THE LATE VERY REV. DEAN GINATY

New Zealand Tablet, 20 July 1911, Page 1337

THE LATE VERY REV. DEAN GINATY

PANEGYRIC BY HIS LORDSHIP BISHOP GRIMES His Lordship Bishop Grimes presided' at the Month’s Mind of the late Very Rev. Dean Ginaty, S.M., V.G., in St. Mary’s Church, Christchurch, and preached the panegyric, based on the following text: Who thinkest thou is a faithful rand wise servant whom his Lord hath appointed over his family to give them meat in season ? Blessed is that servant, whom when,his Lord shall come He shall find so doing. Amen I say to you. He shall place him over all His goods ’ (Matt, xxiv., 45-47). A deep and wide-spread sorrow (said his Lordship) still hangs like a pall over this city and diocese, and over the whole Dominion. A great bereavementawful in ' its unexpectedness draped this sanctuary in mourning. The pitiless hand of death has suddenly laid low the shepherd of the flock, the benefactor of Christchurch and of all New Zealand. The fatal blow has fallen on a mighty chief of Israel, one of the Lord’s anointed. You all knew him as a ‘ faithful and wise servant whom his Lord had appointed over his family to give them meat in season.’ You knew him as a kind and enlightened director, a father to many an orphan, a true friend of sinners, the comforter and consoler of thousands of poor and afflicted. You know that he was called from this life suddenly to give an account of his stewardship. You grieve to know that that voice so often heard in this sanctuary is now hushed in the silence of death, that those consecrated hands so often uplifted in prayer and supplication and blessing are now cold and motionless as his once loving heart this day. No sooner was the sad news of his death flashed through the Dominion than sympathetic - messages poured in from all parts. Seldom or never was testimony more unanimous or more feelingly rendered than that to the virtue and the worth and the many noble services of Dean Ginaty, formerly parish priest of the whole city of Christchurch, the founder of Mount Magdala, and Vicar-General of our diocese, - The press had the kindliest references to him. All recognised that he was truly ‘a faithful and wise servant,’ who after a long and laborious and fruitful life, as one of our local journals beautifully put it, ‘ laid down his burden to take up his reward.’ His remains were borne from this sacred edifice to the Cathedral which he loved and served so well. The Cathedral was thronged not only by those of his own faith, but many a non-Catholic gathered around the altar and the funereal bier, to pay a last tribute of respect to his sterling worth. As soon as he heard the sad news, our illustrious Metropolitan hastened to our midst, and spoke in eloquent terms of the life and character of the venerable Dean. A mighty multitude swelled the mournful procession as it wended its way from the Cathedral to the little graveyard at Mount Magdala. There the scene was pathetic in the extreme, as tho little orphans, the ‘ children,’ and. the Sisters of the Good * Shepherd saw the coffin containing the mortal remains of their pastor, their father, : and their friend lowered to the ground, then on all sides was heard a • ; . .. n

