PRESENTATION TO FATHER O’CONNOR, NAPIER

New Zealand Tablet, 11 February 1915, Page 27

PRESENTATION TO FATHER O’CONNOR, NAPIER

(From our own correspondent.)

Napier, February 5.

As is very often the case after the annual retreat of the clergy, changes from one parish to another take place, and this time Napier was included in the list, Father O’Connor being transferred to St. Anne’s parish, Wellington, Rev. Father Digxxan from Waimate taking his place. A farewell gathering took place in the Theatre Royal last evening. The first part of the evening was devoted to musical items, the following contributing to the programme : —Miss Strangeman (violin solo), Miss A. Noble-Campbell (recitation), Mr. Noel Allen (song, ‘Mother Machree’), Mrs C. R. Allen (song, ‘ Emblem ’), Mr. B. J. Dolan (recitation), Miss Madge Higgins (song, ‘Un Petit Amour’). The items, were all thoroughly enjoyed by the large audience. There were present on the stage, Rev. Fathers W. D. Goggan, Mahony, Casey, Mac Donnell, and Collins, and Messrs. J. Higgins, P. Barry, W. C. Snroule, M. L. Gleeson, B. J. Dolan, W. McCarthy, J. P. Kenny, J. J. Keating, A. Ross, J. McDermott, H. Smith, and Dr. Leahy.

* . . Rev. Father O’Sullivan said lx at they had assembled to say good-bye "to a priest who "had labored amongst them for nine years, and had earned the love and goodwill of the people. Personally speaking, said Father” O’Sullivan, he had worked with their guest for the last three years, but he had known him for overtwenty years, since he entered the college as a student.He had learned to appreciate Father O’Connor’s good qualities of mind and heart. If he ..(the speaker) were called upon to make an eulogy of the departing Father, he would say he had been a good priest and a model priest. (Applause.) Whilst they regretted Father O’Connor’s departure they knew that he was but doing his duty in obeying the commands of his'superiors. He' was very proud of the grand 'demonstration in honor of Father O'Connor, who had been a devoted confrere, and one whom it would be difficult to replace. Father O’Sullivan then asked Father O’Connor to accept, as an expression ,of good feeling from those present, a handsome roller-top desk, chair to match, and a beautiful gold chalice, which is being procured from Sydney, and will be forwarded to him at Wellington.

Mr. Dolan then read the following address (which is to be illuminated and sent to Father O’Connor) :

‘ Dear Reverend Father O’Connor, —It is with feelings of the most sincere regret that we have learned of your transfer from our parish to a more arduous and responsible sphere of duties in Wellington. Rut the withdrawal of so many priests to accompany as chaplains our Catholic boys, who arc assisting to wage the battles of the Empire, made important changes in this archdiocese inevitable. We have now had the great advantage of your zealous ministrations for nine years, and it, is needless for us to say that during that period you have endeared yourself to every member of our community. We know, too, that your great yet modestly performed work at the hospital, the prison, and amongst the poor and distressed, regardless of creed, has won the respect of many outside our fold. The children will in an especial manner miss your earnest interest, and they and we will remember that your able co-operation in the work of the schools has been largely responsible for the praise which has been bestowed upon them by the Government inspectors. In conclusion. Rev. Father, we desire to say that you have been a model New Zealand Catholic priest," broadminded and tolerant in your outlook, still ever strenuous in your endeavor to guard and spread the faith of our fathers, yourself mindful and ever reminding us of the noble services rendered to the Church by the Irish nation. And now, with the recollection of your work before us, and praying that your health may be long spared to continue it, we say in all heartfelt sincerity, God be with you.

‘Presented and signed on behalf of the parishioners

J. Higgins, J. P. Kenny

‘ Napier, February 3.’ Mr. John Higgins, in adding his testimony of the

good work done by Father O’Connor, said he had earned the golden opinions of the whole community—nonCatholics as well as Catholics,--by his kindly actions to all, especially to those of any creed who might he in trouble. The Rev. Father’s worldly possessions were not great, but he was always sharing his little with others.

Rev. Father O’Connor, on rising to reply, was greeted with loud applause. He said there were occasions when fulness of his heart would not permit words to flow, and he was utterly unable to express his feelings then —his heart was full, indeed. It was impossible for him to express his great gratitude to them all. The parting with friends and relations was one of the greatest trials of his life : there was nothing more distressing on the stage of life than' the leaving of friends, as had been found by those whose relatives were going away, may be to the front to fight for their flag and country, or to other dangers. Time was said to be a great healer, but he was afraid his wound would ever remain open. He had ever endeavored to do his duty with a cheerful face arid a light heart, but it was not so at that moment. He was delighted at Father O’Sullivan’s kind words, but he was afraid they were

exa &S era^ I n concluding, he thanked all who assisted to make the gathering a success, although he would have preferred that it should not have been held, and added that . a good priest was to take his place, a priest they would love and be satisfied with. Tie was sorry to leave such a pretty town and its lovely climate. (Applause.) ’ Three cheers were then called for Father O’Connor and responded to most enthusiastically, after which the proceedings were brought to a close. -