bishop of Rockhampton). The occasional sermon was preached by the Very Rev. Dean Phelan, V.G., Melbourne. Referring to the new Bishop, the preacher congratulated the Lismore diocese on securing Dr. Carroll, who, though of a gentle disposition, was a man of determination and a vigorous churchman. His selection by the priests of the diocese had been unanimous. After the sermon Dr. Carroll received an address and a purse of 200 sovereigns from the priests of the diocese, an address and £720 from the laity, and an address from the district Hibernians. In reply his Lordship thanked the priests for their noble self-sacrifice and the honor done him in attending the consecration ceremony. He looked for their loyal support. The £720 he had received he would hand over to the Cathedral funds. Speaking on the education question, he said that wherever fifty Catholic families lived in the diocese he was determined to establish a school to impart religious instruction. He enjoined on the people to cultivate the spirit of charity, to work harmoniously with all classes, and adhere steadfastly to the doctrines of the Church, bringing up families as patterns of morality and justice. He paid an eloquent tribute to the late Bishop Doyle, who had had high ideals and had left the Cathedral a solid monument to perpetuate his memory. He had also left a spiritual monument, as was evidenced by the generosity of the Catholic people of the diocese. Subsequently a banquet was held in St. Carthage’s schoolroom, when 350 persons sat down. Bishop Carroll presided, having his Eminence the Cardinal on his right, and the Mayor (Alderman Spinks) on his left. In proposing the toast of the Cardinal’s health, Bishop Carroll paid a high tribute to the Cardinal’s worth, and also the work done. He (Bishop Carroll) had received 100 guineas from an anonymous donor to show appreciation of the work. He asked his Eminence’s acceptance of this to be used in the completion of St. Columba’s Ecclesiastical College. During the banquet another £IOO was placed at the disposal of the Bishop, who gave it also to the Cardinal for the same purpose. Other toasts included the Visitors, Laity, Clergy, and the Chairman. In the evening Pontifical Vespers were sung, after which Bishop Duhig preached an eloquent sermon. The Cathedral was crowded.