wail of distress, an outburst of grief amid the tears that streamed from every eye. What had the dear departed done thus to win universal love and admiration? In what was he great to claim so much homage ? # The words which I have chosen for my text give the answer. Placed over the family of the Lord, he, by the faithful discharge of his duties, proved himself ‘ a-faithful - and wise servant,’ breaking to the people the. Bread of Life, giving to all their measure of food in due season. Having persevered through a long life in this wisdom and fidelity, when his Master came to call him, He found him occupied in the work entrusted to him; and have we not the warrant of Holy Writ declaring ‘ that servant is blessed whom, when his Lord shall come, He shall find so doing ’ ? To-day we are assembled together to celebrate his Mouth’s Mind at the foot of the altar where he last officiated on' Whit Sunday. But why should I address you this moment? Was his life unknown to you? Was not his name' a household word among you all, the name of a holy priest, a devoted Father and friend? What can I say to add to his memory, ,or so delineate his character as to fill you with anything like a truthful appreciation of his worth and works? All that I can do is to give an outline of his life, or rather of his way of living, so that when hereafter you speak of him to your children or your-children’s children, they may know why you hold him in so great love and reverence ; and that we, his brethren in the sanctuary, may treasure the recollection of a priest whose virtues shed a lustre on our ministry, and whose example puts before us what a faithful priest should be, I . had invited others to speak to you on this mournful occasion but they begged to decline,-' alleging among other reasons that his Bishop knew him longer • than any other in New Zealand; assuredly none other held him in greater esteem. Laurence Mary Ginaty was born on November .14, 1,835, in the village of Dromiskin, situated a few miles from the town of Dundalk, in County Louth, Ireland. His parents were well-to-do farmers, known throughout the country for their piety and the conscientious fulfilling of their religious and civic duties. From his earliest years young Laurence was remarkable for his lively faith and his fondness for study. Even when -very young his ambition was to become a priest and missionary. The venerable Dean of Dundalk, Dr. Kieran, who was afterwards raised to the See of St. Patrick as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, was to our youth a model of all that a priest should be. As a priest hie was a man of austere virtue, well known for his manly eloquence, and fierce denunciation of vice. I have often heard the dear departed speak with the greatest admiration of this his prototype, whom he thought, at least in his youth, every priest should take as a model. Looking upon himself as so far *below this, his ideal, and though a cousin of his own, the late illustrious Bishop Conroy was rapidly advancing to the highest posts of the hierarchy, Laurence was afraid to enter the lists of the sanctuary, and for a few years he spent some time in business with a widowed relative whose affairs he managed, though., he had hardly reached his ■ twentieth year. Even then everybody looked* upon him as a model young man, approaching the Sacraments every week and oftener, he was an assiduous member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and the only recreation he allowed himself w,as to visit the poor and the sicka work of charity which he always' loved In the year 1860 (or 1861) Dean, Kieran, on the Recommendation of the late eminent Cardinal Wiseman invited the Fathers of the Society of Mary to make a foundation in the city ,of Dundalk. There in 1861 they opened a college, now one of the most flourishing in-Ireland.- Through- the venerable Dean, Laurence Mary Ginaty soon came to know and appreciate the lives of the Marist Fathers, and he sought and- obtained admission- into their Order. He was then about 24 or 25 years of age.. With a more than average acquaintance with mathematics, .he possessed a fair knowledge of English and general"literature, and for several years he worked night and day to master the. classical, philosophical, and theological studies necessary for the priesthood. Like the Apostle of the

Gentiles, whom in many respects he already seemed to resemble, he began his higher studies by detaching himself from all the things of this world by the triple vows of poverty,- chastity, and obedience. Even while a diligent student he could say with the great St. Paul (ii. Cor., v., 14), ‘ The charity of Jesus urges me.’ It was on the Feast of Our. Lady’s Immaculate Conception, December 8, 1865, that he was admitted to make his profession in the Society of Mary. , Before he was admitted to Holy Orders, he was engaged among the teaching staff at St. Mary’s College, Dundalk. Those who then knew him were filled with admiration at his unflagging zeal and strict attention to his duty as a professor and scholastic. After his ordination to the priesthood in 1867 he was sent to a house of the Order in Dublin. There, too, he was ever distinguished by his fidelity in the discharge of his priestly and professorial duties. After he had spent a year in one of the colleges.of the Society in France, his Superiors sent him to New Zealand. It will ever be a glory for our diocese that the first and chief scene of his labors from the time of his arrival in New Zealand till he breathed out his soul to God, was Christchurch. For a decade or more of years he worked indefatigably in season and out of season amongst the people of this city and its suburbs. Many years before I came to New . Zealand Father Ginaty, then parish priest of the city, wrote to me in England, and begged me to procure some valuable sacred vessels and altar furniture for the church, which, on my arrival became the Pro-Cathedral, and which is now the girls’ parochial school. Well, do I remember his instructions to purchase the best that money could procure. He always believed that nothing was too good for the House of God, and especially for the altar and the adorable Sacrament thereof.

