WANGANUI

New Zealand Tablet, 9 October 1913, Page 45

WANGANUI

VISIT OF ARCHBISHOP O’SHEA. (By telegraph, from our own correspondent.) October 3. The parish of Wanganui was en fete on Sunday, September 29, on the occasion of the first official visit of his Grace Archbishop O’Shea. The day’s ceremonies commenced with Mass at 7.30 o’clock, his Grace being celebrant. Large numbers received Holy Communion. The Sacrament of Confirmation was administered at 3 p.m., the church being crowded with a large congregation, which listened attentively to the instruction delivered by his Grace. There were 112 candidates confirmed, including 30 adults, most of the latter being converts. Advantage was taken of the opportunity to present to his Grace on the occasion of his first official visit to the parish, since his consecration, a beautifully illuminated address from the parishioners, containing views of the old and new convents and presbyteries and present church. Very Rev. Dean Holley, in his introductory remarks, dwelt on the large share his Grace had had in shaping the material progress of the parish. The address, which was read by Mr, Thomas Lloyd, was as follows: ‘May it please your Grace,On. this, the occasion of your first visit to us after your elevation to the episcopate A we, the laity of Wanganui, desire to offer you our most hearty congratulations. For the past six years, as Vicar-General, and on occasions as Administrator, you have been associated with his Grace Archbishop Redwood in the government of the archdiocese, and in appointing you Coadjutor-Archbishop, the Holy See has paid a fitting tribute to your zeal and ability. That the Holy Father ' should have called one of our nativetrained clergy to such a high dignity is a matter of

which we, as New Zealanders, may justly feel proud. You have ever devoted yourself to the advancement of the spiritual and temporal interests of your ' people. In the promotion of Catholic education you have taken an active and intelligent part, and in our own parish of Wanganui we see evidence of your zeal in the beautiful convent on St. John’s Hill. Realising that unity is strength, you have lent your able assistance in forming the Catholic Federation, an organisation which bids fair to confer great benefits on the Catholic people. Catholic societies, too, which play so important a part in the life of the Catholic Church, have always had your fostering care. > ‘ln conclusion, we pray that Almighty God may, in His mercy, grant you health and strength to labor for many years in the promotion of our holy religion in this archdiocese. .‘ Signed, on behalf of the Catholics of Wanganui— J. R. Holley, S.M., E. Wilson, D. Gellatley, . J. Dempsey, W. McTubbs, T. Lloyd, J. O’Leary, F. Gaffaney, D. Cullinane,-E. O’Meara (president of. the Particular Council,- St. Vincent do Paul Society), J. Carmody (president, St. Mary’s Conference, St. Vincent de Paul Society), C. O’Leary (president St. Joseph’s Conference, St. . Vincent de Paul Society), S. Meehan (president. Ladies’ Auxiliary Conference), A. Fitzgerald (president, Hibernian Society), M. Kennedy (president, Children of Mary).’ His Grace cordially thanked the parishioners for their address, and referred to educational matters, and the urgent demand of the times for the support of the Catholic Federation. . He also referred to the great asset which the Avenue property was to the parish, enabling it to carry out with perfect financial safety necessary works. At the evening devotions the church was again crowded, when his Grace delivered an eloquent discourse on * Christ and His Church.’