The Late Bishop of Auckland

New Zealand Tablet, 14 April 1910, Page 583

The Late Bishop of Auckland

(From our own correspondent.) The Month’s Mind of the late Bishop of Auckland began on Tuesday night in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. His Lordship Bishop Verdon, of Dunedin, presided, and priests from all parts of the diocese were present, while there was a very large congregation. After the Rosary, which was said by the Right Rev. Mgr. Gillan, the Very Rev. Dean Hackett preached an eloquent and touching panegyric on the late Bishop from the test : ‘ Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners. He shall he like a tree, which is planted near the running waters; which shall bring forth its fruit in due season, and his leaf shall not fall off, and all whatsoever he shall do .shall prosper’ (Psalm I. 1-3). The Very Rev. preacher directed attention to the three great characteristics in the life of Bishop Lenihan — piety, charity, and humility. His life was one of constant prayer. Early every morning, when the city was peacefully asleep, it was the Bishop’s custom to pray fervently that God would crown his labors and bestow blessings upon his people. His charity knew no bounds, his love for all mankind was favorable, as he knew neither creed, race, nor color. To all who knew him his humility stood out predominantly. The highest functionary in the land was no more to him than the humblest citizen, and beyond all was his love for the orphans, upon whom he bestowed fatherly love and affection and no more touching spectacle was to be seen than those little waifs crowding around him and calling him by the endearing name of ‘ Father.’ He had gone from them for ever, but his memory, his cheery voice, and charming simplicity would ever remain in all their hearts and minds. They should always pray for him in order that his sins might be expiated, or by way of thankfulness for his entry into the heavenly kingdom. Let them always continue to offer up for him that fine Catholic prayer: ‘Eternal vest grant unto him, oh Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him! ’ •

, -The choir sang appropriate music, which was excellently rendered, particularly the ‘ Miserere.’ At the conclusion the organist (Mr. H. Hiscocks) played the Dead March in Sain, . the congregation standing with bowed heads. n ', *- j 6r ? u Pontificals Requiem Mass was celebrated- in the Cathedral at 10 o clock on Wednesday morning in the presence of a large congregation. His Lordship Vishop Verdon was celebrant, the Very Rev. Father Brodie being deacon, Rev. lather Darby subdeacou, and Rev. - Father Holbrook master of ceremonies. The priests and Marist Brothel s sang the chants, and the music incidental to the Mass was rendered by the choir, under the direction of Mr. P. F. ruscocks. A feature of the service was the singing of the Dies Irao by the orphans, all from memory.