In "the New Zealand Tablet of last month, our Christchurch correspondent thus kindly refers to Dean Ginaty’s work after he came to our city ;—' Endowed with an iron constitution and immense energy, Father Ginaty set to work with a zeal that characterised his every action through life. lie enlarged and decorated the parish church, supplied beautiful stained-glass windows, which are now objects ’of admiration in a part of the Cathedral, and furnished it with sanctuary requisites, vestments, etc., in so complete a manner that for long years it was recognised as the best-equipped church in New Zealand. • He rebuilt and enlarged the parochial schools, and established St. Leo’s High School for the higher education of boys, which, under competent teachers, flourished for many years.’ In olden times when the Almighty would urge his people to turn to Him, and draw from His mercy treasures of grace, He said ; ! I will give you pastors according to My ..own Heart, and they shall feed you with knowledge and with doctrine ’ (Jerem. iii, 15).

If we weigh well the mystery of the Christian priesthood, if we ponder over the treasures of grace the priests of the Gospel dispensation are appointed to pour out, we shall at once see how graciously and how bountifully God deals with His people, when He gives them a pastor according to His own Heart. For what is in our holy Church, a pastor of souls? St. Paul tells us in his First Epistle to the Corinthians iii, 9 ; ‘ That he is one taken from among men and ordained in the things that appertain to God ’ —God’s ambassadors. ‘ For Christ we are ambassadors,’ he adds, ‘God, as it were, exhorting by us.’ Nay more, according to the same holy Apostle, a pastor is God’s own coadjutor, a fellow-laborer with God for your soul’s ‘ salvation,’ one * destined for the work of the ministry, for th» building up of the body of Christ. Do not these divinelyinspired words give the perfect portrait of your departed pastor ? Did he not in himself and his ministry realise them to the letter? Like the Apostle of the Gentiles, did not Dean Ginaty say to you by his wondrous zeal, by his assiduity in the pulpit, in the sacred tribunal of penance, or at the holy altar ‘ I most gladly will spend and be spent myself for your souls?’ (2 Cor. xii, 15). 1 . If I be made a victim upon the sacrifice and service of Vour faith, I rejoice and congratulate with you all ’ (Phil, ii, 17). Again; * So desirous of you, we would gladly impart unto you not only the Gospel of God, but

