PRESENTATION TO FATHER HANRAHAN, ROSS

New Zealand Tablet, 11 February 1915, Page 53

PRESENTATION TO FATHER HANRAHAN, ROSS

(From an occasional correspondent.)

| On Tuesday evening, January 26, in the Convent School, Ross, the Rev. Father Hanrahan was presented with an illuminated address and a purse of sovereigns by his parishioners and friends, oh the eve of his departure for Lincoln. - The Rev. Father Cronin, his successor, occupied the chair, supported by the Mayor and Mr. F. Houlahan. Mr. M. Moye, jun., made the presentation in a few well-chosen words, and read the following address:

‘ Dear and Reverend Father, —We, on behalf of the people of the parish of Ross, desire, on the eve of your departure from our midst, to tender you some slight recognition of your untiring efforts to promote our temporal and spiritual welfare. Coming amongst us some two years ago, when the care of the parish devolved upon you, your untiring zeal and ever-ready assistance in all matters concerning the church, convent, and school, and pertaining to the welfare of your people proved beyond doubt that your own good qualities were deserving of much love and esteem. You have been unsparing in your efforts to bring, at regular intervals, all the consolation of our holy religion to those of your parishioners in the outlying parts of your parish under circumstances that require courage, piety, and devotion to duty. Your zeal in : fostering the social well-being of our community has endeared you not only to your own congregation, both young and old, but to many of other denominations. In admiring, the modesty of your piety, your urbane manner, your bright disposition, and the greatness of your labors, we beg to ask you to accept the accompanying token of our esteem and respect for these and your . other estimable qualities. Although grieved to part with you and to say farewell, we are pleased to know that your superiors have found you worthy of a more responsible position. We hope, dear Reverend Father, that though called from our midst, we will not be forgotten by you, and that occasionally we may have the pleasure of a visit from you, so that the bonds of friendship now forged may not be severed by the rust of time and absence. In conclusion, dear

Reverend Father, we one and all wish you God-speed, long life, and prosperity in God’s vineyard. ; ‘ Signed on behalf of the Catholics of Ross- — Michael Moye, John Minehan, Thomas Houlahan, A. P. Sharkey, F. P. Haddock, John Butler.’

Master Houlahan made a presentation and read the following address on behalf of the school children :~

Rev. Dear Father,We, the smaller portion of your large parish, wish to tell you. of our sorrow at your departure from amongst us. We also desire to express our thanks for the great interest you have always taken in us, and for the help you have given us in everything relating to our spiritual well-being and our happiness. We trust you will be spared for many, many years to continue your noble work, and we beg that you will sometimes think of us in your prayers. We assure you, dear Rev. Father, that you will bo long remembered with deepest respect and gratitude by your little children of St. Patrick’s, Ross, and theit devoted teachers, the Sisters of Mercy.’ Rev. Father Hanrahan, who, on rising to reply, was loudly and enthusiastically cheered, feelingly and sincerely thanked the kind donors for their tangible proof of esteem and good will. He had only been two years their pastor, yet he felt keenly leaving them, the Sisters, and his many sterling friends outside his own Congregation.

Mr. Sharkey welcomed the Rev. Father Cronin, who cordially thanked him for his thoughtful words.

The Mayor (Mr. Grimmond) and the ex-Mayor (Mr. F. W. Bruce) spoke eulogistically of the Rev. Father Hanrahan, and expressed their regret at his departure.

A musical programme was given by Mrs. Grimraoiid, Mrs. Doctor, Misses Moye and Evans, Mr. D. Roberts, and the school children. Rev. Father Hanrahan by special request sang ‘ Oft in the stilly night,’ and in response to an emphatic encore gave * Mother Machree.’ The ladies of the congregation supplied dainty refreshments. On Father Hanrahan leaving the schoolroom, the audience sang ‘ Auld laxxg syne.’ Thus departed.;, a popular priest and an amiable gentleman from our midst.