also our own souls because you were become most dear to us.’ (1 Thess. ii, 8). When our Blessed Lord walked this earth, it was often hurled as a reproach to Him that He sought out the society of sinners, that He suffered Himself to be approached and touched by..-those; whom a hypocritical world scornfully spurned or despised. Every true pastor, every true ambassador of Christ shares the love of his Divine Master, the Good Shepherd, Who came not to call the just but sinners to repentance. Father Ginaty was too faithful a follower of Jesus Christ not to seek out and welcome the poor sheep that strayed from the fold. Whilst toiling with a spirit of sacrifice and devotedness rarely to be found in one single priest, no matter how zealous, Father Ginaty, who, in 1886, was in charge of the large and scattered district of Christchurch, also fulfilled the duties of chaplain to the goal. Among the prisoners was a young girl who had strayed from the narrow path. He became deeply'interested in this poor child, and at length succeeded in reconciling her to God. She was in excellent dispositions when she left the gaol, but having no one to watch over her, she fell again, and died whilst leading a sinful life. It were impossible to describe the deep and painful impression her sad death made on the heart cf the Good Shepherd. With him the emotional or sentimental was nothing if nob practical. Hence he immediately resolved to leave no stone unturned till he had established a home or a shelter for the poor erring ones of his parish. Hearing at this time of the great work of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd and their vast establishment at Abbotsford, Victoria, he went thither and pleaded so powerfully for a branch house that a number of well-trained Sisters were sent to Christchurch that same year. Whilst their present home and extensive grounds were being prepared, they were located at St. Mail’s, Manchester street, before it was erected into a separate parish. One of the greatest joys of the departed Dean’s life was when in the midst of an immense concourse of people the foundation stone of Mount Magdala—as the magnificent institution is appropriately called— laid by his Eminence Cardinal Moran in the year 1886. That joy was increased, when it was my privilege to bless and solemnly open the completed buildings on July 22, 1888. ft would require volumes to relate the zeal and energy displayed by the good priest to try and procure wherewith to establish on a solid basis the work which he felt would in the designs of Providence be productive of so much good not alone for Christchurch, but for the whole of New Zealand. For three years he travelled throughout the length of the Colony preaching and appealing in behalf of this noble undertaking. ‘lf there be a labor more divine,’ he once said in the midst of his apostolic journeys, £ I for one know it not.’ Besides his missions throughout every part of our diocese of Christchurch, at the invitation of the Archbishop of Wellington and the former Bishop of Auckland, he gave missions throughout the whole of the North Island, chiefly in remote districts, often riding miles and miles through well-nigh impenetrable forests to bring the consolations of our holy faith to those who had been deprived of them for long mouths or years. More than once it was late in the day before he could break his fast. It was then that, though he had always enjoyed a robust constitution and most vigorous health, he began to feel a throat trouble which never after left him. He won the esteem and veneration of all classes of the community irrespective of race or religion. His missions were wonderfully successful, and whatever offerings he received in recognition of his zealous labors - —and he received a goodly number—he gladly and generously made over to Mount Magdala. He was a great believer in the power of the press, and he made the utmost use of it in the interests of his great work. Personalty no one was less willing than he to seek for notoriety, and he often spoke in grateful terms of the valuable help he received from the local editors and reporters. - After he had finished his missions and appeals in behalf of the cherished object of his loving z 4 eal, our lamented Dean settled down at Mount Ma«dala as manager and chaplain. In this latter capacity he succeeded the saintly Father Goutenoire, whose failing health demanded his removal to France.

For over a quarter of a century it was truly a labor of love for him to build up and maintain, a home for those whom, in conformity with the wise practice of the devoted Nuns of the Good Shepherd, he was. wont to call ‘ the children.’ He well understood them and their wants. As their guide and confessor he could not be surpassed. During all these years he refused to accept the least remuneration from the community. His great consolation was to see the ■ work so visibly blessed by God: He saw the undertaking start with four Sisters and two children. At his death there were in the establishment five-and-twenty nuns, 159 children, 62 orphans, and 8 workmen—in all 254 souls. To one and all of us it is a mystery of Divine Providence how, without the least endowment, the heroic Sisters of the Good Shepherd are enabled to provide well provide—for so large and ever increasing a family. A still greater subject of wonder, of gratitude, and love is the marvellous way in which they heal so many a broken heart and restore to God so many a sin-laden but repentant soul! For my part, I assure you that I hold the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in the highest veneration. They are very angels in 1 human form. I venerate the very ground they walk upon. , When they invite me to preach to them, I feel that they themselves are preaching most , eloquently by their admirable example and truly heroic lives. Whilst laboring so indefatigably for Mount Magdala, Dean Ginaty never refused to help his fellow-priests or their people. His zeal for the salvation of souls knew no bounds. God alone knows the number of sorrowful or sin-laden souls who sought his assistance or advice. His brotherpriests, who held him in the highest veneration, often asked his aid to touch the heart of some dying sinner. Never was he known to refuse, and seldom or never was he known to be unsuccessful at the death-bed. From his earliest years his ,favorite devotions were the Adorable Sacrament of the Altar, the Blessed Virgin Mother of God, and the .Suffering Souls in Purgatory. To , these, in after life, he added a singular devotion to St. Mary Magdalen. He had recourse to her in all his difficulties. He relates how. being once lost in a dense forest he begged her assistance, when all at once he found himself on the track from whence he had so long strayed.

Though he dearly loved Mount Magdala, and really thought there was no spot in the world like it, there was no narrowness in his. charity. When it was resolved to establish the great work of Nazareth Home in our midst, he took the keenest interest in the holy foundation, and lost no opportunity of showing his willingness to help it on by every means in his power. In Dean Ginaty all the consecrated spouses of Christ found a wise counsellor, and true Father and friend. Not only was he known and esteemed by all the Orders in this diocese, but many outside have a grateful recollection of the help they received from him either in the retreats or profession sermons which he preached for them and their companions. A somewhat stern exterior, at times, always severe to himself, he was gentle and kind, even indulgent, to his subordinates and all others.

Three years ago he was appointed Vicar-General of the diocese of Christchurch and parish priest of St. Mary’s, Manchester street. The distress of all, at Mount Magdala at his departure from their midst is quite indescribable. His loss was felt almost as much by the tiniest child as by the oldest,, and the devoted Sisters. But his interest in what may truly be called the great .work of his life ceased not with his removal from the beloved spot. Though obliged to dwell about five miles away, once or more often every week he drove to the noble institute whereof he was in truth V the Father and the Founder, and the life-long friend.’ Only with his last breath did he cease to watch over and help it by every means in his power. After the Holy Scriptures there was no book* whereof he was fonder, or. which he more frequently quoted than that admirable book, the Imitation of Christ.. Amongst the many golden words which he loved to repeat and, apply to himself, were those of iv. book, the v. chapt., and 33 verse : ‘ When the priest celebrates,’ writes the de-

vout Thomas a Kempis, * he honors God, he gives joy to the angels, he edifies the Church, he succors the living and the dead, and he procures for himself all kind of graces.’ Hence the departed Dean was never known to omit the offering of- the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass every day of his life. Even when returning from a long journey by sea, his first and foremost care was to ascend the sacred altar. He was always fond of the Church’s liturgy, and it was his delight to take part therein. Last Holy Week he, of his own accord, came to the Cathedral to assist at all the beautiful offices. When, at the close, I ventured to thank, him for his gracious assistance, and expressed my fear lest he were fatigued by staying so many hours in the church—‘Oh, no!’ he replied.; * the ceremonies of the Church never tire me.’ Herein as in all else he was truly a model to all around him. This very day I was told by his young and devoted assistants . that they were greatly edified to see how faithfully he joined them in their household prayers whether at.night or early morning, and this during the coldest days in > winter. Some months ago his Bishop presented him with a rare watch bearing, a beautiful engraving, of the Good Shepherd and the Madonna, and:around the dial plate the Scriptural injunction, ‘ A escitis diem, neque horam ’ (‘ You know not the hour nor the day’) This became his daily, almost his hourly, motto. He said it would serve him for many a practical meditation. The day and the hour were soon, very soon, to dawn for him. On Saturday, June 3, he.paid. his last visit while living to the Mount. He • seemed to be in the enjoyment of perfect health and spirits, and showed himself, if possible, more than usually - kind and solicitous for the welfare of the inmates. He visited the splendid church now in course of construction, examined every thing in detail, even mounted the walls, already about 15 feet high. When leaving he said smilingly, ‘lf the outside is so pleasing to look upon what will be the interior when; the whole building is completed ?’ The next day, Whit Sunday, he celebrated the Mass for the children at 9.30 o’clock in St. Mary’s ,and preached a most impressive sermon on the Adorable Sacrament. the Altar, He conversed with his . assistant priests at the midday meal, and then withdrew to his room for a little rest. A little after 6 one of the Fathers su'rpused that he did not, as usual, descend for evening devotions, went to his room and found him stretched upon his bed fully clad but lifeless and dead. He, died as he would have liked to die, had the choice been his, in harness. I am informed that, for several months • previous to his departure from amongst us, his instructions to his people nearly always bore upon death and the necessity of being well prepared at all times. Having that constantly before his mind, he was doubtless as prepared as he possibly could be to meet his Judge—merciful Judge, Who is, I trust already, his everlasting reward. We are celebrating the Month’s Mind in this hallowed spot deservedly dear to the late Dean. But his earthly remains have been fittingly laid to rest in the spot which he himself chose a quarter of a century ago as a burial place for Mount Magdala. The approach thereto will often be crossed by the grateful Nuns and their beloved charge. - Every step of that approach will be a prayer to the Throne of the Most High for the repose of the soul-of their beloved Father and founder. Should they—hardly a likely supposition forget one who always remembered and loved, and prayed for them, then every mound of grass in their fields, every stone of their institute, would turn to a fervent prayer. Dearly beloved Brethren in the ministry, let me, in conclusion, relate to you an incident in the life of the departed brother which speaks more eloquently of his spirit of abnegation and sacrifice, and his love of labor than any mere words of praise could. He spent more than 40 years in the constant discharge of his priestly duties. • Never once during that long period did he ask for or obtain a holiday or any kind of relaxation.' He travelled, he went up and down the country it is time, but always in the fulfilment of his sacred ministrv. Three or four years ago it was suggested to him that lU might look forward to a trip to Europe to revisit the scenes of his childhood. He was even told that if he could save up some money for that purpose he might use

it. He smilingly obeyed, and scraped together nearly £IOO, which he recently gave tc his Superiors for, a wellknown charity. As to his native land, he said he would see againbut from his eternal home above ! Some years ago. the illustrious Cardinal Wiseman was at the point of death. On his death-bed he was asked whether he was afraid, to die. And he who was great in life showed himself great in death by the sublimity of his beautiful answer/ ‘ Afraid/ he said; * Oh, no, I feel like a schoolboy going home for the holidays,’ Had our dear Dean been asked on the day of his death, the same question, I feel sure that he too would have given a similar reply. But he is gone from amongst us, but his spirit it will long live, and the memory of his life, aye, of his last day and death, so calm and peaceful and holy. Could he have gathered his flock about' him in the hour of his departure, may we not picture him to ourselves addressing them in the words of the Apostle whom he loved so well? ‘ You know that from the first day I came amongst you in what manner I have been with you. . . . How I have kept back nothing that was profitable to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house. I count not my life more precious than myself so that I may consummate my course and the ministry of the world which I received from the Lord Jesus. I have not spared to declare unto all the counsel of God. I have not coveted any man’s silver, gold, or apparel, as you yourselves know. I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak and to remember the word of the Lord. Jesus, how He said, “It is a more blessed thing to give than to receive.’’ ’ When Paul had spoken thus, there was much weeping among them, all being most grieved for the word that he had said, ‘ That they should see his face no more.’ (Acts xx., 18 and seq.) You, too, felt that you had reason, to weep when you heard that you would never behold that genial countenance any more c You should see his face no more.’ • Yet we would not have you mourn like those who have no hope. One day we shall gaze upon that manly form transformed into the beauty emanating from the God. It will be in that eternal home whither he would always direct your footsteps. You-feel hopeful that the late Dean is already in possession of the Beatific Vision, or should he still be lingering in the suffering land of expectation, you will pray and have prayers offered that the time of his delivery may soon be at hand. What gives you the assurance of this is that if ever they could be applied to mortal, the words of my text could be applied to the Dean: ‘ A faithful and prudent servant, who gave food in season to his Master’s household, and because it is written “Blessed is the servant whom when his Master comes He shall find so doing, He shall say to him, ‘ Well done thou good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of the Lord.’” ’ May I not say with another Prelate addressing another congregation on a similar occasion ; Let this be the venerable Dean's epitaph : ‘ Fidelis servus et pruaens quern constituit Dominus super familiam suam ’ (He was a wise and faithful servant whom the Lord placed over His family).Amen. s